Read Blogs On Popular Artworks

Antique Indian Doors : From Architecture to Art

Many years ago, a man from Greece came to the ancient city of Pataliputra. He was sent by the court of Greece as an ambassador to India. Like any foreigner on a visit, he wrote about his time in the grand capital city of Magadha, mentioning, among other things, the many imposing gateways that protected the city from every direction. Made with wood and metal, the doors of Pataliputra attracted the attention of Megashtenese, and rightfully so. Doors are the first thing that we see when we enter a place and the last thing that meets the eye upon leaving the space. Acting as a connecting element and a protective shield in buildings, doors have always been an important part of Indian sacred architecture, viewed beyond their utilitarian value. Let us look at the history of doors in India and how they went on to become a part of modern decor.

Published in Sep 2024

World of Tanjore Paintings

Tanjore Paintings best known as Thanjavur Paintings showcase a rich cultural significance in the history of Indian paintings. Dated back to the 11th century, Tanjore art can be seen in the Chola wall paintings and the paintings from the Nayak Period. The fall of the Vijayanagar Empire led to the migration of several painters to the region of Thanjavur, who worked for the Nayakas. The Marathas defeated the Thanjavur Nayakas because of which the local artists were greatly influenced by the taste of the Marathas and included that in their painting style. Traditional Thanjavur paintings differ in size according to the occasion. Large paintings of Deities were placed in the Palaces and buildings to accentuate the beauty of the royalties. These paintings were made on canvas along with the walls, glass, paper, mica, and rare materials like Ivory. Small painted Ivory was worn as a pendant known as Rajaharam and was quite popular back in the time.

Published in Aug 2024

Monsoon and Art : Rainy Season in Indian Paintings

The beauty of the earth bathed certainly caught the attention of the early Indian artists and writers. From the poetry that inspired Saawan’s depiction in Baramasa paintings to the art of Ragamala where the rainy-season melody of Raga Megha is beautifully painted, from the rain-drenched lanes of Vrindavan where Radha-Krishna perform their Lilas to the fearlessness of Abhisarika Nayika, young heroine who walks through the dark forest during a rain storm in night, every corner of Indian art world is enriched with refreshing touch of rain. So pick up your cup of tea and coffee and come with us on an exploration of rain in Indian paintings.

Published in Aug 2024

How Hindu God Statues are Preserved as Artifacts in Museums

Art Museums showcase a plethora of statues and sculptures from the ancient period to masterpieces handcrafted by artisans in modern times. Carved from stone or cast in bronze and brass, the statues display enchanting features representing the cultural, traditional, and different artistic styles of the era. One of the main attractions in Indian Artifacts is the intricately crafted Hindu Gods and Goddesses statues. Some commonly displayed deities are Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Durga, and Lord Hanuman. Their iconography and symbolism are appreciated by art connoisseurs across the globe. India is a country with countless artistic talents that are passed down from one generation to another. South India is especially renowned for brass artistry using the age-old Lost Wax Method which involves several steps. The intricate details are worth seeing and admiring. Similarly, stone art on walls and pillars is also mastered by Indian sculptors. The designs are known for their extraordinary carvings which bring life to the wall. Do you ever wonder how museums preserve many centuries-old Hindu God statues as artifacts and yet they remain as fresh as ever? There is a complex process or system of preservation behind it to ensure their longevity and quality. Let us look at some of the methods:

Published in Jul 2024

Bidriware: The Treasure Trove of Indian Legacy

Metalwork has a rich history in India and has been practiced here for centuries, Indian craftsmen have been creating masterpieces with captivating beauty using unique skills and techniques such as blacksmithing, welding, casting, as well as metal inlay. These techniques are passed down from one generation to another, whether it be Koftagari art from Jaipur or the Dokra art from Chhattisgarh, these metalworks are everywhere. The National Museum of Delhi itself has over 20,000 metal artifacts that are appreciated every single day by hundreds of travelers. From elaborate carvings on the temple to intricate Idols of gods and goddesses, these metal crafts have a widespread throughout India, inspiring several contemporary artists to create modern art pieces with traditional practices. metal artwork is a significant part of the cultural heritage in India that is greatly admired for its craftsmanship, and one such metal art is Bidriware. Bidriware is a metal art that originated from the city of Bidar in Karnataka, long ago in the 14th century C.E. during the rule of the Persian, Bahmani Sultans which is why this metal craft has a major influence on Persian art. BidrḤiware incorporates distinct characteristics and emphasizes the unique procedures of the local artisans of inlay on black metal with silver or gold inlays.

