A region with distinct cultural and linguistic identity, Madhubani gave birth to a rich art form — the Madhubani paintings. Also known as Mithila art, it is soaked in folklore and mythological landscapes of the Indian subcontinent. A host of home décor articles lend themselves beautifully to this mystical folk art. So the next time you go browsing for online shopping, consider giving your home and yourself a Madhubani makeover!
Soaked in history dating back to 2500 years ago, lies a region in the Mithila state of Nepal and the northern part of Bihar, India. It’s known as Madhubani. A place with distinct regional and linguistic identity, Madhubani gave birth to a rich art form, which is soaked in folklore and mythological landscapes of the Indian subcontinent – the Madhubani paintings, aka Mithila art. Womenfolk in the region would paint on walls of homes and gradually the walls were replaced by cloth, handmade paper and canvas. With changing times, Madhubani artists found newer canvas to showcase this mystical art; saree being one of them. Over the years, Madhubani sarees have been celebrated for their rich folklore traditions and are revered by both Indian and international art connoisseurs. And that’s not it. A host of home décor articles lend themselves beautifully to this mystical folk art, including earthen pots, coasters, trays and wall hanging. So the next time you go browsing for online shopping, consider giving your home and yourself a Madhubani makeover!
Traditionally Speaking – Mythological Images using Natural Colours
Madhubani paintings are two-dimensional images on themes ranging from nature to mythology. Traditionally speaking, the depictions revolve around Hindu deities such as Rama, Krishna, Lakshmi, Shiva, Durga and Saraswati. Royal court scenes and weddings are other popular themes in these paintings. Flowers, animals and birds and geometric designs are used as aesthetic fillers. In the olden days, the brush was made of cotton and wrapped around a bamboo stick and natural colours were obtained from trees, flowers and shrubs. For example, black colour was made by adding soot to cow dung and yellow by combining turmeric with the milk of banyan leaves…
Madhubani art uses outline technique wherein a double line is drawn for outlines. The gap is filled with either cross or straight tiny lines. Interestingly, unlike many other art forms, there is no shading in the application of colours.
Aruna’s Akshara Handmade Jewellery – handcrafted & bespoke products with a Madhubani twist
Today, many young and upcoming artists practice Madhubani to create contemporary products with an indigenous twist of folk art. Vaudrevu Meher Aruna, founder, Akshara Handmade Jewellery is one of them. When Aruna picked the brush for her first Madhubani painting in 2018, it was initially yet another stressbuster in her second postpartum phase just like she had taken to making quilled rakhis and other crafts following the birth of her first child. What began as a pastime hobby eventually evolved into an enterprising idea. “I was searching for an ecofriendly jute purse and that’s when I stumbled upon Madhubani art form. I was attracted to the geometric patterns, flowers and leaves, the color combinations in yellow, red, sap green, orange and black. I thought of trying my hand with fabric colours, which are available readily in the market,” says Aruna.
The positive response from her family and well-wishers encouraged Aruna to start the business page for her brand, Akshara Handmade Jewellery, on Facebook. She gradually started receiving orders for Madhubani products for both gifting purpose and personal use. “I do Madhubani on cotton mask, fine jute purses, sling bags made of canvas and also fine jute,” she adds.
From house warming to saree ceremonies, and birthdays to marriages Aruna’s Akshara Handmade Jewellery brand has a host of gifting and return gift options for varied occasions. What’s more interesting is that she has various customization options for her patrons. “I make my products with love and care. I think my products are unique because I keep trying new things and I customize according to client budget and choice of design,” informs Aruna.
Range of handcrafted products – one for every mood and every occasion
- Silk thread jewellery
- Fabric jewellery
- Beaded jewellery
- Madhubani painting on purses and sling bags
- Hand painting on mask, fine jute, canvas purses and pouches and handbags, potlis
- Canvas painting
- Decoupage on fridge magnets, art on raw silk purses, nameplates and key holders
- Tea light candle holders
- Quilling stuff like jewellery, keychain and rakhis
- Kids rakhis
- Personalized photo frames
- Engagement ring platters
Contact details:
Click the following social media handles to check out Akshara Handmade Jewellery
Grate art … wonderful products
Really grate art on jute
Nice collection
All the best