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)

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The rustic charm of a restored 'Haveli'

Restoration noun-The act of making new or as if new again.

This word brings immense happiness to my heart, whether it is rescuing the old door from a demolished Chettinad mansion and giving it a place in our living room or giving a new lease of life to antique dowry chest picked up from the bylanes of a village.
Arches frame the open courtyards
This Haveli built in 1776 on the outskirts of Delhi was restored by art historians Francis Wacziarg and Aman Nath. The Haveli which is a synthesis of Hindu & Islamic architectural style had been abandoned for 50 years.

The exteriors were left untouched, all the 46 windows were opened to view the open landscape outside and only the courtyard & rooms were renovated & painted.
White-washed walls with a charpoy as a bed and absolutely gorgeous red bedcover...Antique low folding Shekahawati chairs (which were once used by women while churning butter) on the open verandah...
A room off the central courtyard has minimum furnishings like this iron-bound dowry chest and an old low cot...
Oil lamps and a 19th century stone bull occupy the window recess...

I just can't get over this spectacular space of the central courtyard. This courtyard comes alive with the warm glow of lamps in the evening during the celebration of festival of Lakshmi.
What a romantic space to unwind on a weekend with friends :-)
Close-up of one of the corners of the courtyard.
Brass studded door with colourful applique work window shades and entrance to a raised shutter door leading to the veranda...Just look at this dining room*sigh*
The table is a high bed (Takht) which has been raised on four stone drums. So innovative!

What a great job done by Francis Wacziarg and Aman Nath. This fantastic 'Haveli' not only reflects the charm of the past but also accomodates the modern needs.

(Images from Indian Style-by Suzanne Slesin & Stafford Cliff)

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Radha & Krishna

I have just not been able to get these surreal images of Radha & Krishna out of my mind... Krishna
RadhaThese are tempera on canvas by Kolkata based artist Bratin Khan. I can only imagine the beauty these paintings would bring to the space where they are placed.

(images from myindianart.com)

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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)

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Yamini

Yamini is a chain of specialist stores, with the main focus on home textiles. Yamini not only has a vibrant collection of home furnishings like beddings, cushions, accessories etc but also has interiors that inspire & enhance the beauty of their products.
Interiors so colourful and beautiful that shopping here becomes an experience, an inspiration...!
Just look at these colours, the patterns, the embellishments....The rich & vibrant bed & bath linen collection
Black & WhitesBright colours & motifs compliment each other...
Table Linen & accessories...
The accessories are an exotic blend of colours, textures & patterns...
So enjoy these images while I float away into a word of colours, patterns & textures....:-))

(images from yamini.com)

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Tagged...

katiedid has tagged me.

It's where I tell you all a bit more about myself:-)

1. I had an arranged marriage.
My now husband/then a prospective groom & I decided to get married exactly two & a half hours after meeting each other. We've been married 8 years now & have a 5 year old daughter.

2. I am a self-confessed chai addict. Well, I use that as an excuse to collect loads of interesting ceramic mugs.

3. I am a fruits person. I get very insecure when the fruit-bowl on my dining table gets empty…

4. I have 4 piercings in each ear and one on my nose.

5. I learnt Bharatnatyam for many years and abandoned it to pursue my love for Hindustani classical music to the disappointment of my mother who is fantastic dancer.

6. My handbag is always filled with small biscuit packets, which I give to beggars on traffic signals since I don’t believe in throwing coins at them.

7. I absolutely love traveling by Indian railways, the crowd, the chai-sellers, crying babies, yelling passengers, the loud whistles of the steam engine…that is ‘the real India’!

8. I can eat any number of ‘Gol Guppas/Pani Puris’ an Indian street food.

I now tag...

My Marrakesh, Indigo Blue, Rochambeau, Smosch, Hei Astrid, Anknel and Burblets, the happy living blog, LotusHaus

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Bring in the floating beauties...

This post comes in a bit early, I usually post on Fridays. I'll be away for few days, but I just had to share one of my favourite decorating tips with all of you.

Fresh flowers bring in happiness, positivity & cheer into one's home. I buy flowers from my local florist and keep them in special corners in my home. Most of all I love floating flowers in Urlis, terracotta containers, brass plates and even in my Ikea cup ;-)Next time try floating some rose petals or even wild flowers picked up from your garden in a bowl and see the beauty it brings in.

Here are some pics from the corners of my home...
Some design ideas from books & travels...

(some images from Indian Design- Daab)

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