Published in Jul 2024

What Is Abstract Art?

“nothing is more real than a line, a color, a surface.” Said Dutch artist Theo van Doesburg. He and several other artists around the world as associated with what we call the “Abstract art movement”. A modern art trend, Abstract art is focused on simplification rather than realistic representation of the world. Style, and not subject is the focal point of an abstract art. It represents the spirit of modern times when the artist was freed from the demands of patrons and elites. With the coming of photography, painting was no longer responsible for being true to reality, being a medium of capturing the real world. This technological change was accompanied by social and political transformations- with the World War ending and the long-established institutions giving way to a whole new world, people experienced anxiety, uncertainty, hope, and a vast array of strong emotions, each of which was then expressed in the brush strokes of Abstract artists.

Published in Jul 2024

Hindu God & Goddess Statues for Different Festivals and Occasions

Hinduism is an ancient and rich cultural tradition, enriched by practices as old as human civilization. Pilgrimage, worship, festive celebrations, and special rituals, are many ways in which religiosity is expressed and celebrated in India and Hindu culture. Among the different methods, one in particular- the worship of statues of gods and goddesses is a historical and powerful tradition. From the simple local temples of the early days to the grand structures of the early medieval period and the beautiful home Puja ghar that we see today, Hindu gods and goddesses established in the form of large and small statues are not just representational but are seen as the presence of the deity in the human world. Though every icon is powerful and auspicious always, there are special Hindu festivals on which a certain god or goddess is awakened more powerfully, and bringing their statue home on that particular festival ensures that the devotee experiences their positive impact more strongly in their lives.

Published in Jul 2024

How to Incorporate Antique-looking Artifacts into Modern Decor : Historic and Ancient Additions

A home should be a collective representation of the things you find meaningful and love which helps spread an ambiance throughout the space that will end up being a good combination between the old and new which will surely provide a fresh and different look rather than a shabby one. Rustic pieces have been appreciated lately as a collector's item for some and decor for many, whatever your reason might be, antiques are a great way of portraying detailed craftsmanship into a modern design. There is a huge variety of finds that one can look for to add more uniqueness and jazz to your space without thinking much about it. Let’s look for ways to incorporate textured artifacts into your already existing modern decor.

Published in Jul 2024

The Brass Tree Vs Smart Writer : Friends Turned Foes

It was last summer, the month of May when I first encountered the magnificent Brass Tree. My manager asked me to write a product description for it as it was a popular product and had garnered significant interest, almost as if it were the Deigo Maradona of home decor items or the Pani Puri of Brass Items- always in demand. Seeing its images made me curious and smitten at the same time. It looked regal.

Published in May 2024

Aligarh Brass Art : Unlocking the Artistic Stories of the City of Locks

Upon entering the brass factory in Aligarh, I found a structure that was in no way fitting my definition of a “factory”. With an uneven mud floor, a makeshift roof supported by steel pillars, walls painted with a thick layer of soot and dust on which hang the bags and clothes of the artists, and a portable stove on which the Kaarigars (craftsmens) were making their tea, the space looked more like a hastily developed village than a factory.

