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Mehndi on Hands – An Ancient Folk Art of Rajasthan

Mar 14

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Designer Mehndi on Hands of a bride in Rajasthan

Designer Mehndi on Hands of a bride in Rajasthan

Mehndi, also known as henna, is a temporary art of skin decoration. In Rajasthan,  Mehndi is a very ancient folk art, which signifies life and prosperity at the time of various special occasions.

The use of mehndi designs on the palms and feet is symbolic of welfare, artistic taste and religious attitude. There is hardly a function or festival in Rajasthan when women do not apply mehndi.

Professional Mehndi Designers Creating Wonderful Designs on a hand

Mehandi – Sign of Bringing Good Fortune in Life

This is believed to be very auspicious and sign of bringing good fortune in life, thus it is applied on hands and feet at the time of special and holy occasions such as marriage, festivals, engagements etc. The color of Mehndi symbolizes the color of life and prosperity.

In Indian marriages, especially in Rajasthan, a special night is celebrated before the day of marriage in which mehndi is designed on the palms of bridegroom and it is followed by some colorful dance and music.

Mehndi has a special role during Karva Chauth, celebrated mostly in North India in the month of October. On this occasion, women take the day off, apply mehndi, dress in their wedding clothes and fast for the well-being of their husbands until they see the moon at night.

Although the art is used primarily for decoration today, the use of mehndi is expressive of a distinct culture and bond that is created between women on such occasions.

Design Patters of Mehndi (Heena) - Drawings

Design Patters of Mehndi (Heena) - Drawings

Patterns and Designs of Mehndi

Although there are large variety of patterns, the one called chowk- literally meaning a courtyard, is amongst the most popular with the womenfolk.

There are different forms of designs and patterns used at the time of various festive occasions. Thus, there is a specific design of chowk for the Gangaur – dance festival, another for the Teej, and yet another for Holi and other festivals. Amongst other favorites are chopper design, representation of a game, played by throwing dice and is symbolic of love.

Mehndi – Ancient Herb of Grace and Healing

Mehndi is not only famous as a product of ornamentation but also an ancient herb of grace and healing. It acts as a valuable medication and its effect is not less than a miracle.

It protects the body from fungi and bacteria if it is applied on the skin. Not only this but it is also capable to lower down the body temperature in fever, burning feet, and violent temper.

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Rajasthani Traditional Paintings – Phad, Pichhwai and Murals Paintings

Mar 12

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Traditional Phad Paintings Depicting Heroes of Rajasthan

Traditional Phad Paintings Depicting Heroes of Rajasthan

Rajasthani paintings beautifully depict rural Rajasthan and its conservations.  The tradition on painting the wall of houses with scenes from mythological and chivalric tales has been prevalent in Rajasthan for the past many centuries.

Today we are writing about some traditional Paintings of Rajasthan which are very famous all over world.

Phad Paintings

Phad paintings are a beautiful specimen of Indian cloth painting, which has its origin in Rajasthan. These paintings can be simply described as a large painting on Khadi, which venerates the deeds of a hero. They have their own styles and patterns and are very popular due to their vibrant colors and historic themes.

Phad paintings, depicting the life of Pabuji a local hero, now deified are predominately red and green coloured long scrolls carried by the Bhopas. They are unfurled by these itinerant balladeers of Rajasthan, who narrate in song the legend of pabuji on auspicious occasions to the accompaniment of the folk instrument ‘Ravanhatta‘.

Made by the joshis of Shahpura, near Bhilwara, Phads are now also available in smaller panels portraying single incidents or characters from the epic.

Pichhvai Painting at Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara

Pichhvai Cloth Painting at Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara

Pichhwai paintings

The Pichhwais are cloth paintings hung in temples. These Pichhwais depicting Lord Krishna as Shrinathji in different moods, are hung behind his image in the temple and changed according to the season. Done in dark rich hues on rough hand-spun cloth, they have deep religious roots and are devotionaly rendered by the painters.

This painting tradition developed in the temple of Nathadwara in southern Rajasthan, and the paintings show Krishna playing the flute and dancing with his consorts, the gopis. The divine love-play here stands for the devotion of believers and their union with their deity.

About Murals

All over Rajasthan, one can see brightly coloured murals. These murals done in the folk art style, depict processions, battles and folk deities. The murals in the palaces of Bikaner, Udaipur and Bundi are classical works of art and have been rendered in the miniature style.

The frescoes of Shekawati are world renowned and the region is popularly termed as an ‘Open Air Art Gallery’.

