Table of Content
- Kashmir Paper Mache Bells
- Sabai Handmade Coasters
- Madhubani Hand Painted Lamp
- Ganjifa Art Bookends
- Kashmir Paper Mache Tea Light Set
- Hand Painted Ganjifa Backgammon
- Kashmir Paper Mache Christmas Ornaments
- Fairy Lights in Tholu Bommalata Art
- Christmas Santa Claus in Paper Mache
- Christmas Stars in Kashmir Paper Mache
- Semi-Precious Angels
- Handpainted Artworks
Christmas is the most awaited time of the year. It brings your family and loved ones together, allowing you to appreciate them and make them feel special. With the holiday season soon approaching, this is the best time for you to plan thoughtful gifts for your friends and family.
You can make this Christmas unique and memorable for your loved ones, by adding a touch of traditional Indian art in your Christmas celebrations! Gifting distinctive and stunning items of Indian traditional art will make for culturally relevant yet elegant pieces of gifts. From ornate handicraft items to hand-painted folk art decor, these traditional gifts will blend the allure of Indian artistry with your heartfelt affection for your loved ones.
Here we have carefully curated a list of some of our best items, that will make for a great Christmas gift:
Kashmir Paper Mache Bells
Bells Christmas decor in Paper Mache by Riyaz Khan
Kashmir paper-mache is a traditional craft from the Kashmir Valley region of Jammu and Kashmir. It is renowned for its intricate design and colourful patterns. Along with stunning golden and silver outlinings this craft has made a unique place of its own within the traditional arts of India.
It is made through the papier-mâché technique, and is moulded into a variety of shapes. These bells are an example of the many beautiful items that can be created from this craft.
These paper mache bells, adorned with the delicate and quintessential Kashmiri paper mache motifs will add a mesmerising traditional touch to your Christmas tree. These also make for an excellent Christmas gift and are sure to make your celebrations a memorable one!
Sabai Handmade Coasters
Sabai Handmade Coasters
Made from the Sabai Grass Mayaurbhanj Bobei Ghasa, which is widely available in the northern regions of Odisha, Sabai coasters are a classic gifting choice for your loved ones this Christmas. Known for its durability and strength, the Sabai Grass is woven into various shapes and items of daily use.
These can be a great choice for those who love to give thoughtful yet practical gifts to their friends and family.
Madhubani Hand Painted Lamp
The Tiger, madhubani Hand Painted Lamp
Madhubani paintings also known as Mithila art originate from the Mithila region of Bihar. One of the most vibrant traditional art forms of India, Madhubani art is renowned for its highly detailed patterns and designs. Traditionally it is made using a bamboo stick and the entire composition is filled with intricate patterns and designs with no empty space left.
The Madhubani hand-painted lamp exemplifies this art. It will make for a delightfully decorative piece of art that you could gift to your friends and family.
Ganjifa Art Bookends
Bookends, handpainted in Ganjifa art style
Traditionally, Ganjifa is a card game that dates back to the fifteenth century, exemplified during the Mughal era in India. The Ganjifa cards were originally made using precious materials such as mother-of-pearl and ivory, and were later crafted using handmade papers, boards and cloth to make them accessible to a wider audience. Traditionally made in oval, circular or rectangular shapes, these cards are intricately painted with motifs using natural dyes.
This bookend is made on similar lines, as a special edition for Christmas. These are a perfect gift for someone who is an avid reader and has love for books. The carefully hand painted bookends will add a traditional yet a charming touch to anyone’s book collection!
Kashmir Paper Mache Tea Light Set
Paper Mache Tea Light Set
Inspired from the Kashmir paper mache craft, these candles are a brilliant gifting choice during the Christmas time. Adding warmth and beauty to your ambience, these candles encompass the Christmas spirit perfectly.
Decorated with the traditional Kashmiri motifs of floral patterns and creepers, they are a unique and attractive decor for your home.
Hand Painted Ganjifa Backgammon
Backgammon, hand painted in Ganjifa art style
Fill your Christmas time with fun and joy over a game of Backgammon, beautifully hand painted in the Ganjifa art style. This will turn the Christmas evening with your loved ones into an amusing game-night, while also paying homage to the traditional art form of Ganjifa.
