…is the literal translation of ‘Madhubani‘. Madhubani is an art form practiced by women in the town of Madhubani in Bihar – a state in India. A traditional skill handed down through generations – the paintings are done on paper or cloth. Also known as Mithila paintings, these exquisite works of folk art have now found their niche in contemporary Indian design sensibilities. Though primarily used as wall decor, these designs are also used by top fashion designers in Indo-western ensembles. These paintings are done using natural colors (plant extracts), and use symbols like sun, women, animals, fishes and birds to represent the human lifecycle. Iconic Indian Gods like Krishna, Ganesha and Shiva are also popular!
Showcasing some beautiful (and colorful!) Madhubani paintings Fish symbolises fertility ‘Ardhnareshwar’ – Man and Woman

Krishna with Gopis (milkmaids)

Peacocks

Getting a bride ready

Fishes again.

Interesting mix of modern with traditional. Women offering prayer at a tree, with a train in the background!

Parrots (disguised as peacocks?)

Krishna

Peacocks again!

Shows the nine planetary positions

 

Close up. Colors that will brighten up any room, any day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above images from some excellent online resources (you can also buy Madhubani art here) :

Indigo Arts

Mithila Painting

Novica

Antah rang

 

 

I would love to hear your ideas on where you would visualize such art in your home? 🙂