Wedding Gift Ideas Inspired by Traditional Indian Art

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By Arushi Mishra

  • Wedding
  • Gifts
  • Celebrations
  • Painting
  • Design
  • Religion
  • Home Décor

    • Table of Content

    With the myriad of weddings and wedding ceremonies occurring this time of the year, it is crucial to select a worthy gift for newly-wed couples and their journey ahead. However, with the abundance of gifting choices in the market today, the average person is generally lost when it comes to choosing a wedding gift. 

    It is for this very reason that we have carefully curated a list of traditional Indian arts and paintings that can make for exceptional wedding gifts. These traditional Indian artforms are sustainable and environmentally conscious. 

    This list is sure to pique your interest and suit your aesthetic sense! 

    Why Choose Traditional Indian Art as a Wedding Gift?

     

    Krishna and Radha: Kalamkari Painting by Harinath.N

     

    With various types of traditional artforms in India, there is not only a celebration of the diversity but also the rich cultural history of the country. They are a pictorial representation of the importance that each of these artforms hold for respective communities and how it has shaped their way of living. 

    Therefore, gifting a piece of traditional Indian art, not only highlights its cultural significance but also reflects the thoughtfulness of the person gifting it. 

    Each traditional artform of India carries with it a narrative and beliefs of its community. Weddings are one such occasion where most Indian artforms have a special function to play. These artforms are evoked at weddings, apart from other auspicious occasions, symbolising their indispensable religious, traditional and cultural value. Most of them are used to bring forth a feeling of celebration, joy, and harmony. 

    Many of them are also used to symbolise fertility, prosperity, growth and good fortune. In the following list you will learn in detail about each artform and their significance during weddings. 

    Traditional Paintings 

    Gond Paintings

     

    A Portal of Folklore and Mystique: Tree of Life Gond Artwork by Kailash Pradhan

     

    A captivating form of traditional art–Gond is made by the Gond tribe of Madhya Pradesh. Traditionally, Gond art was done on the mud-walls of homes, as a sign of good luck and religious sentiment. The most prominent theme in most of these paintings is nature.  It was also done to celebrate various special occasions and festivals such as weddings, births, or to commemorate other important events. 

    This art is characterised by intricate patterns and vibrant colours. These paintings can make for a great wedding gift with their dazzling portrayal of the interconnectedness between nature and humans. These paintings also represent harmony, growth and prosperity for newly-wed couples. 

    Khovar Paintings

     

    Peacock and Deer in Khovar by Manikchand Mahto

     

    Khovar paintings are traditionally practised in the Hazaribagh region of Jharkhand. It is made as murals on walls. The term ‘Khovar’ is derived from ‘kho’ meaning cave, and ‘vara’ meaning bridal couple. This art is thus done during the wedding season as they are considered auspicious. 

    Various motifs such as peacocks, lotus and the Tree of Life are used to symbolise fertility, prosperity and growth, in the lives of couples. 

    Thus, gifting this painting during a wedding is a very thoughtful gesture and indicates good luck for the married couple. 

    Madhubani Paintings 

     

    Kohbar: The wedding Madhubani by Priti Karn

     

    Madhubani art is one of the most celebrated traditional arts of India. It hails from the Mithila region of Bihar and is characterised by bold outlines and highly detailed patterns. Central themes of this art include nature, humans, scenes from daily lives, Hindu deities, etc. 

    These paintings were historically made on the mud-walls and floors of people’s homes. 

    A special form of Madhubani painting made during wedding ceremonies is known as Kohbar. It is especially made on the walls of a newly-wed couple’s wedding chamber. It is said to invoke fertility, prosperity and auspiciousness in the life of the couple. 

    A Madhubani painting is thus, a fitting wedding gift to give at any wedding. 

    Alternatively, various other items adorned with Madhubani art can also make for stunning wedding gifts, such as – coasters, trays and stoles. As each element in the Madhubani painting blesses them with good luck. Here is a painting depicting fish, a symbol of fertility. 

    Phad Paintings

     

    Majestic Companions: Celebration of Nari Kunjar Phad Painting by Kalyan Joshi

     

    Phad paintings from Rajasthan are a form of narrative representation in pictorial form of folk and religious texts. A 700-year-old art form, it includes intricate detailing and vivid colours. 

