Radha and Krishna – An Eternal Love story
“It is believed that Krishna enchants the world, but Radha enchants even him.” This statement sums up one of the more eternal love stories of Hindu mythology, one that has inspired countless writers, scholars and artisans to create epic masterpieces on this tale of divine love and bonding under the picturesque skies of Gokul.
Radha, as a figure is considered one of the most elusive when it comes to Indian literature; a few works, before Jayadeva Goswami’s Gita Govinda, made mentions to her in obscure passages or songs, while several ancient texts do not even mention her. The relationship of Radha and Krishna thus forms the basis of not only a great love story, but also a great mystery and a topic of debate as many differing views have been raised about Radha and the exact nature of her relationship with Lord Krishna.
Jayadeva Goswami’s epic poem, Gita Govinda brought the theme of the love story of Radha and Krishna into the larger consciousness and made this story celebrated throughout India. In Vaishnava devotional or Bhakti traditions of Hinduism that focus on Krishna, Radha is revered as the ‘Shakti’, the female force and the personification of the divine feminine creator. Radha is the most important Gopi in the Raas Leela and her importance, over the other gopis is highlighted by placing her on the same pedestal as Lord Krishna and being worshipped with the same fervor and devotion. The love between Krishna and Radha was seen as pure, bound by a deeper and stronger spiritual connection and a sense of devotion that makes this story inspirational for the generations of artisans who have created wonderful tributes in sculpture, song, prose, paintings and many other creative expressions.
Artistic depictions of Radha and Krishna traditionally have had them accompanied by the gopis. This artistic device served to remind the audience of not only the love that each Gopi felt for Krishna, but to also establish Radha’s superiority by placing her above them. Lord Krishna is traditionally depicted as being as enamored of Radha as the milkmaids are of him.
This timeless tale of divine bonding is a favorite theme among our dedicated team of artisans, with artisanscrest.com showcasing tributes to Lord Krishna and Radha in the form of beautiful Pattachitra Paintings, intricately carved statues and masterfully created woodworks. Each of these masterpieces is a tribute to the tale of timeless, eternal and beautiful love.
At Artisanscrest.com, we invite you to work with our team of dedicated craftsmen to customize your own little piece of tradition. Get in touch with us and co-create a masterpiece in an art form that has endured the test of time.
All About Golden Grass
In this day and age of technological innovations and modern inventions, creating exquisite works of art purely by hand is awe-inspiring. However, making complex processes and designs look emphaticlly simple while retaining the eye for detail and delicate, precise handiwork to make a flawless finished product has always been a hallmark of the famed Golden Grass craftsmen of India. Getting its name from the material used to create these masterpieces, Golden Grass is the craft of moulding and shaping dried grass, native to the swampy areas into colourful items for decorative and regular usage. Uniquely, this form of art owes its preservation more to women artisans who have made sure that this art form endures, training and passing on the wisdom and the skills onto future generations.
The process of converting the grass from raw material into finished goods is an intricate and interesting process. The grass is first cut from near its base and then dried. The upper portion of the flowering stem is then discarded. The remaining portion is finely sliced and shaved and used for making the products. These products were originally sold at the weekly markets or by door to door sellers, but over time, their popularity has since seen them reach the houses of collectors and art lovers across the globe.
Golden grass products, are often utilitarian as well as ornamental. The women make containers to store grain, rice, and lentils, boxes to keep their clothes and jewellery, baskets to store sweets and keep betel leaf, and containers to store their spices. Toys are made for the children, while the women make bangles for themselves. Coasters, hand-held fans, and bowls and boxes of all types and sizes, mobiles, and three-dimensional figures are made for urban markets, while figures of deities are crafted for religious festivals. Each item is not only colourful but also individual. Colours are used in dramatic contrast and each product reflects the creative impulse of its maker. Two-dimensional images of birds and animals, trees, and figures are also beautifully crafted.
