Marble Art from India

Culture rich India has several forms of stone artwork from different regions. Brilliantly painted marble from Rajasthan is one of best examples of such stone artwork and can best be described as ‘poetry in stone.’

Marble painting as an art form originated in Rajasthan during the sixteenth century. The Rajput kings and nobles of this state were dedicated patrons of arts and crafts. In Rajasthan there are around 4000 marble mines and since marble was readily available, it became the canvas for Rajput painters. Intricate images are drawn on stone and the brush of the painters seals it with eternal beauty. Although marble comes in varied hues of white, pink, gray and black, it is generally milky white marble which is used by artists to bring to life human figures, nature, landscapes, objects and animals. The artist successfully captures an image on marble and then uses his unique blend of color schemes to fill that image so that it catches the eye of every beholder.
Various objects with marble paintings make impressive gift items and decorative accessories, and can also be used to add that touch of Rajput royalty and elegance to a home.

A few distinct techniques and styles used in marble painting are:

• ‘Minakari’ work: Minakari is a method by which a design is engraved on marble and then painted with vibrant colors like red, green, black, yellow and blue.
• Devotional paintings: Legendary characters from Hindu epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata are painted on marble and bright colors are used to bring back the glory of the past.
• Jewelry paintings: This art has its origins in Jaipur and consists of a design being drawn on marble and skillfully made gold leaf being pasted on the jewelry design. Enamel colors as well as glass pieces are used to decorate the design and add to its intricate beauty.
• Miniature paintings: The use of delicate brush strokes can transform an ordinary marble tile into a showpiece worthy of being called a collector’s item. A common depiction is that of Indian musical instruments. These are painted with colors drawn from substances as varied as minerals, vegetables, conch shells and even gold and silver.

Marble paintings are influenced by local schools of art from Kishangarh, Jaipur, Kangra and Mandi. All major centers have their distinct style and many have attained expertise in the depiction of a certain aspect. The Kishangarh School can boast of having attained world class perfection in paintings of women. The Jaipur School focuses on mythological depictions. Many paintings depict local legends and famous royals like Pabuji, a Royal Rajput Prince who is revered by tribesmen for his valor. He fought and defeated the cruel cow-slaughtering ruler Mirza Khan. The brushes of the painters also depict the universal theme of the victory of good over evil through scenes from religious epics and eternal love through the life of Mumtaz and Shahjahan, the famous Mughal couple whose love story is immortalized in the Taj Mahal.

The marble paintings of Rajasthan make memorable and unique gifts for your loved ones. Each one is an exemplary display of the skill of local artisans. Some Handmade marble home decor items can be viewed in our Indian Home Decor collection at Cultural Elements

Mirror Embroidery Quilts from Jaipur and Jodhpur

The diversity of regions in India has led to a varied range of handicrafts which have become popular all over the world for their uniqueness. Mirror work with embroidery is a specialty craft from India.

Rajasthan is an Indian State with craftsmen of exemplary skill and talent. They are experts in working with various patterns, motifs and styles for textiles, with mirror work being one of the most popular of all embroidery crafts. Jaipur and Jodhpur are known for their finely embroidered quilts and garments, and mirrors are commonly used in their designs.

Mirror work seemingly originated in Persia in the thirteenth century and later spread to other places. Small pieces of mirrors are sewn on cloth using stitches like cross stitch, satin stitch and buttonhole stitch. Earlier, mica was used in place of mirrors to enhance the attractiveness of a garment. Now, with the help of modern machinery, mirror sheets are manufactured, which are then cut into different shapes and sizes. In Rajasthan, this craft has been popular since the time of the Rajput kings.

The craftsmen of Jaipur and Jodhpur have developed an enviable expertise in different patterns such as appliqué and tie-and-dye, which they embellish with mirrors, thereby turning ordinary cloth into an exquisite artform! Bikaner, Sikar and Jhunjhunu are other popular centers of this craft. Thus, it is not without reason that Rajasthan is often referred to as a ‘shopper’s delight’, with tourists often overwhelmed at the multitude of choices they get in embroidery styles.

Quilting or the stitching together of scraps of fabric which fit into a larger design is a unique offering of the state of Rajasthan. The making of quilts involves time, patience and skill. The lightweight, feather soft quilt from Jaipur will make you want no other. The warmth of these quilts will keep you cozy on the coldest winter night and the embroidery on the cover will add color to an otherwise gray season! Mirrors in various shapes – round, square and triangular – are used to enhance the pattern or design on these quilts. These mirrors are held onto the cloth with stitches. One quilt can hold up to a thousand mirrors! Such creative use of mirrors leaves a lasting impression and turns a simple quilt into a much coveted and exclusive possession.

Not only popular with the locals, garments with mirror work form a sizeable part of the exports made to European countries. It can truly be said that for the men and women of Rajasthan that their needle is a brush with which they create memorable art on cloth. Craftsmen and artists from different areas like Bikaner, Sikar and Jaisalmer contend for the top position in exquisite needle work and embroidery.
So gift yourself or your loved ones one of these traditional, exclusive items, handcrafted with meticulous care and skill!

View an example of Mirror Ebroidered Indian Bed Cover here.