Thursday, October 11, 2012

Arts and Crafts of India-Madhubani




So much has been heard and told about Madhubani,that it doesn't need an introduction

Madhubani or Mithila painting is a style of Indian painting, practiced in the Mithila region of Bihar state, India and the adjoining parts of Terai in Nepal. Painting is done with fingers, twigs, brushes, nib-pens, and matchsticks, using natural dyes and pigments, and is characterized by eye-catching geometrical patterns. There are paintings for each occasion and festival. 

Madhubani painting has been done traditionally by the women of villages around the present town of Madhubani (the literal meaning of which is forests of honey) and other areas of Mithila. The painting was traditionally done on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now they are also done on cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice.  and the colors used are derived from plants. Ochre and lampblack are also used for reddish brown and black respectively. and the colors used are derived from plants. Ochre and lampblack are also used for reddish brown and black respectively.(Read more here..)


Last Surajkund mela,I found some craft persons from Bihar with some simple and basic and rustic drawings on some piece of cushion cover sized cloths.The sheer simplicity of the people and the designs just captured me and i thought one or two would make a big difference to these craft persons and also to my living room..Look into it here below..


oranges paired beautifully


on the palette,the living room...


The traditional designs of Madhubani has been given a new life by the Color Caravan founded by Swati Seth.The traditional designs have been modified keeping in mind the modern spaces and today's lifestyle.These designs easily blend into the modern and traditional homes. Their beautiful  Madhubani Kettles and their mind blowing colours are a rage these days.Color caravan turning two today ..I wish them many more happy days to come..Support the crafts,buy their products and love them and make their life better.

a gorgeous Madhubani painted kettle in Anuradha Varma's Dream home..check her here,from Color Caravan

image copyright to Color Caravan

image copyright to Color Caravan

Images exclusively copyrighted to Color Caravan,Anuradha Varma and Lakshmi Arvind

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Published-The Traditional touch



An article about the Traditional Decor elements and about how the home could be decorated traditionally.Recently got published In Deccan Herald.I thank Savitha Karthik and the entire team for giving me the opportunity to write an article.All images shot at my home..