Artisanscrest has a unique range of products exquisitely made by our exclusive team of skilled and dedicated Golden Grass craftsmen; from pen stands to jewellery boxes, our range of golden grass products are both utilitarian and artistic, adding a touch of culture and heritage into your home.
Deepasthambhams – Bringing light to the world
Have you ever looked at an ornately carved lamp in a Kerala hous? With its intricate craftsmanship and bright golden sheen, these lamps occupy the pride of place in the households of God’s own country. What’s their story? Where do they come from? How have they established their place in Kerala’s artistic and spiritual story?
These ‘Pillars of Light’, known throughout the world as Kerala Lamps are integral to several tiruals and ceremonies in Hindu families in Kerala. Also known as Nilavilakku for the Malyalam words Nilam or floor or the ground and Vilakku, meaning lamp, this lamp is a part of daily tradition at home. Every morning as the sun rises, the young girls of the house bring the lamps to the verandah, accompanied by prayers. The same procedure is repeated in the evening, signifying the end of the day and accompanied by prayers to protect the house.
The Nilavilakku is made out of bronze and brass and is characterized by the attention to detail on each piece. The expert craftsmen of Kerala take special pride in customizing each Nilavilakku, showcasing their artistic vision and attention to detail through these exquisite works of art and spirituality. The Nilavilakkus use cotton wicks which are then doused in oil and lit, spreading light and warmth throughout the house.
The appeal of Nilavilakkus has transcended organized religions: with the advent of Christianity in kerala, the custom of lighting these pillars of light has also become popular among the homes and churches of the Saint Thomas Christians, also known as Syrian Christians. Syrian Christian art forms like the Margamkali dance and the marital dance of Parichamuttakali are performed around the Nilavilakkus. These exquisite lamps can also be found in some mosques like the Ponnani Al Maqtoom Juma Masjid and Jarams or holy caves across Kerala.
Artisanscrest’s exclusive community of Kerala artisans has created several customized Nilavilakkus, unique creations for each individual customer. These ornate lamps add a touch of class and opulence to your home while showcasing the customer’s discernment and spreading warmth and light throughout the house.
Get in touch with us and collaborate along with our skilled team of artisans to co-create your own little piece of Indian art history and tradition.
Why are Ganeshas considered so auspicious?
Among the vast pantheon of Indian gods, Lord Ganesha occupies a special place in the hearts and minds of devotees across the globe. The elephant headed son of Shiva, Ganesha is revered for his wit, intellect, his patronage for the arts and also his benevolence towards his devotees. Ganesha is revered as the remover of obstacles and bestows boons of prosperity and success to those who believe. It is considered auspicious to pray to Ganesha to bless new enterprises or break down obstacles in our lives, and devotees of Ganesha are known to trek for miles to Ganesha temples to seek the God’s blessings upon their new enterprise and lives.
Today, we look at the various artistic representations of Ganesha. Why do so many people have statues of Ganesha in their homes? What is the best place to keep them? What is the spiritual significance of having a Ganesha idol, sculpture or painting in the house?
Most common depictions of Ganesha feature Ganesha with his trunk turning left. The trunk turned to the left side signifies the cooling power of the ida naadi, the cosmic force that invokes the moon and is associated with the mighty Ganges river. The trunk turning left signifies the direction of victory and success. The trunk turning left symbolizes victory, prosperity and is also considered to be a form of paying respects to Ganesha’s mother, the Goddess Parvathi. Householders commonly purchase Ganesha idols or paintings with the trunk turning left as they are thought to spread peace, harmony and prosperity throughout the house.
Some depictions of Ganesha also depict him with the trunk turning to the right. The trunk curving to the right stands for salvation or Moksha. These idols are generally found in temples and other places of worship, as per Vedic norms and traditions.