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Rajasthani Textiles – Block Printing, Mirror Work, Embroidery, Bandhani and Leheria Work

Mar 11

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Rajasthani Textiles - Colorful Turbans

Rajasthani Textiles - Colorful Turbans

Rajasthani Textiles

Rajasthan is a land of vibrant colours, these colours are a striking part of the Rajasthani life and are found in the bustling bazars, in fairs & festivals, in the costumes worn and in the traditional paintings & murals.

Rajasthani textiles are the representative of that myriad hue woven in the cloth. Be it the multi colored tie and dye work or excellent block printing, Rajasthan astonishes the entire world with its skill and efficiency.

Throughout Rajasthan, the flaming red and dazzling yellow of women’s odhnis, defiantly breaks the monotonous desert landscape.

There is also a saying that the fashioning of men’s turbans and the patters on the women’s skirts alters every twenty four miles.

A Tourist Dressed in Tradition Shervani and Turban in Rajasthan Cloths Store

A Tourist Dressed in Tradition Shervani and Turban in Rajasthan Cloths Store

About Block Printing

Rajasthan is the heartland of hand – block printing. The chief color used is orange and red with floral prints in yellow and blue – black. The art of Khari or overprinting in gold is also practiced here.

Today, traditional vegetable and mineral dyes are gradually being replaced by chemical ones. Sanganeri prints command a huge demand from major fashion centres world – wide.

Mirror work and Embroidery

Be it a turban, a flared skirt, a veil or a sari – the colour combination are unusual and brilliant. The women of Rajasthan have mastered the art of embroidering fabrics.

Embroidery practiced in Bikaner is done by counting threads. The use of double stitch method results in creating an effect on both sides, giving a semblance of bandhani. Dancing figures, flowers, peacocks and Mandala, the tree of life are the favorite motifs

Home Fabrics and Textile in a Rajasthani Cloth Store

Home Fabrics and Textile in a Rajasthani Cloth Store

Tie & Dye ( Bandhani and Leheria )

The Bandhani and Leheria are two tie-and-dye methods which are popular in Rajasthan.

For Bandhani, the fabric is tied into minute knots to form a design and then dipped into the dye. The Leheria (waves) pattern is also achieved with the tie-and-dye technique.

The main colours used in Bandhani are yellow, green, red and black. The fabric is skillfully knotted by the women, while the portfolio of dyeing rests with the men.

The most commonly used patterns in this technique are dots, circles, squares, waves and stripes.

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Rajasthan Furniture Work – Wooden, Silver, Marble and Meenakari Furniture

Mar 10

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Elephant Metal Work - Handicrafts from Rajasthan

Elephant Metal Work - Handicrafts from Rajasthan

The furniture of Rajasthan is in harmony with its palaces and havelis, displaying similar intricate design and carving.

Different Types of Furniture

Rajasthani Furniture is varied, exquisite and intricate. Wooden furniture, Silver Furniture, Marble Furniture and Meenakari Furniture are few of the types of furniture made in Rajasthan.

About Silver Furniture

Silver Furniture of Rajasthan is widely acclaimed. You can come across silver furniture when you visit the palaces and royal houses in Rajasthan.

A Well Designed Swing from Rajasthan Palaces

A Well Designed Swing from Rajasthan Palaces

Most popularly available pieces of furniture include silver coffee tables, silver chairs, silver temples, silver sofa sets, silver day beds, silver love seat chairs, silver swings etc. The silver work is inlaid first, followed by chasing, embossing and engraving all done with a steel hammer while the floral designs and other motifs require special punch tools to give the final product a well finished look.

Meenakari Furniture

Meenakari Furniture is another variety of contemporary furniture available in Rajasthan. Furniture pieces such as wall brackets, temples, chests,drawers, cupboards, chairs etc are available with meenakari work too. Jaipur is the main hub of meenakari furniture in India.

Wooden Furniture

Wood Furniture of Rajasthan is incomparable. Intricate latticework and ornamental design precedes in the design of wood furniture here.  It is also noted for beautiful paintings with overall aesthetic and functional appeal.

The technique of painting furniture in various colors is quite common in Rajasthan. The white metal plated Patra furniture has a charm of its own.

Wooden Almirah - Artistic Wooden Furniture from Rajasthan

Wooden Almirah - Artistic Wooden Furniture from Rajasthan

Markets to Purchase Furniture in Rajasthan

It’s easy to spot the painted furniture of Jodhpur and Kishangarh, consisting of screens, doors, traditional caskets, low tables and chairs.

