Ancient Marble Artwork From Princely State Of Rajasthan

By Author: Chip T.
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Culture rich India has several forms of stone artwork from several regions. Brilliantly hand painted marble from Rajasthan is one of best examples of such stone art form and can best be described as 'poetry on marble.'
Marble painting as an art form started in Rajasthan during the sixteenth century. The Rajput royalty and nobles of this state were committed customers of arts and crafts. In Rajasthan state there are around 4000 marble mines and since marble was readily available, it became the platform for Rajput artists. Complex images are depicted on stone and the tools of the painters seals it with eternal beauty. Although marble comes in different tones of white, pink, gray and black, it is generally milky white marble which is used by artists to bring to life human figures, nature, landscapes, objects and animals. The artist successfully captures an image on marble and then uses his distinctive blend of color schemes to fill that image so that it catches the eye of every beholder. Different objects with marble paintings make impressive gift items and decorative accents, and can also be used to add that touch of Rajput ...
... royalty and elegance to a home.

A few distinct procedures and styles used in marble painting are

Minakari work: Minakari is a method by which a artwork is engraved on marble and then painted with attractive hues like red, green, black, yellow and blue.

Devotional paintings: Legendary personaities from Hindu books like Ramayana and Mahabharata are drawen on marble and bright colors are used to bring back the magnificence of the past.

Jewelry illustrations: This art has its origins in Jaipur and consists of a design being drawn on marble and skillfully made gold leaf being pasted on the jewelry creation. Enamel colors as well as glass pieces are used to decorate the artwork and add to its intricate beauty.

Small paintings: The use of subtle brush strokes can transform an ordinary marble tile into a decorative accent worthy of being called a collector's item. A common depiction is that of Indian musical instruments. These are created with colors drawn from substances as varied as minerals, vegetables, conch shells and silver.

Marble paintings are influenced by local schools of craft from Kishangarh, Jaipur, Kangra and Mandi. All major centers have their distinct style and many have attained expertise in the depiction of a certain aspect. The Kishangarh School can boast of having attained world class perfection in paintings of females. The Jaipur School focuses on religious depictions. Many paintings depict local legends and famous royals like Pabuji, a Royal Rajput Prince who is revered by tribesmen for his valor. He fought and defeated the cruel cow-slaughtering king Mirza Khan. The brushes of the painters also depict the universal theme of the conquest of good over evil through settings from religious stories and eternal love through the life of Mumtaz and Shahjahan, the famous Mughal couple whose love story is immortalized in the Taj Mahal.

The marble paintings of Rajasthan make memorable and unique gifts for your loved ones. Each one is an exemplary display of the skill of local artisans.