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The community of Newar, one of the primary ethnic groups of Nepal are the painters and sculptors behind the Nepalese style of artwork. The strong influence of both Hinduism as well as Buddhism is evident in Nepalese culture and sculptures. A vast majority of sculptures can be noted to be made out of bronze, copper or any other alloy. Their metal sculptures have a high copper content and are either richly gilded or have a somewhat reddish patina where the gold has worn off. Semi-precious stones are inlaid into several of them, particularly the later ones, to embellish the deities. Their art and sculpting traditions can be identified with inspirations from Tibet and mainland India. Since both China and Tibet imported artwork and artisans from Nepal to adorn their temples and monasteries. Nepalese style occasionally had a significant impact on the art of those two nations. This has helped to create a unique style of craft in Nepalese sculptures. Although most of the Newari painters were Buddhists, neither a Hindu nor a Buddhist style can be distinguished in these sculptures, which were mostly made for religious purposes. The style of Nepalese sculpture was originally developed from Gupta Indian art and eventually absorbed elements of Pala Indian art. However, Nepalese painters developed a unique aesthetic that is recognisable even in their early sculptures such as the 'Standing Vajrapani', made from copper alloy dating back to 6th century. Later, Nepalese painters created deities with a unique physiognomy, including broader features and long eyes as opposed to eastern Indian models. The Nepalese sculptural history is evident from the frequent use of ornamental designs, with wider faces, exaggerated poses, and a variety of distinctive jewelry designs. #sculpting #nepalesesculpting #indianhandicrafts #ethnic #blog #ragaarts #giftsshop #art #handicarfts #traditional #cultures 

The Adivasi communities of India's Bastar area (Chhattisgarh) are globally recognised for their distinctive art and exceptional craft work in various forms such as woodwork, bamboo art, soil art and metal arts. Dhokra art is a unique style of preservation used by the metalsmith tribes in Bastar along with West Bengal, Odisha as well as Andhra Pradesh and Telangana; even receiving Geographical Indication (GI) tags for their artwork. The Ghadwas of Bastar have been passing on their traditional bronze and brass artwork to manufacture bell metal handicrafts in Chhattisgarh's Raigarh and Bastar districts. Typically, tribes like the "Jharas" of Raigarh and the "Ghadwas" of Bastar practice Dhokra Art using an age-old technique of hollow casting and lost wax along with wrought iron figurines. Iron waste that has been recycled is usually used as the primary ingredient in this craft. The characteristic items produced by this skill include lamps, candle stands, sculptures of deities, musicians, as well as toys. The metal casting technique used in Dhokra can be traced back to 4,000 years, with the dancing girl figurine of Mohenjo-daro being the earliest known lost wax relics. Dhokra sculptures are made using a clay core that almost resembles the final cast; this picture is the first step in the lost wax hollow casting process. A coating of wax made from pure beeswax, resin from the tree of ‘Damara Orientalis’ along with nut oil is then applied over the clay core. Artisans use this wax mold to carve and decorate patterns in the sculpture. The wax is then coated over with clay, which assumes the internal form of the clay from inside, turning it into a mold for the metal that will be poured within. Brass or bronze are commonly used to sculpt these Dhokra figurines. #dhokra #dhokrafigurines #giftshop #traditionalart #handicrafts #handmadewithlove #idols #sculpture #blog #ragaarts

