Art & Crafts of India #4: Stone Sculptures of Mahabalipuram

When I think of 'Stone Sculptures' the first image that comes to mind is the amazing granite stone sculptures of Mahabalipuram, near Chennai in Tamil Nadu.There are various styles of stone sculptures in India but today I would like to share the absolutely stunning 'Pallava Style' sculptures from Mahabalipuram.(A small stone Ganesha in my balcony)

Apart from being a Unesco World Heritage Site, Mahabalipuram is also a hub for stone carvings & idols.
The sculptors or sthapathis as they are known in India, have been carrying on this rich tradition of carving from their forefathers where they use Vaastu Shastra as well as mathematical precison for the execution of such exquisite sculptures.
Here you'll find idols in various sizes and shapes, some specially made for temples, some custom-made for hotels and smaller ones for homes & gardens.
Idols of Hindu Gods & Goddesses such as Ganesha, Gaja-Lakshmi, Shiva, Nandi are common.

Here are some interesting ideas for using stone sculpture in home decor.
(A stone Ganesha in our balcony, I love decorating with fresh flowers:-) This pic is to show ideas for decorating with stone sculptures- This sculpture is Hoysala style*)

These exquisite pieces can be used indoors or in your gardens and balconies along with green plants...
* Will definitely post about Hoysala Style later in this feature:-)

(some images from Inside Outside, October 2005 issue)

Art & Crafts of India #3: Tanjore Painting

Thanjavur Oviyam or Tanjore Painting is one of my favourite Art of India. The rich gold, semi-precious stones decorated paintings of mostly Gods & Goddesses can brighten up any room.(Details on the frames of one of the Tanjore Paintings)
It is one of the ancient forms of painting from South India. It is usually done on dark wooden planks. Tanjore Paintings have become very popular lately and are given as gifts & souvenirs.
Interesting themes like 'Rhishaba Vahana'- Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvathi sitting on Nandi(The Bull), 'Gopi Krishna'- Lord Krishna with the Gopis' are some of my favourites.

We are passionate about Tanjore Paintings and you can see some of them here:-)
(Rhishaba Vahana Tanjore)

Here are some ideas from magazines...
You could group Tanjore Paintings of similar colours together.
Group it together like an art gallery or...focus on just one painting.

In our drawing room we've highlighted this 'Ashtalakshmi'- 8 Goddess Lakshmi painting by using bright orange colour on the wall.

So to bring in rich, bright, traditional art into your home, why not invest in a Tanjore Painting :-)

( some images from Elle Decor Jan 2007 issue)

Art & Crafts of India #2: Indian Hand Embroidery

Indian Hand Embroidery entices us with its vibrant colours, the intricate designs and the effort put in by the skilled craftsmen.

There are various styles of embroidery in India & from different regions and it would be an enormous task to cover all of them in one small post.

Some of the well-known styles are Phulkari, Chikan, Kantha, Banjara, Rabari, Mirrorwork, Zardozi and you can read more about Indian Embroidery Styles here.

So here are some of the interesting styles...
Colourful cushion covers from Shrujan

The vibrant craft can be brought into your homes in the form of home accessories like cushion covers, bedsheets, door hangings, wall hanging and many more.

Bedsheet from Indiascrafts

Fantastic wall hanging from Shrujan
Cushion Covers from Shrujan
Door hanging from Indiascraft
Hand Embroidery bed cover from Anokhi
Amazing cushion covers from Tilonia
This white on cream is a dream:-) from Tilonia
Love this from Shrujan

Silver & Gold from Shrujan
Lovely combination from Anokhi
My mirrorwork cushion cover picked up from a Crafts Fair:-)

( Images from Shrujan, Tilonia, Anokhi & Indiascraft)

New Feature-'Art and Crafts of India: Dokra Art'

India is a country with rich art & craft heritage. I personally love the various art & crafts and try to incorporate them in my home.

I have started a new feature, where I'll be highlighting an India art or craft.

My first post is 'Dokra Art'

It's an ancient art of casting metal using the lost-wax method. The tribals from India make amazing idols & figures of Gods & Godesses, Animals, Birds and also their daily lives.

Above is a Dokra idol of 'Goddess Kali' in my home.

'The Owl' occasionally sits on my crockery sideboard.

Animal figures in my daughter's bathroom.