    These paintings were historically used in various ceremonies, where stories were narrated along with the Phad and music was also incorporated in it. 

    These paintings will create a unique gift for any newly-wed couple, enriching their lives with a touch of culture and art into their lives. 

    Sanjhi Art

     

    Hearts in Harmony: Ashutosh Verma's Radha and Krishna Sanjhi

     

    Sanjhi art from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, is a unique form of paper-cutting craft that includes elaborate patterns and delicate designs. Common themes include floral motifs, mythological and religious symbols, as well as Hindu deities. One of the most common Hindu deities to be featured in this art form are Lord Krishna and Radha (Lord Krishna’s beloved). 

    This art thus evokes a feeling of divinity and auspiciousness during the wedding season and makes for a thoughtful gift. 

    Warli Paintings

     

    Warli Ecosystem: Warli Painting by Dilip Rama Bahotha

     

    Warli art is done by the Warli tribe of Thane district in Maharashtra. This art is similar to the cave paintings found in the caves of Bhimbetka  in Madhya Pradesh, that are dated to being drawn between 10,000-500 B.C.E. It is deeply rooted with nature because the tribe believes that nature is akin to the divine. 

    This art is understood to be auspicious and is generally made on the walls of people’s homes. The goddess Palaghat, is a much revered goddess by the tribe and is known to be evoked in every wedding season. She is represented along with other symbols of fertility and divine energy – the Sun and the Moon. This painting is believed to keep the evil spirits at bay and bless the newly-wed couple with harmony and fertility. 

    Thus, a Warli piece of art is the most sought after choice of gift during weddings, symbolising good fortune and long life to couples. 

    Religious Paintings 

    Kalamkari Paintings

     

    Story of Ganesha: Kalamkari Painting by Harinath.N

     

    Historically, Kalamkari paintings thrived during the Mughal period (1526-1857) in India, within the regions of Golconda and Coromandel Sultanates (parts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu) in South India. Depiction of Hindu deities and scenes from Hindu epics such as, Ramayana and Mahabharata, are the dominant themes of this artform. These paintings are typical of bold outlines and intricate detailing. 

    Since these paintings tell stories of the divine, love and valor; these can be given as amazing wedding gifts to symbolise divinity and auspiciousness for newly-wed couples. 

    Pichwai Paintings 

     

    The Divine Love of Radha Krishna: Pichwai Painting by Shehzaad Ali Sherani

     

    A 400-year-old artform from Nathdwara, Rajasthan, Pichwai paintings are one of the most popular religious as well as traditional paintings of India. Themes of this painting generally revolve around the life and experiences of Lord Shrinathji – a 7-year-old divine form of Lord Krishna. 

    These paintings are embellished with real gold and silver foil to give them an ethereal quality. 

    A Pichwai can make for an excellent wedding gift as it symbolises divine love and spirituality for couples. It is an expression of devotion as well as auspiciousness. 

    Pattachitra Paintings

     

    Bound by Love: Purusottam Swain's splendour, Pattachitra

     

    Pattachitra art is practiced in the regions of Odisha, West Bengal and Bangladesh. It is typically a scroll painting which represents scenes of mythology from Hindu epics, such as, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Geet Govind, and Bhagwat Geeta. 

    These paintings are stylized by large eyes and elongated costumes. With their vibrant colours, these paintings symbolise divine protection and love.

    Therefore, Pattachitra paintings serve as an artistic expression of religious devotion. 

    These make for a great wedding gift as one of the most sought after pieces of art in the country. 

    Tanjore Paintings

     

    Lotus of Divine Grace: A Mysore Painting Tribute to Goddess Lakshmi by Dr. J Dundaraja

     

    Tanjore of Thanjavur paintings from Tamil Nadu, are known for their rich colours, elegant compositions, and the aesthetic use of gold foil. These paintings commonly incorporate images of various Hindu gods and goddesses, owing to this art’s origins in the temples of South India during the 16th century. 

    Due to its great spiritual and cultural value, an original Tanjore painting is an expensive piece of art to make and also to buy. Delicate gold foil detailing is seen in the decoration and costumes of various deities painted in this style. 

    Gifting a Tanjore painting to a couple would symbolise health, wealth, divine protection and spiritual well being. 