A couple of points to remember when installing a Ganesha statue in the house:
- The best place to place a Ganesha idol or painting in your house is in the Northeast corner of the house
- You can also place the Ganesha idols in the East or Western directions of the house in a way that should be visible
- Never place the Ganesha idol in the southern direction of the house
- Never place the Ganesha idol near toilets or washrooms as it could divert negative energies to the pious atmosphere
- Never place the idols under a stair case
Avoid placing the Ganesha idols in the bedroom, but if there are no suitable other places in the house, keep the idol in the north eastern corner of the room and avoid pointing your feet towards it.
Our growing community of skilled artisans have created several exquisite masterpieces in tribute to this beloved, fun-loving god across various mediums, each piece a unique tribute to his benevolence. From intricately carved statues in sandstone, chalkstone, metal, wood and other mediums to beautifully created Pattachitra paintings, our range of Ganesha products take care to depict Ganesha in all his roles and honour the wit, the humour and the reverence that this beloved deity evokes in all of us.
These exquisite masterpieces can also be custom-made as per your unique requirements. Get in touch with us and collaborate along with our skilled team of artisans to co-create your own little piece of Indian art history and tradition.
The Bhagavad Gita
The Mahabharata is among the great Indian epics and is considered to be one of the world’s largest epic stories. The story of warfare, intrigue and family drama has captivated casual readers and literary scholars for thousands of years and continues to do so. A significant portion of the book describes the war of Kurukshetra between the Pandavas and the Kauravas to settle the issue of who will rule the kingdom. The 5 Pandava brothers and their allies faced up against the armies of their brother, Duryodhana, and his allies, many of whom were mentors and teachers to both the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
At the start of the war, Arjuna, the great Pandava hero looks at the gathered Karava hordes, seeing among them familiar faces, beloved family members, revered teachers. Seeing these familiar faces and struck by the realization that he has to kill many people whom he loves and respects, Arjuna wilts and breaks down in his chariot, casting aside his weapons and sitting down in deep despair. Seeing this, Lord Krishna, his charioteer stands up and delivers a sermon, reminding Arjuna of his duty as a warrior and the need to establish Dharma. This discourse has gained fame as the Bhagavad Gita and has inspired scholars and believers through the ages. The Bhagavad Gita’s call for selfless action inspired many of the leaders of the Indian Independence movement, including Bal Gangadhar Tilak, while Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as M.K Gandhi is said to have referred to the Gita as his spiritual dictionary.
The Bhagavad Gita is treated as one of the key texts for the Vedantha, and remains one of the key books in world spiritualism. Because of it’s epic status, the telling of the Gita has inspired some epic masterpieces in sculpture, painting and woodwork and remains a staple in most places of learning and centres of spirituality. Classical depictions of the ‘Telling of the Bhagavad Gita’, also known as the ‘Gita Saar’, depict the scene from the battle of Kurukshetra, with Krishna launching into his sermon while Arjuna listens in rapt attention. Special attention is paid to Krishna’s divinity as he expounds on one of the epochal Indian spiritual texts, while Arjuna is portrayed as the lost soul seeking enlightenment. Some other depictions also include Arjuna at the feet of Lord Krishna, taking his blessings just before he picks up his bow and heads back into battle.
At Artisanscrest.com, our team of trained artisans works exclusively with the buyers to customize their requests in terms of size, material and art form. Get in touch with us and co-create your own masterpiece, straight from the pages of the great Indian artistic tradition.
Ganesha: The Revered and Beloved Indian God
Among the vast pantheon of Indian gods, Lord Ganesha occupies a special place in the hearts and minds of devotees across the globe. The elephant headed son of Shiva, Ganesha is revered for his wit, intellect, his patronage for the arts and also his benevolence towards his devotees. Ganesha is revered as the remover of obstacles and bestows boons of prosperity and success to those who believe. It is considered auspicious to pray to Ganesha to bless new enterprises or break down obstacles in our lives, and devotees of Ganesha are known to trek for miles to Ganesha temples to seek the God’s blessings upon their new enterprise and lives.
