Matsya-Chitta Mandala

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Name: Matsya-Chitta Mandala
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: DO97
Price: 180.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$180

In only folk art could a subject so simplistic be treated with such complex style. This one-of-a-kind Madhubani is a superb example of Indian regional art. It is a plethora of fish, each with a minimalistic silhouette, swimming in concentric circles filled in with solid pastel colours. In fact, the black lines that define the body of the fish and the colour palette against which they are made are signature Madhubani aspects.

The home of Madhubani painting is in Mithila in Bihar. It originated in the hands of rural women looking to adorn the walls of their dwellings. The authenticity of the one you see on this page lies in its earthy appeal and, more importantly, in the canvas on which the work is done. It is handmade paper that has been specially treated with cow-dung for a texture that serves to bring out the thick lines and the bright colours.

The mandala motif is quintessential to Indian art. It stands for the universe of the purusha (soul), wherein each of the concentric circles represents the layers of the chitta (psyche). The convention is that the subject lies at the very centre of these layers, so this Madhubani depicts the mandala of the rudimentary matsya-chitta. For those of us with a weakness for natural water-bodies and the innocent creatures dwelling therein, this would make for a great piece of art to own.

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Item Code:	DO97
Specifications:	Madhubani Painting on Hand Made Paper Treated with Cow DungFolk Painting from the Village of Madhubani (Bihar)
Dimensions	28.5 inch x 20.5 inch

Handmade

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100% Made in India

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Colors of Tradition: Exploring the Artistry Behind Madhubani Paintings

Madhubani painting is also known as Mithila art as it is practiced in the Mithila region of India and Nepal. It has specifically originated from the Madhubani district of the state of Bihar. Traditionally, the women of this region created these paintings and in recent years, it has become a widely practiced art and has now become renowned throughout the world. This art expresses the creativity and culture of the people of Mithila and is passed from one generation to another. In this way, the heritage of Madhubani art has been preserved for many decades. The subjects of these paintings are usually religion, love, and fertility. Sometimes, social events like festivals, weddings, and royal court are also depicted in the paintings. The most commonly painted designs and themes are the forms of Hindu Gods and Goddesses such as Ganesha, Shiva, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Krishna, and Ram. The characteristic features of Madhubani paintings are their vibrant colors and eye-catching geometrical patterns. The empty spaces are filled with traditional motifs such as floral and foliate patterns, animals, birds, geometrical structures, and other designs. The local artists create these paintings using a variety of items such as matchsticks, twigs, brushes, pens, or even their own fingers. The paints are usually made with natural dyes and pigments.
As simple as it may seem, the making process of the world-famous Madhubani paintings is certainly not easy and requires lots of hard labor.

Traditional Madhubani paintings are done either on cloth, handmade paper, or canvas. Select the medium of painting as per your choice. If you have chosen cloth, attach it to cardboard to make a solid base. The making of the painting begins with making a double-lined border. This is a very important step because the border is filled with various geographical shapes and patterns or other motifs. The average width of the border is 1.5 - 2 cm. Now that the border is created, you will be left with a blank middle space. This is the main workspace. Start drawing your choice of figure, designs, and shapes. These must be relevant to the Madhubani painting themes.

When the key design has been made, the empty spaces in between are filled with some designs.
Now is the time to color the painting using vivid shades and hues. Colors in Madhubani are sourced from nature; Indigo is used to produce blue, flower juice produces red, turmeric gives yellow, leaves produce green, cow dung mixed soot gives black, and rice powder gives white.

To paint these colors, the artist uses a bamboo stick and wraps cotton around it. This acts as a traditional brush.
The entire painting is now painted using this special brush with natural vibrant colors. · However, in modern times, the common brush is used and instead of natural colors, artists prefer to use acrylic paints.

Since the entire painting is made with natural materials and colors, it appears simple yet enriching. Originally, this art was created on mud walls or soil grounds but when it evolved over many years, the people of Madhubani started to make it on fabric and paper. Today, this art has become globalized and is receiving worldwide attention and appreciation.

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