Editor's Picks

Gorgeously Draped Lord Vishnu, Canopied By Sheshanaga

The Lord Vishnu is what comes between creation and destruction. He is responsible for the preservation of what Lord Brahma has created, prior to its destruction by Lord Shiva. In this light, He presides over each cycle of creation, sustains it till it is time for another end and another beginning. No wonder He is one of the most popular entities of the Hindu pantheon, a fountain of inspiration to artists all over the subcontinent.

The art of the South has an inimitable character. The media used in this sculpture is locally grown cedarwood, whose natural creme colour does justice to the divine glory of the subject. His dhoti and angavastram fall upon and around His chaturbhujadhari frame in superbly realistic drapes, which is a distinguishing mark of the workmanship. His bare torso and arms are adorned with a world of shringar, sculpted with crisp attention to detail and symmetry.

The distinguishing aspect of this standing Lord Vishnu sculpture is the presence of Sheshanaga, who raises its five-hooded head above His crown. It is the same naga that He usually makes a bed of, in terms of His more conventional iconography. Note how the pleasant composure of His haloed countenance seems to be offsetting the ferocity of the serpent behind Him.

Blue-Coral Kashmiri Robe with Aari Embroidered Flowers by Hand

This statement-making robe is bound to become your second skin. As fashionable as it is functional, it ticks all the boxes on the list of quintessentially Kashmiri aesthetics. Fashioned from the warmest variety of homegrown wool, check. Dyed a deep gorgeous shade of pastel blue, like a lake in the valley reflecting the skies above, check. Luxuriant proportions of the endemic ari embroidery across the field of the dress, check. Drape this over your form such as to layer the front-panels for greater warmth, and hold it in place with the substantial belt at the waist (it comes with a panel of embroidery that matches the one along the edges of the panels).

The Kashmiri artisan's way with crewelwork makes for striking results. From the continuous chain stitches one could observe by zooming in on the motifs to the signature colour palette of natural pastels, ari embroidery is instantaneously recognisable and inimitable. It finds its way into most of the much-coveted produce of the region, from shawls and stoles to jackets and sarees, and is the very picture of Kashmiri aesthetics and traditional elegance. Indeed this one-of-a-kind robe is for those of us for whom glamour is a habit.

22" The Resplendent Buddha Gives You His Blessing In Brass | Handmade | Made In India

The unmistakable silhouette of the Buddha makes this work a must-buy. Of flawless handiwork and a finish so splendid, this sculpture would be a statement addition to your space and turn your visitors' heads in curiosity and admiration. The Buddha assumes poorna-padmasana atop a freshly bloomed lotus (the lotus pedestal is indispensable when it comes to Hindu and Buddhist iconography). He is clad in His characteristic off-one-shoulder raiment, the dense embroidery and ample folds of which have been sculpted superbly realistically. The right hand is raised in vitarka mudra (the dharmakachakrakar gesture), while the left-hand rests on His lap and carries the all-healing medicinal potion that forms the foundation of Tibetan medicine.

Trailokya Vishvakarma Lakshmi Yantra (Yantra for Money and Prosperity)

Yantras are the spiritual doorways to the macrocosm. They are the tool that allows the microcosmic mind to focus and traverse distances not possible for the human body. In this light, they are the harbinger of affluence and well-being and harmony. The Trailokya Vishvakarma Lakshmi Yantra bestows great fortune and wealth on the devotee. Its worship needs to take place under the guidance of an experienced astrologer, and coupled with hard work and wise decisions in other areas of life. Of considerable complexity, each enclosure on the flawlessly engraved surface area of the thin copper sheet is inscribed with sacred chants. The mantra along the bottom reads, "Shri vishvakarman bhuvaneshu pujyo tvameva shaktishch pramustvameva/Nanyostiloke tvadhikastvamekaha sarvetare sevakadasa bhritaha".

Jet-Black Stole from Kashmir with Aari Embroidered Birds and Flowers

This stole is the very picture of Kashmir. Premium wools of the homegrown variety have been fashioned into this glamorous stole, dyed a a statement black foundation and embroidered luxuriantly with floral and faunal motifs atypical of the valley. A mix of warm neutrals and minimal natural pastels constitutes the colour palette of the rich ariwork in the foreground. This type of embroidery is endemic to Kashmir, starting from the technique of crewelwork to the colours and motifs used. The stylised and taselled edges adds some jazz to the traditional chic of this stole.

