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.
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)
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*)
(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*)* Will definitely post about Hoysala Style later in this feature:-)(some images from Inside Outside, October 2005 issue)
(Details on the frames of one of the Tanjore Paintings)
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.
(Rhishaba Vahana Tanjore)
You could group Tanjore Paintings of similar colours together.
Group it together like an art gallery or
...focus on just one painting.
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.
Colourful cushion covers from 
Door hanging from 
Hand Embroidery bed cover from 
Amazing cushion covers from 
This white on cream is a dream:-) from 
Love this from 
Silver & Gold from 
Lovely combination from 
My mirrorwork cushion cover picked up from a Crafts Fair:-)
India is a country with rich art & craft heritage. I personally love the various art & crafts and try to incorporate them in my home.
'The Owl' occasionally sits on my crockery sideboard.
Animal figures in my daughter's bathroom.