Published in May 2024

Devi in Art: How Indian Art Traditions Honor Goddesses

As Navaratri arrives, every devotee observing the nine nights of the goddess begins preparing to welcome and worship Durga and her various forms. From brass, copper, bronze, stone, and wood statues to paintings of the great goddess in her different aspects, Navaratri highlights the ways in which Hindu culture remembers and celebrates Devi. Going back to the ancient period, when the divinity of the goddess was represented through powerful symbols and simple iconography, Indian art has a plethora of ways in which Devi is commemorated. Looking at a few gems from Indian paintings, this article memorializes how Indian art traditions honor Hindu goddesses.

Published in Apr 2024

Kerala Mural Paintings: Origin & Making Process of Mural Art

The state of Kerala, “known as ‘God’s own country,” has a diverse range of religious influences in its crafts, which are preserved and protected for traditional and cultural preservation. Mural painting, practiced in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is one such art style with a strong religious impact. This art style represents the pinnacle of India’s creative legacy. Kerala’s mural painting art is noted for its quality, displaying a wonderful narrative in clear and powerful strokes with brilliant and lovely colors.

Published in Apr 2024

Phad Artwork: A Journey into Rajasthan's Rich Cultural Heritage

India has a diverse and vibrant cultural heritage. The essential aspect is that we, the people of India, have maintained that tradition alive. In our current lives, we may still see remnants of our rich cultural heritage. We take pride in our ancestry. Painting is also an important aspect of our culture. There are several painting styles that originated in India and have legends related to them. One such painting style is Phad painting (Chitra).

Published in Apr 2024

What Does White Marble Symbolize?

Here, we’ll talk about the spiritual meaning of marble/stone rocks. Mostly, these marble /stone rocks say a lot about how solid, stable, or firm we are in life. When these meanings relate to our real life, they will help us grow. Sometimes, we may fail to see the great message of hope that these things bring to us. Rocks can warn or tell us about our good traits. Let’s find out more about these meanings.

Published in Feb 2024

Cultural Tapestry of Gold in Indian Art

The earliest recorded instance of metal being used in artwork dates back to the 4th century CE. Ancient texts like the Vishnudharmottara Purana document the practice of creating gold pigments for painting, a tradition that persisted over centuries, as evidenced by later works such as the Shilpratna and Manasollasa. These texts describe a meticulous processes of gold-coated paintings and even polishing it with boar tusks to achieve their characteristic sheen. Read More!

Published in Feb 2024

Cheriyal Paintings : A Glimpse Into Their Past and Their Present

Cheriyal paintings are colorful and mostly use primary colors only. The trademark feature of a Cheriyal scroll painting is that it has a background that is red in color and a border that has floral motifs. They usually depict scenes from Hindu epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, incidents mentioned in the Puranas like the Shiv Purana, Garuda Purana, and the Markandeya Purana, and other mythological events like the Krishna Leela. Apart from this they also depict daily scenes from the lives of the common folk. It must be noted that the figures depicted in Cheriyal scroll paintings are always facing each other.

Published in Feb 2024

Tanjore Art – A Divine Legacy of Gold in South India’s Cradle of Arts

There’s more to golden art than jewellery. Venture south to the Tanjore district in Tamil Nadu and witness the splendid ‘Tanjore Paintings’. Thanjavur is known for being home to some of the most famous historic structures in Tamil Nadu, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Brihadeeswarar Temple. But this dormant town in the state’s centre has much more to offer than just architectural marvels. In fact, for anyone with an interest in South Indian art, music and dance forms, Thanjavur is nothing short of a pilgrimage and thoroughly deserves the title of being ‘South India’s Cradle of Arts’. Tanjore painting is a popular form of artwork that originated in Southern India. These paintings have been popular from the 16th century and have evolved under the reign of the Chola emperors and are famous for its use of gold. When the Marathas invaded Tanjore in Tamil Nadu many painters and artists migrated here and under their rule, this art form flourished. This form of painting is distinguished by its use of gold and semi-precious or precious stones which is used to accentuate the design. Each painting tells a story, usually revolving around Hindu gods, Goddesses or Saints. In olden days, Tanjore paintings were placed in dark temple shrines by emperors. In a dim place, the gold used to enhance the painting.

Published in Sep 2021