The delicately carved wooden doors from Ramgarh, Shekhawati and Bikaner are quite attractive too. Even the craftsmen from Barmer specialize in the art of wood carving, specially doors, roofs, cradles and tables.

Tilonia furniture stands out with fine embroidery work done on leather.

We would post more articles on specific articles in our blogs at a later stage, so keep yourself updated.

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Brass Sculptures, Silver and White Metal Work in Rajasthan – Popular Metalware Items

Mar 7

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Metalwork Peacock - National Bird of India

Metalwork Peacock - National Bird of India

Metalware includes a wide variety of items made from various metals. Some of these vintage and antique items are perfect to collect, use to decorate or simply use for eating and drinking.

The metalwork of Rajasthan comprises artistic brass work, enameled, engraved and filigree work on silver.

Popular Metalware Creations

Popular creations in silver include wine cups, silver embossed decorative boxes, decorative human figures, cigarette lighter cases and photo frames. Decorative pieces are also created using different techniques of hammering chasing, perforation, piercing and repousse.

A number of household items of daily use and recreation are also made in brass and include incense burners with perforated leaves, and handles in the shape of snakes, parrots, peacocks, or lotus stalks.  Swings are a popular item of household furniture in Rajasthan

Different Types of Matelware Technique

Brass Lamp Shades and Sculptures from Rajasthan

Brass Lamp Shades and Sculptures from Rajasthan

Jaipur is famous for its engraved brassware which is usually enameled. Here, engraving is done in three styles namely (1) ‘Marori’ work- minutely lacquered designs covering the entire surface (2) ‘Chikan’- floral ornamentation standing out vividly against a chased and lacquered background and (3) ‘Bichi’ – a delicate pattern of flowers and leaves, on a lacquered surface.

Jaipur also has a tradition of brass sculptures, well finished and polished to a shine. Vivid enamel is also used to a highlight the tracery on beaten brassware. Traditional silver articles like ‘handas’ or water containers, spice bottles, baskets, trays and white metal articles command sizable export markets.

Brass Planters and White Metal work from Rajasthan Markets

Brass Planters and White Metal work from Rajasthan Markets

Jodhpur is the main centre for handcrafted iron and is famous for it’s aluminum shields and trophies.

Koftagiri, a technique where light-coloured metal is inlaid on a darker surface is found mainly in Jaipur, Ajmer, and Pushkar and is practised by very few artisans. It was used originally for weapons and arms. The metal surface gets a blue-black gloss after the application of a mixture of lime juice and sand mixture.

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Rajasthani Textiles – Rajasthani Carpet and Durries

Mar 4

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Rajasthan is a home to astounding varieties of traditional art and cultural crafts. It is a place, where tourists can find century old skills, which continues to produce some of the best artistic and exciting wares in the brilliant soil of Rajasthan.

Rajasthani Carpet

One of the very famous art from the family is the Carpet,which comes in use as floor decorations. The bright use of colors and the flawless designs and knitting make them highly popular with the tourists.

The exquisite Rajasthani carpets are a popular item of export today. The designs are mostly Persian and Caucasian. The motifs consist of human figures, flora, fauna, landscapes and geometric.

Rajasthani Carpets Historical Facts

Raja Man Singh I of Amer pioneered carpet manufacturing in Rajasthan. After he acquired several exquisite carpets from Heart (Afghanistan) for his palace, he also invited artisans from there to train the local workers.

Carpet and Durries Art - Rajasthan Handicrafts

Carpet and Durries Art - Rajasthan Handicrafts

Carpet Manufacturing Industry in Jaipur

Eventually Jaipur,  Bikaner and Amer became the prominent centres of carpet weaving. Carpet industry of Jaipur has surpassed many other centers in terms of extremely fine craftsmanship on wool and silk. An amazing variety of carpets in Persian, Kashmiri and Mughal styles can be fetched at real affordable prices.

Durries in Rajasthan

Rajasthan hand-woven cotton durries  also known as ‘Panja’ durries are known for their remarkable geometric patterns and colours.

The rugged ethnic look adds charm to the ambiance of Rajasthani rooms. They are certainly a fave item when it comes to shopping in Rajasthan.

They not only command sizable markets in india, but also overseas.

NOTE

If you happen to visit Rajasthan and finding difficult to figure out the right place to buy carpet , just comment me on this blog or mail us directly, we would be of sure assistance.