Given his unique position as the patron saint of the arts, Lord Ganesha has inspired craftsmen right from ancient times to pay tribute to him with exquisite masterpieces honouring the various sides to his personality. The most common depictions of Ganesha feature him seated upon his trusted rat, his companion and mount, with his trunk turned left and holding a sweet, usually a laddoo. These depictions are spiritually significant; the trunk turning left symbolizes the cooling power of the ida naadi, the force that invokes the moon and is associated with the mighty Ganges river. The sweet ball is seen to represent the spiritual and material prosperity that Ganesha bestows upon his devotees. Some representations of Ganesha also depict the trunk turning to the right; this signifies Ganesha’s position as the giver of boons, vernacularly known as Siddhis, thus giving rise to Ganesha’s moniker of Siddhivinayaka.
Our growing community of skilled artisans have created several exquisite masterpieces in tribute to this beloved, fun-loving god across various mediums, each piece a unique tribute to his benevolence. From intricately carved statues in sandstone, chalkstone, metal, wood and other mediums to beautifully created Pattachitra paintings, our range of Ganesha products take care to depict Ganesha in all his roles and honour the wit, the humour and the reverence that this beloved deity evokes in all of us.
These exquisite masterpieces can also be custom-made as per your unique requirements. Get in touch with us and collaborate along with our skilled team of artisans to co-create your own little piece of Indian art history and tradition.
Hanuman: The Loyal
Most Hindu children grow up being told stories of Lord Hanuman. Sugriva’s able minister. Lord Rama’s devoted and most trusted ally. A Chiranjeevi – an immortal being who will remain alive on this earth through the Kali Yuga until its very end. Bheema’s elder brother. Hanuman is a central figure in the great Indian epic, the Ramayana and makes a pivotal appearance in the other great epic, the Mahabharata. The son of Vayu and Anjana, Anjaneya (son of Anjana), as he is sometimes known, played a main role in Rama’s war against Ravana, the king of the Asuras at their stronghold of Lanka.
The son of the wind god Vaayu, Hanuman learned under the sun god, Surya and came to be an able minister in the court of the Vanara king, Sugriva. He oversaw the alliance between Lord Rama and the Vanar Sena and came to be Rama’s most dependable ally on the battlefield. It was Hanuman who leapt through the air and landed on Lanka to find the Lady Sita and comfort her. It was Hanuman who fought bravely by the side of Rama and Lakshmana, it was Hanuman who carried a mountain with the divine Sanjivani herb to revive Lakshmana after he was felled in battle. It was Hanuman who tore open his chest to reveal Lord Rama and Lady Sita within as proof of his devotion, and it was Hanuman who requested that he be made immortal so that he could stay on this earth as long as the name Rama was spoken of in reverence. It was Hanuman who taught the arrogant Bheema a lesson in humility and it was Hanuman, in the form of a flag who shielded Arjuna’s chariot from the many celestial weapons fired upon it during the legendary Kurukshetra War.
Hanuman is the embodiment of loyalty and steadfast devotion through all depictions across Hindu mythology and is celebrated for these very qualities. He is also worshipped by wrestlers for his strength, by Shaiva ascetics for his deep reverence and unshakeable faith and by countless others who look upon Hanuman to protect their home and their near and dear ones. Sculptures of Hanuman are frequently installed in temples of avataars of Vishnu and are believed to keep the surroundings free of negativity and evil beings. His rock cut idols are found among all the Maratha forts in Maharashtra, who worshipped him as the God of strength, luck and invincibility. A hanuman statue or painting is said to spread calm, faith and protection throughout the house and is a frequently sought after artifact.
Our trained team of artisans and master craftsmen have created several tributes to Lord Hanuman, depicting various aspects of his personality; from the protector of the loyal to the all powerful Anjaneya, each piece is a unique tribute to this beloved, loyal and steadfast God.
Our products can be custommade as per your unique requirements. Get in touch with us and collaborate with our exclusive team of artisans to co-create your own unique piece of Indian art tradition and culture.
