Apsaras

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This marvellous wall hanging of 42 X 54 inch size is an outstanding example of the traditional batik technique prevalent for quite some time now for dying cloth using wax for distributing colours on cloth's surface. The natural texture, which the flaking of wax creates on the waxed surface of the cloth, is the most special attribute of batik technique. It often surprises how a batik artist might arrive at proportions, minute details and perspectives and express moods, mind and emotions with artistic finesse and precision when he is aface with a medium so uncompromising and uncontrollable as wax.

This batik portrays a band of three musicians, dancing as well as playing on their musical instruments in simultaneity. The artist seems to have conceived them as celestial beings, the 'apsaras' and 'kinnaras'. For creating his effects he has rendered them upon space, which filled with smoky clouds gives a feeling of unearthliness transforming the whole thing into something heavenly. These creatures of artist's imagination are blessed with divine beauty. They are endowed with a capacity to tread in void from cloud to cloud, or rather float upon winds like heaven's creatures. The artist has rendered on their faces heavenly bliss, glow and serenity.

The central figure attired quite gorgeously in gold bordered maroon saree, off-white sash and blue cloak has in her hands a pair of cymbals. The musician on her right is blowing her flute. She is more richly bejewelled. She has on her feet a beautiful ornament. The colour of her palm seems to reflect the deep yellow of her sash. The third one is playing on a 'dholaka', a drum covered on both sides. All the three figures have alike sharp features, highly proportioned forms, small rosy lips, elegantly trimmed eye-lashes and elongated eyes curving like a fish, slender waists, moderate breasts, well defined necks, elegantly dressed hair and a few simple but select ornaments. The artist has created celestial beauty in its simplest and most natural form.

This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of ancient Indian literature. Dr Daljeet is the chief curator of the Visual Arts Gallery at the National Museum of India, New Delhi. They have both collaborated on numerous books on Indian art and culture.