Usually, the central motif that constitutes the theme of the thangka is painted by the most experienced monk that leads the group. The symbols and motifs that complete the painting - the fire-wielding snake-dragons and other fauna included here, clouds, leaves, mountains, and rivulets - are done under his supervision by the junior monks. Seated Shiva and Parvati are leaning against each other, steeped in conversation. Solemn and gathered, their divine stance befits the luxuriance of this thangka. Statement-making jewel tones, a dusky black backdrop, the lush Himalayan landscape, this thangka is the very image of Kailash Mansarovar, the home of Shiva-Parvati.
Despite the minuteness of the work and the delicateness of the medium of gold, the all-important iconography has not been compromised on. The multi-tiered crown on His head is elaborate, fit for His status as a divine prince. His clothing and shringar are replete - His legs in ardha-padmasana clad in a silk dhoti, long necklaces, and bracelets on all four arms. He is the son of Shiva, so a trishool (trident) tilak has been engraved at the base of the trunk. Right above it is a piece of finely polished coral, marking the crest of the Lord. Donning this simple item of jewellery would ensure that His blessings shower upon everything you undertake with the hand that wears it.
The ikar weave of this saree has been perfected over generations in local artisans families. A relatively recent development, this weave was developed to cater to the tastes of the local Muslim population as well as West Asian countries where it is exported. Zooming in on the border and the endpiece will allow you to take in the beauty and the finesse of this weave done in that gorgeous red colour. This saree is best teamed with some statement gold hand-me-downs and worn to ritual gatherings.
The thing about Nepalese sculpture is that it is an inspired tradition. It is not only about aesthetics, but also about iconographical perfection. This is because each aspect of the chosen deity has its own significance, and the Nepalese artisan is known for his attention to detail. This Garuda murti is fashioned from wood, which is an expensive medium to work with. It has traditionally been used as an element of rich architectural constructions in ancient temples of the land. Indeed, this solemnly carved Garuda with its dark gold-undertones finish looks fit to be housed in an internal pillar or door-frame of a magnificent Vishnu temple. Zoom in on the highly expressive countenance, the unusual lotus pedestal, and the perfectly symmetrical work on the wings to take in the beauty of Nepalese workmanship.
A very complex process has gone into this seemingly simple painting. Batik painting originated in India a long time ago and involves waxing the foundation fabric, dyeing it using endemic pigments and techniques, and then dewaxing it. Each of these takes hours to be done to perfection, which result in a degree of beauty and perfection that could be gleaned from this painting. It is the batik technique itself that sets this image of the Buddha apart from others. His hands are in the dharmachakra mudra. In the lower background is a sea of light - alternating white and green and orange that the Enlightened One is seemingly merging into in the upper realms of dhyana.
More filigree is to be found inside the gau box, against which sits Avalokiteshvara. While the make of the Manjushri figurine is dominated by corals, a bunch of turquoises and lapis lazuli graces Avalokiteshvara. He is seated in poorna-padmasana, steeped in meditation within the precinct of His gau box. From the gorgeous filigree to the spiritual message it contains, this pendant is a fine example of Nepalese aesthetics and workmanship. Should you be spiritually inclined, it will add to your presence the calm, gathered aura of Avalokiteshvara.
This bedspread set comprises of five pieces that includes two pillowcases and two cushion-cases over and above the cover. Done in matching colours, the patchwork on each of the pieces is seemingly hemmed in by a thick maroon border. This bedspread is going to set the tone in your bedroom for quiet and calm, which would make for a restful mood when one most needs it. The interesting texture of the dupion silk as well as the ethnic glamour of this bedspread set would be sure to remind you of home every day.
Celestial, because it is said that Lord Vishnu Himself had transformed into a woman of exceeding beauty in His quest to play with the minds of the asuras. This happened in connection with both the samudramanthan and the Bhasmasuravadh episodes. This lifelike doll captures the grace of mohiniattam to perfection. Beneath the signature cream-coloured gold-bordered silk drape are a pair of long legs caught amidst dexterous motion. Her delicately moulded hands are arranged in the hamsaysa and the ardhachandra mudras. Her gold shringar complements her pristine complexion to perfection. From her lifelike, skilfully made-up face to the stance of her lissome roopa, this doll on a shelf would add dynamicism to your space.
The cool blue of Her skin, as well as the blue of the background, is set off by the huge flame that is Her halo. From beneath the crown comes a gaze that could only be described as sthirasnigdha (Sanskrit word used to convey stability and calm), despite the signature determination and ferocity that one cannot overlook. Her form, including that cascade of black tresses and the rest of Her beauteous features, is divine and maternal. Her gaze is directed at the devotee, like the mother's to Her child - that gaze will shield the dharmee from adharm, and burn down the adharm in the adharmee. This unusual Kali Devi oil is proof that the svaroopa of the Mother lies primarily in Her eyes.
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