Dhokra Brassworks: A Brief History
4,500 years ago, a metal sculptor in Mohenjadaro created a masterpiece. The discovery of that masterpiece proved that a flourishing civilization once existed in the basin of the Indus Valley River. If that craftsman were to visit the eastern coast of India, he’d find himself right at home, knowing that there is someone who keeps his art form alive.
Inspired by ancient craftsmen, the Dhokra metal-casting process uses the same lost wax techniques that metal sculptors in the Indus Valley Civilization used to create exquisite, bronze sculptures and figurines. A technique, also used in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece and China, this fabled and extremely demanding art form has today come to be synonymous with the nomadic Dhokra tribe who are settled all over the modern regions of Chhattisgarh, Odisha and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
Collectors and art connoisseurs from all across the globe covet Dhokra products, not only because of the intrinsic starkness and vitality of the art form, but also because of the layers of tradition and historical influences that are still visible in the products created by these skilled craftsmen.
The Dhokra craft is one, which has been passed down from generation to generation. Sculptors and master artisans have painstakingly taught subsequent generations the trade secrets and mysteries of the craft through imitation, as well as instruction to ensure that the craft form still remains alive. Unlike other traditional artists, the Dhokra people also believe in gender equality; both men and women are taught the art and work together to create exquisite and high quality works of art.
In addition to the high level of skill on display in these products, the Dhokra art form is also characterized by the innovation and evolution of the craftsman, showcasing the newer influences and highlighting the perfect union between a traditional art form and modern muses and inspirations. While Dhokra artisans continually create ornate and intricate carvings of Gods and other revered figures from mythology, they have now also moved on to creating smaller, lighter works of art which still carry all the trademarks of the lost wax casing technique while making it affordable to an entirely new generation of art lovers and buyers across the world.
On artisanscrest.com, you get a chance to explore our collection of intricate and exquisite Dhokra Brasswork products, straight from the homes and furnaces of the master craftsmen and practitioners of the art; you get a chance to own the physical embodiment of the vision of the uniquely creative artisan and also the fruit of not just one person’s hard work, but of all the generations that came before them and sacrificed to keep the craft alive. You get a chance to own a little piece of history and contribute towards keeping another ancient craft still alive, one piece at a time.
The Artisanscrest network includes a vast community of expert artisans, master craftsmen and visionaries who work in close collaboration with our art curators and connoisseurs to create exquisite works of art for the sole purpose of adorning the homes of our customers from across the globe. Each piece of Dhokra Brassworks is created exclusively by the artisans of the Dhokra tribe based on your choice and specific needs so that you can own a piece of tradition made especially for you.
All About Pipli Art
If you head out a few kilometres from Bhubaneswar, the capital of the Indian state of Odisha, you will reach a village where all the houses and shops along the boast of beautiful and colourful embroidery work, either finished or in progress. Welcome to the village of Pipli, in the district of Puri. Pipli art has gained fame worldwide owing to its bright colours, exquisite embroidery patterns and intricate weaving representing aspects of life in an Indian village.
The Pipli art form emerged as a temple art in the 11th century, under the patronage of kings and nobility. Now used to create a large number of ceremonial and decorative products, the handicrafts are unparalleled in flexibility and versatility, permitting experimentation and encouraging innovation. A community of professional tailors, colloquially known as ‘Darjis’, traditionally practices the craft. They consider the craft as a service or ‘seva’ for the Lord of the temple.
The classically trained and skilled artisans create the art in an intricate technique known as ‘Applique’. Originating from the French word, ‘appliquer’, meaning ‘to put on’, one piece of fabric is placed over a base layer and is sewn in place. The skilled artisans express their creativity in combining different coloured pieces of cloth in order to create bright and vibrant designs, perfect for umbrellas, tents, lamp shades among others. Flat motifs are first cut from cloth and then superposed on the base cloth in a predetermined layout and sequence. The edges of the motifs are turned in and skillfully stitched onto the base cloth or stitched by embroidery or without turning as necessary. Craftsmen use various techniques including straight stitch, blind stitch, satin stitch or buttonhole stitch for attaching the pieces of cloth. They also make use of decorative stitches and mirror work for more elaborate pieces.