20" Large Shiva-lingam, A Picture of Shiva-Parvati's Oneness in Brass | Handmade

Rama-Durbar Amidst Tropical Verdure

Mysore paintings are midway through classical and popular Indian art traditions. The paper equivalent of Tanjore paintings (Tanjore paintings employ a fabric canvas), is characterized by an eloquence that is possible only for the artisans of the South. Like the fine example you see on this page, Mysore art comprises highly expressive paintings. The traditional painter draws from the wealth of images afforded by Indian mythology and infuses his work with the devotion in his simple heart. The theme of this one is the much-discussed Rama-durbar, comprising of Purushottam Rama, His beauteous Seeta, and the devoted duo of Lakshaman and Lord Hanuman, each of whom is much idolized in Indian lore, their travails glorified, shining examples made of their characters that are thoroughly annealed into the Indian psyche.

The deities have been painted with all the opulence of articulation that belongs to Mysore paintings. They are dressed in richly colored silks, their gold shringar as ample as befits those of the best of us. Purushottam Rama is on a velvet pedestal, before which prostrates the great Lord Hanuman. He is flanked by that part of His family that refused to let Him go into vanvaas (literally, 'stay in the forest', referring to His exile) on His own. A couple of cherubs, with heavenly bodies behind their backs, are showering Him with sweet-smelling white flowers. Note how realistic the backdrop is - warm tropical skies and a bed of verdure. The bottom of the painting is made up of a series of South Indian saints famous for their devotion to the Lord.

Blue-Jewel Traditional Brocaded Sari from Bangalore with Woven Bootis and Temple Border

The Blue-Jewel Traditional Brocaded Sari from Bangalore is a true gem in the world of ethnic fashion. Its stunning fusion of rich blue and vibrant red creates a mesmerizing drape, ideal for festive occasions. Adorned with meticulously woven bootis, this sari showcases the epitome of craftsmanship. The glistening golden work intricately adorns the fabric, adding a touch of opulence. The temple border is a testament to tradition, featuring flawless motifs that honor heritage. When draped, this sari embodies the essence of timeless elegance, making it the perfect choice for celebrating cultural festivities and adding a touch of regal splendor to special days.

32" Dashabhuja Kali, As Invincible As She Gets In Brass | Handmade | Made In India

Undeniably the fiercest of the Hindu devi pantheon, the very picture of Mother Kali strikes terror into the heart of the adharmee. Her skin is an all-encompassing dark black; Her form, a fearless naked; and shringar, minimal. The complexion is set off by the mercilessly bloodthirsty composure of countenance, with that glittering bit of visible tongue, that is an indispensable part of Her iconography. The only things that clothe Her are garlands of adharmees' heads that She has severed, and a girdle of severed arms that Her karma-yogi devotees have offered to Her (this is because one observes one's karma with the hands). Instead of the usual silks and jewels that grace the rest of the devis, the seat of Kali's personality lies in the numerous divine weapons She holds in each of Her ten (dasha) arms (bhuja).

Har Ki Pauri, A Ghat Of Prime Importance Since The Vedic Age

Ghats (riverbanks) are places of worship for the Hindu people. This is because the river is a rich source of nourishment for human settlements, and consequently the ghat the nurturer of the greatest civilisations. Despite growing urbanisation in the subcontinent, it is very common for people to make pilgrimages to ghats, each of which is of considerable Vedic significance. The one depicted in this paper watercolour is Har Ki Pauri, which in the local Khari boli means 'the steps leading up to the lord'. It is said that Shiva and Vishnu had been at the Brahmakund in this ghat during Satyayuga together (the Brahmakund is where drops of the otherworldly nectar has touched the earth). No wonder this ghat is counted among the most popular pilgrimage destination in North India, and is a subject of choice with artists.

Artist Navneet Parikh has depicted with perfection the life and spiritual current flowing through this ghat in Haridwar. A pale twilight sky, characteristic of the plains as you go northwards into the mountains, sets off the masterful stone templetops with great beauty. Do not miss how consummate is each curve of the sculpted edges, how lifelike the light of the setting sun reflecting off the smooth stone surfaces. The two trees on either side in the background, their slim winding trunks ending in shocks of deftly stippled leaves, add balance to the composition.

It is the stream in the foreground that is the most challenging part of the painting. Complex brushstrokes in shades and tints of blue have gone into a highly realistic portrayal of the sacred Ganga waters. The couple in the foreground is making an offering to their ancestors, while the damsels nearer to the steps - their black tresses loosened - are busier having a good time than proverbially washing off their sins. A couple of maidens are simply taking a walk along the ghat, deeply absorbed in conversation. While a wealthier couple sits in consultation with the Brahman to the right of the viewer, a yogi is performing padmasana in the other end of the frame. Note how flawless is each and every detail of the figures - their limbs in motion, their garments in line with traditional Northern fashion, and the shringar of the ladies.