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Leather Art of Rajasthan – Rajasthani Mojadi, Kuppies and Bags

Mar 1

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Leather Items Hanging at a Store in popular Shopping Market of Rajasthan

Leather Items Hanging at a Store in popular Shopping Market of Rajasthan

Rajasthan with a treasure of history, picturesque architecture and bewitching landscape is an unparalleled destination on the tourist map of India. A destination that defies definition in shape of Rajasthan Art.

Leatherware of Rajasthan

Leather was an indispensable item for the great warriors of Rajasthan in the form of leather saddlery, shoes, shields and water bottles. Today the warriors no longer ride out of battle but the art of leather embroidery remains in all its delicate perfection.

The leather is embroidered, punched, studded and stitched in various designs. Designs include sequin work and tassels, brass studs of machine – stitched motifs depending on the region in which the leather articles is produced.

Rajasthani Mojadi (Jutti)

One of the most popular leather articles of Rajasthan is the Mojadi or Jutti- an attractive foot ware item. Mojadi or Jootis are made all over Rajasthan, the most refined work is found in Jaipur and Jodhpur to produce premium quality Jootis.

Leather Motifs (Juttis) and Bags on Show

Leather Mojadi (Juttis) and Bags on Show

The Jooties reflect the unique style of every district they belong to. It is amazing how the leather is beaten, tanned and dyed and put to the best use. The leather is punched and gouged to create patterns, studded, sequined and even embroidered with woolen motifs

They are incredibly sturdy and long lasting and although somewhat uncomfortable for the first few days, they fit like a glove after they are worn for some time.

Rajasthani Decorative Art – Kuppies

As decorative art, the water bottles of softened camel hide known as ‘kuppies’ are a specialty of Bikaner.  It is known for its painted perfume bottles, water jugs, vases and lampshades made from camel hide. Today, designer hand – bags with graphic embroideries also make a good buy.

The leather work of Rajasthan is interestingly a joint effort of the local men and women. While the men do the tanning, cutting and stitching, the women do the embroidery and ornamentation.

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Miniature Paintings of Mughal and Rajput Times – Colorful Pictures on Ivory and Handmade Paper

Feb 27

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Rajasthan’s role in the development of Indian art has been very important. The decoration of dwellings and other household objects was but one aspect of the creative genius of the Rajasthani.

The world of miniature paintings is perhaps the most fascinating and the distinctive styles that have existed here in the state of Rajasthan. From the 16th century onwards, various schools of paintings flourished in Rajasthan. Some of the important ones are Mewar School, Kishangarh schools, Kota Kalam Bikaner and Hadoti.

Rajput Miniature Painiting from Rajasthan

Rajput Miniature Paintings on Handmade Paper from Rajasthan

Miniature Paintings in Rajasthan

These paintings vividly render hills, valleys, gardens, palaces, courts and religious processions. Themes from the Ramayana, Krishna Lila and the Gita Govindam have also been pictorially translated.

The colours used for the paintings were made of minerals, vegetables, precious stones, conch shells and metals like gold and silver. And it took as long as several months to prepare the colours.

Some Historical Facts about  Miniature Paintings

In the 16th centuty, Many artists from Rajasthan were employed by Mughals for the purpose of making miniature paintings. But the real expansion of miniature painting to the regional kingdoms of Rajasthan was predominantly after the Mughals’ downfall.

Rajput miniatures, that  flourished under the princely patronage, are being reproduced even in the present times by the successors of the erstwhile craftsmen.

The classical element and aura of these paintings incessantly continue even though several innovations have taken place since then. Those families who are engaged in making miniature paintings have survived in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Nathdwara and Kishangarh and continue to paint fine works of art on hand-made paper.

Jaipur Artists Embellished with their Unique Skills

Mughal Paintings of Ancient Times in Rajasthan, India

Mughal Paintings of Ancient Times in Rajasthan, India

In the back streets of the Pink City, you’ll find Brahmin artists working on a variety of materials from handmade paper and boards of wood to ivory and marble. Most of them still use natural colours  Using the finest squirrel hairbrushes, it takes a miniaturist weeks to complete a commission.

With the lack of originality, most of the present artisans merely replicate the work of their forefathers who were know for their breathtakingly precise and detailed workmanship. Also in recent times, some of the sales oriented artists have now switched to cheaper chemical colours to satisfy the demand of tourists.

Miniature paintings were once made on a base of ivory but that’s all in the past. The use of ivory has been banned now in the interests of our wildlife.

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Blue Pottery – A Popular Artifacts and Antiquities of Rajasthan

Feb 25

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Rajasthani Art is held in high esteem all throughout the world.  Whether it be marble sculpture or miniature paintings or frescoes, each has their own significance throughout the ages.

