10 Handpicked Madhubani Paintings to Enhance Your Home Decor


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By Smriti Sahu

Step into the world of vibrant colors and intricate storytelling with Madhubani paintings, a cherished art form originating from the Mithila region of Bihar, India. Known for their rich cultural significance and exquisite craftsmanship, Madhubani paintings have captivated art enthusiasts worldwide. In this article, we present a curated selection of 10 remarkable Madhubani paintings that are sure to add a touch of traditional charm and artistic elegance to your homes. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a beginner seeking to embrace the beauty of Indian art, these captivating pieces are bound to inspire and uplift your living spaces.
  

1. Timeless Lovers by Ambika Devi: ₹4,500

This painting by Ambika Devi captures the enduring love that is shared between Radha and Krishna. In the painting, Krishna is depicted playing the flute bringing a sense of calmness to Radha. Their gaze toward each other is filled with admiration and affection. The trees and the surrounding bushes are adorned with flowers and fruits symbolizing the importance of nurturing and a peaceful environment for love to flourish. 

 

 

2. Gaj Moksha: 25,000

The artwork is replete with symbolism and motifs of the legendary puranic tale, Gaj Moksha. The story goes that once an elephant named Gajendra was attacked by a crocodile. In the moment of desperation, the elephant called out to Vishnu who came down from his abode to rescue him from the powerful clutches of crocodiles or Makar. The Gajendra Moksha story talks about the power of devotion and the grace of God. The artwork depicts Krishna Leela after Gaj Moksha. Note how beautifully the artist has employed a subtle variation of colors to showcase a joyful conclusion. The silhouette of the elephant is intelligently utilized to depict Krishna Leela.

 

 

3. Doli Kohar: 10,000

Doli Kohar presents an emotional moment of bidding adieu to a daughter on her wedding day. This tradition in India, where the daughter departs from her parent’s home to live with her husband and his family, is one that tugs at the heartstrings of both parents and the bride herself. Keeping a Doli Kahar painting at home is believed to bring good luck and prosperity, making it a popular choice for art collectors.

 

 

4. Maa Saraswati by Pratima Bharti: 21,000

State award-winning artist, Pratima Bharti has deftly depicted Saraswati, the Hindu Goddess of knowledge, art, music, and speech through her artwork. The portrayal of the Goddess is characterized by a white saree and white mount, a swan that emphasizes the quality of purity. Saraswati is depicted with four hands and is seen holding- a Pustaka (script), a mala (rosary), a water pot, and an instrument (vina). These elements carry their significance. Often, we even find a peacock shown beside the goddess. No wonder, the harmony of patterns in her artwork reflects the harmony achieved through ultimate wisdom.

 

 

5. The Fish by Pratima Bharati: 16, 000

Here the focus is on nature, with a circular arrangement of a school of fish against a lovely green background. The unity among the fish is causing them to form a systematic pattern. Pratima Bharti shows the innate understanding among these creatures which is allowing them to coexist peacefully with each other. Truly, this artwork serves as a powerful reminder of the value of cooperation to achieve a state of consonance.

 

 

6. The Sun by Priti Karn: 3,000

In Hinduism, the solar deity is symbolic of power and strength. Surya is one of the major 5 deities. He is painted in the center, signifying that he is the center of the universe around whom various lives revolve and evolve. The natural color is imparting a genuine charm to the overall theme of the artwork.

 

 

7. Swinging Monkeys by Ambika Devi: 7,000

Madhubani artist, Ambika Devi, has brilliantly attempted to showcase a bunch of lively carefree monkeys, that is swinging from one banana tree to the other savoring the delicious fruits of the plant. India’s red-faced rhesus macaque is one of the most prominent species of monkeys that roam around the wild jungles as well as urban areas of the country. Their notorious nature can also become a cause of concern at times, but they hold a sacred place among Hindus.

 

 

8. Ganesha by Ambika Devi: 6,200

Ganesha is a popular figure in Indian art. He is known as the remover of hurdles and is considered to be the son of Shiva and Parvati. He is admired for his wisdom and is readily identified by his elephant head which is a symbol of Gyan or knowledge. Lord Ganesha is portrayed wearing colorful attire and jewelry while holding various objects such as an axe, a conch shell, a lotus, and a goad. Each of these objects has its relevance. At the bottom of this [painting is his vehicle (vahana), a rat. Ganesh is also known as the protector of households and is usually kept near the main door.

 

 

9. Peacock’s melody: 23, 000

In the Mithila traditions of Madhubani, a pair of peacocks symbolizes love and companionship. The monsoon is the time when the male peacock opens their feathers and performs an elaborate dance to attract their mate, making it a spectacular sight to behold. In the painting, a pair of peacocks are placed on either side of the tree, symbolizing their longing for each other, even though they are in proximity. The artist has emphasized the opulence of the artwork by highlighting the majestic and ornate feathers of these birds.

 

 

10. Maa Kali: 8,800

Goddess Kali is believed to be the ultimate manifestation of Shakti. Here, the use of bold colors effectively conveys the intense aura of the goddess. It is said that Kali is an incarnation of Parvati who came down to earth to protect the innocent from demons. Her disheveled hair, lolling tongue, the red eyes, is symbolizing her fierce and wrathful form. She is portrayed standing on her consort Shiva, who came to pacify her after her combat with the demon.