    Terracotta Figurines

     

    Divine Transcendence: Gauri Terracotta Sculpture, Terracotta art by Dolon Kundu

     

    One of the oldest forms of artistic expression, terracotta art encompasses a wide range of items such as, figurines, decorative plates, sculptures, wall hangings, etc. 

    Terracotta figurines are one of the most detailed and laborious pieces of artwork. With their fine detailing in clay, coupled with its cultural significance in India, these figurines make for one of the most sought after gifting items. 

    Figurines of various animals, gods and goddesses, with elaborate details on their costumes and figures, indicates the mastery that Indian terracotta artists have established over the years. 

    These are sustainable and environmentally conscious pieces of gifts one can give during weddings. 

    Terracotta Home Decor

     

    Gau Charan Leela in Terracotta by Dinesh Molela

     

    Terracotta art includes various outstanding home decor items such as decorative plates, wall hangings and panels. An environmentally friendly and accessible art form, terracotta has created a unique space for itself in the art world. 

    There is no certain technique to this art and it mostly depends on the artists how they want to make their art. However, it does require excellent pottery and sculpting skills, which is passed on from one artist to another. 

    Panels of various divine scenes, animals, elements of nature and even scenes from Hindu epics are created through this artform. 

    With a long list of items to choose from, terracotta art can be a very thoughtful wedding gift for this wedding season. 

    Paper Mache Home Decor 

    Kashmiri Paper Mache 

     

    Whispering Canopy: A Paper Mache Tapestry of a Lush Tree by Riyaz Khan

     

    Paper mache is a well known craftform all over the world. However, Kashmiri paper mache art refers to the intricate and regal decoration of items made through the technique of paper mache. The common features in this art include floral patterns, animals, symmetrical designs, and intricate detailing. The Chinar leaf as well as the tree, are recurring motifs in this art, as it is Kashmir’s cultural and natural symbol. 

    Some of the well known patterns that are decorated on these items are Hazara (thousand flowers), Gul ander Gul (flower within flower), Badam Tarah (Mango shaped almond motif), and the Yarkand (an elaborate spiral design with golden rosettes radiating from various centres). 

    These designs are made such that they glitter in shades of gold and silver. This gives the items an elegant and rich look. 

    Various types of wallets, clutches, coasters, jewellery boxes, and animal figurines are made in this style. 

    Items made from this art are the perfect wedding gift for any couple! 

     

    A TALE OF TWO LOVERS, GOLD AND BLACK RECTANGLE PAPER MACHE CLUTCH

     

    Brass Home Decor

    Dhokra Metal Craft

     

    Jhitku-Mitki tribal couple in Dhokra by Anil Baghmare

     

    An ancient form of metal casting, Dhokra art originated in the tribal regions of India. Tribals from various communities in the regions of West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand and Chattisgarh, practice this craft. 

    This craft historically dates back to the Harappan civilization (3300-1300 BCE). According to many legends of the time, the knowledge of Dhokra craft was passed to the people by divine beings. It is thus a revered form of craft in many tribal communities. 

    It is widely known for its rustic charm and finely detailed designs. It is mostly inspired by nature, mythology, folklore, and daily tribal life. Various figurines of animals, birds, humans and tribal deities are made with this metal casting art form. The figurines are made using the lost-wax technique. 

    These figurines are a valued piece of craft and will make for a culturally significant gifting item during wedding ceremonies. 

    Wood & Brass Suri Bowls 

     

    Wood & Brass Suri bowl by Shri Bholanath Karmakar

     

    Sherpai or Suri bowls were regarded as an essential measuring tool in Bengali households of wealthy farmers and Zamindars (a collector of land revenue during the Mughal and British rule in India). It was primarily used to store rice and other types of grains like paddy. It developed in the late 18th century and is traditionally crafted out of wood and adorned with brass bindings. 

    A traditional Suri bowl set comprises a set of seven bowls stacked one over the other, in the decreasing order of their sizes. 

    Historically, making a set of Suri bowls includes 40 steps and requires skilled craftsmanship. Only one family in West Bengal is engaged in this form of craft indicating the need to take immediate steps to preserve this craft form. 

    A set of Suri bowls, has proven to be a functional piece in the modern kitchen and make for a great wedding gift to any newly-wed couple. It eloquently signifies their new life together and bids them good fortune! 

    References

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