A key characteristic of the Pipli art style involves three-dimensional patterns, made by the folding of the upper piece of cloth into triangles and attaching them to the base.
Artisanscrest brings the vibrant and colourful designs straight from the town of Pipli into the homes of art lovers everywhere. With intricate work and delicate embroidery serving as a testimony to the skills and abilities of the master craftsmen of Pipli, Artisanscrest offers you the chance to buy into a little piece of history and the chance to ensure that this beautiful craft carries on for at least one more generation.
The Artisanscrest network includes a vast community of expert artisans, master craftsmen and visionaries who work in close collaboration with our art curators and connoisseurs to create exquisite works of art for the sole purpose of adorning the homes of our customers from across the globe. Each piece of Pipli Art is created exclusively by the artisans from the town of Pipli based on your choice and specific needs so that you can own a piece of tradition made especially for you.
Rediscover the past
India has had a unique love affair with art. From Viswakarma, the legendary celestial architect to modern day visionaries, artists and artisans have enjoyed a near mythical status. During the Golden Age of Indian culture, kings like Chandragupta and Samudra Gupta actively encouraged art and several art forms were born as a result of their patronage. The grateful artists and artisans then paid tribute to these kings by creating exquisite works of art, immortalizing them and the life of the kingdom during their rule. As their kingdoms spread, so too did their patronage. Thus, several traditional art forms were born or experienced a rebirth during this era.
For the traditional artisans of India, their art is not just a means of eking out a livelihood; they see their intricate skills as a gift from the Gods. Thus, they have devoted their lives to creating exquisite works of art, passing down the skills over generations, ensuring that the craft does not die out. However, they struggle to bring the craft into the consciousness of the larger, global audience. That is where we come in.
United by the desire to bring the various art forms of ancient India out of the villages and into the homes of art lovers and connoisseurs across the world, Artisanscrest was formed to ensure that the efforts of the ancient craftsmen in keeping their craft alive were not in vain. Their infectious passion and their single minded zeal inspired us and drove us to create an exclusive showcase, dedicated to showcasing their intricate skills, their exquisite abilities and their magnificent works of art.
Our dedicated team of art historians and curators travels across the length and breadth of India, seeking to add expert exponents of traditional art forms into our team. These dedicated artisans then work to create exquisite and magnificent works of art exclusively for the customers of Artisanscrest. Our range of products are varied and include exquisite sculptures, skilled metalworks, beautiful paintings and portraits and other hand crafted products which are a throwback to India’s glorious, cultural past.
Each product in our catalogue is treated as an individual project; a little part of India’s rich and opulent artistic tradition created exclusively for you. These beautiful works of art come in various shapes and sizes, perfect for various rooms in your house. Each piece has it’s own story, its own tradition and has its own place in the great Indian artistic tradition.
When you shop on www.artisanscrest.com, you can either own a piece as is depicted on our website or you could place a note to customize your purchase with the detailing and dimensions of your choice. Our dedicated team of artisans and art curators will then work with you to create a customized, hand made work of art. Our team of expert artists are also at hand to create magnificent and grand fountains, intricately designed wall murals, grand temples and other large projects while sticking true to the core essence of traditional crafts and themes straight from the epics of Hindu mythology.
When you buy a product from Artisanscrest, you buy a little piece of India’s glorious, classical past. You buy a product which is a throwback to the regal and magnificent days of the kings of old; your purchase allows the preservation of a craft which has endured from ancient times.
Artisanscrest allows you to relive the magnificence, the grandeur and the luxury. Artisanscrest allows you to rediscover India, one art form at a time.