Adorned with intricate designs and stunning floral patterns, this set is indeed a collectible for every Backgammon enthusiast!
Kashmir Paper Mache Christmas Ornaments
Balls Christmas decor in Paper Mache by Riyaz Khan
These ornaments are a testament to the versatility of the Kashmir paper-mache craft. Having been made in Kashmir in the style of its renowned paper mache technique, these ornaments will add to the charm of your Christmas tree.
Gift these to your friends and family to add a traditional yet elegant twist to their Christmas decor!
Fairy Lights in Tholu Bommalata Art
Fairy Lights in Tholu by Kanday Anjanappa
Tholu Bommalata is a traditional art originating from the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is typically a form of shadow puppetry where puppets are made out of leather and intricate designs are crafted on them. They are backlit and the stories are generally inspired from Hindu mythology such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana, along with local folklore.
The fairy lights are inspired by Tholu Bommalata and are adorned with the traditional artistry involved in it. With their colourful designs and the warm light illuminating every design, make for a great combination of Indian traditional art and Christmas cheer. It is a great gift to add a special Christmas vibe to your celebration!
Christmas Santa Claus in Paper Mache
Christmas Santa Claus in Paper Mache by Riyaz Khan
The Santa Claus ornaments made out of paper mache are a great gift for your loved ones to decorate their Christmas tree. Made out of recycled paper, these ornaments make for an environmentally friendly and sustainably conscious choice.
Christmas Stars in Kashmir Paper Mache
Stars Christmas decor in Paper Mache by Riyaz Khan
The Christmas stars are crafted out of the paper mache technique that is well known in Kashmir. They make for elegant and delicate adornments on christmas trees with their traditional Kashmiri intricate designs.
These stars add a traditional touch to the Christmas celebrations and are sure to bring a smile to the faces of your friends and family.
Semi-Precious Angels
Apart from the traditionally hand-painted arts and crafts, one can look at angels crafted using semi-precious stones for gifting as well as personal use. Each stone is appreciated for its biblical significance. For instance, amethyst, one of the stones in the breastplate of the High Priest, is associated with spiritual wisdom and sincerity. Jasper, the first foundation stone of the New Jerusalem provides protection and strength. These Angles made in Opalite, Angelite, Selenite, Labradorite, Fluorite, Black Tourmaline, Unakite, Lapis Lazuli, Rhodonite and Rose Quartz make for the perfect gift for your loved ones and you!
Amethyst Angel by Prithvi Raj Kumawat
Handpainted Artworks
The first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the words Traditional Indian Arts, are themes from Hindu mythology and local folklores. However, being a multi-religions country, that is not entirely true for India. Each art form has adapted themes from Christianity. These hand-painted artworks can add a touch of spirituality and elegance to your home. Read more about depiction of Christianity in traditional Indian art forms here.
Jesus and Mary in Kerala Mural by Jijulal
References
- Jaswal, Misha. 2024. “Madhubani Art: History, Themes and Characteristics.” Memeraki Retail and Tech Pvt Ltd. June 26, 2024. https://www.memeraki.com/blogs/posts/madhubani-history-themes-and-characteristics?srsltid=AfmBOooS03ZAWqxkSk3lINrQLx00YsHEVTejn9yeu4GWD0BsmWFsdUHn.
- Khan, Asma. 2024. “Ganjifa: A Kaleidoscope of Indian Art and Culture.” Memeraki Retail and Tech Pvt Ltd. August 30, 2024. https://www.memeraki.com/blogs/posts/ganjifa-a-kaleidoscope-of-indian-art-and-culture?srsltid=AfmBOoqI52xH3zb_ri2Ruj0RpyvVn8FNb63LFoQRawm_t7b_M-wYa-Xi.
- Sahu, Smriti. 2024. “The Motifs of Kashmiri Papier Mâché.” Memeraki Retail and Tech Pvt Ltd. August 31, 2024. https://www.memeraki.com/blogs/posts/the-motifs-of-kashmiri-papier-mache?srsltid=AfmBOor_Kj523nXmos9OSEcw3qDvettvCtZWnUKBTCRQNeRJmocN0wof.