The creativeness and artistic skills of people of Rajasthan is known all over the world. One of the artistic skills we would showcase  today in our blog is The Blue Pottery.

Blue Pottery - Handicrafts from Rajasthan

Blue Pottery - Handicrafts from Rajasthan

About Blue Pottery – History and Features

Blue Pottery is an interesting specialization in the field of pottery in Rajasthan. The distinctive feature of the blue pottery is that it is made of ground quartz. The clay is not used at all.

The traditional colours used to make blue pottery are blue (from oxide of cobalt), green (from the oxide of copper) and white. In addition of blue and green, other combination have now been evolved, such as canary yellow, dark blue and brown.

The art of glazed blue-pottery came to India from Persia. It flourished in Jaipur under the patronage of Maharaja Ram Singh.

Blue Pottery Designs Patterns

The conventional floral or arabesque, handmade patterns and the animal figure patterns are the prominent designs. The various articles shaped out are mostly the traditional ones like ‘surahis’ or pots of different shapes and sizes for multiple use.

Ashtray, tiles, flower pots, lamp shades, jars, accessories etc are the forte of this art of pottery.

All the material that goes into composition- quartz, raw glaze, sodium sulphate, multani clay, all requires the same temperature and the pottery needs to be fired only once unlike other pottery. It is also more imperious and therefore more hygienic for daily use. The ornamentation is done with brush made of squirrel’s hair.

There was a time when Blue Pottery was vanishing from Rajasthan. But recently the art has been revived by Gayatri Devi and Kamala Devi Chattopadhya.

When you visit Rajasthan, you would find blue pottery items in many markets. It mainly makes for some interesting souvenirs. The best part is the prices are also very reasonable.

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Handicrafts of Rajasthan – A Combination of Traditional Arts and Crafts

Feb 23

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Handicraft in Rajasthan

In Concept, In Colour, in Workmanship, the Art and Handicrafts of Rajasthan are incomparable. Be it jewellery, painting, furniture, leatherware, pottery, metal craft or hand-printed textiles, each object has a penetrating and irresistible appeal.  An ethnic aura envelopes even the simplest of forms, making each one truly a collectors delight.

It is therefore hardly surprising when people the world over, call Rajasthan a Treasure- Trove of Handicrafts and a Shoppers’s Paradise.

There is a profusion of exuberant colours and fascinating forms in the handicrafts of Rajasthan. They are in fact, a tribute to human refinement and sensibility and also a challenge, as it were, to the stark desert environment. In Rajasthan people obsessively decorate almost everything – be it camel, a kitchen wall, their clothes or themselves. No wonder each piece of Rajasthani handicraft never ceases to amaze.

Some of Handicraft Art have been briefly described below:

Blue Pottery - The Pottery Magic of Rajasthan Handicrafts

Blue Pottery - The Pottery Magic of Rajasthan Handicrafts

Pottery Magic

It was a new art form with a fascinating recipe of distinctive material like the ground quartz stone; the colour schemes are also peculiar like blue (oxide of cobalt), green (oxide of copper) and the external white.

Some of the pottery is semi-translucent, which lately is being experimented with other colours such as yellow, dark blue and brown. The conventional floral or arabesque, handmade patterns and the animal figure patterns are the prominent designs.

Paintings

Rajasthan has carved a niche for itself in the area of painting. The variation in art of painting ranges from pre historic rock paintings to wall paintings on palaces to huts, miniature paintings, phad and pichwais. Though many use synthetic colours, the traditional painters use mineral and vegetable dyes.

Rajasthani Traditional Jewelery Art

Rajasthani Traditional Jewelery Art

Rajasthani Jewellery

Rajasthan is known for the art of silver smithy, beginning from anklets to earrings to head gears.

A lot of effort goes into its making since most of the rural communities wear silver ornaments. Besides silver, it is known for its lac bangles, kundan and meenakari, enameled gold jewellery, uncut diamonds and emerald-cutting. Another most exclusive art is ‘thewa’ from Pratapgarh, popular for its gold work on glass.

Some of the traditional adornments are rakhdi (head ornament), tussi (necklace), baju bandh (armlet), adah (special necklace worn by Rajput ladies), gokhrus (bracelets), pajebs (anklets), etc.

If we start writing on topics covering Handicrafts from Rajasthan, we need a series of blogs, and this is just a start. If you have a smallest of interest in shopping, Rajasthan markets full of hand crafted materials is a heaven for you.

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