Clay Articrafts is an ancient traditional craft in India. Chopanimandu is the earliest evidence of clay articraft or pottery culture in India.In India various clay articrafts or pottery cultures were developed at different intervals of time in different places. And wide spread all over the nation , giving rise to unique and wide range of making and employment with source of income. Black Red ware clay articraft or pottery (between 2400 BC-100 AD). Majorly found & evidence in the reason of Rajasthan, UP, MP, Bihar, West Bengal. And basically it is from the river belt of Ganga & Yamuna region. No painting is used this pottery making. Ochre colour clay articraft or pottery (between 2000 BC -1500 BC). Found & evidenced from eastern Punjab , Rajasthan ,western UP at the same belt of Ganga & Yamuna region. Copper hoard clay articraft or pottery culture (between 2000 BC - 1500 BC). It is almost found from every part of India except from the north eastern part. Discovered & found from Bithur in Kanpur district .Even it is from the region of Ganga & Yamuna. Painted grey ware clay articraft (between 1000BC - 600BC), found and evidenced in Later Vedic age in the region Bukhari. Northern black polished ware clay articraft (between 600 BC-300 AD).Found & evidenced in the period of buddhism was propagated , rise of Mahajanapadas took place & modern dynasty was founded. This pottery is famous for its glossy polish which has all been found from Mauryan pillars. Aurentine Ware clay articrafts (between 200BC - 300 AD).Found & evidence from Arikamedu and Muziris which is associated with Romans. These roman clay articrafts is majorly found in north & south India and few other clay articrafts / pottery culture are Red slipped ware found between kushan to 3 century AD, Red ware - 100 AD early mediaeval India, Red Painted pottery - pottery of the Gupta age. Some of Present & Famous Indian Potter Traditions:* Rajasthan & Molela Murtikala* Karnataka & Bidriware* West Bengal & Terracotta Pottery* Uttar Pradesh & Black Clay Pottery* Gujarat & Khavda Pottery   #clayart #clay #handmade #art #polymerclay #clayartist #sculpture #ceramics #pottery #claysculpture #ceramicart #artist #clayearrings #claycreations #polymerclayart #polymerclayearrings #handmadewithlove #blog #ragaarts

Thanjavur / Tanjore painting - The Legacy Of Golden GuildThanjavur painting is a classical South Indian painting style, which was inaugurated from the town of Thanjavur (anglicized as Tanjore) in Tamil Nadu. The art form draws its immediate resources and inspiration from way back about 1600 AD, a period when the Nayakas of Thanjavur under the suzerainty of the Vijayanagara Rayas encouraged art—chiefly, classical dance and music—as well as literature, both in Telugu and Tamil and painting of chiefly Hindu religious subjects in temples. It is distinguished by its famous gold coating.Thanjavur has a unique place in the history of Indian painting, in that it houses the 11th century Chola wall paintings in the Brihadeeswarar temple (Periya koyil or Pervudaiyar koyil in Tamil) as also paintings from the Nayak period (many times superimposed on the earlier Chola paintings) dating to the 16th century.The fall of the Vijayanagara empire led to the migration of the painters who were solely dependant on the patronage of the empire, after with the artisans worked under the patronage of the thanjavur nayakas.A Thanjavur Painting was generally made on a canvas pasted over a plank of wood (Jackfruit or teak) with Arabic gum. The canvas was then evenly coated with a paste of French chalk (gopi) or powdered limestone and a binding medium and dried. The artist then drew or traced using a stencil, a detailed outline of the main and subsidiary subjects on the canvas. A paste, made of limestone powder and a binding medium called sukkan or makku, was used for creating the Gesso work. Gold leaves and gems of varied hues were inlaid in selected areas like pillars, arches, thrones, dresses, etc. Finally, colours were applied on the sketch. In the past, artists used natural colours like vegetable and mineral dyes, whereas the present day artists use chemical paints. For outlines dark brown or red was usually used. Red was favoured for the background, though blue and green were also used. Lord Vishnu, was coloured blue, and Lord Nataraja chalk white, and his consort Goddess Sivakami was green. The sky, of course, was blue, but black was also employed on occasions. The portrayal of figures in the paintings was also typical with almost all the figures having rounded faces with almond-shaped eyes and smooth, streamlined bodies. The composition is static and two-dimensional with the figures placed within arches, curtains and decorative borders. The main subject is much larger than the other subjects and occupies the centre of the painting.  Gold has always symbolised fire; it is a symbol of purity. It symbolises wealth, and is an emblem of Lakshmi [the goddess of prosperity]. Threads of gold are woven into saris, it is in the gopuram (ornate entrance towers) of temples. It has a strong ritualistic significance within the Hindu dharma so to speak.                   Thanjavur paintings are true symbol of devotion, art & heritage.   #tanjoreart #tanjorepainting #tanjore #paintings #poojaroom #poojaroomdecor #bangalore #tanjorepaintings #thanjavurpaintings #indianwedding #culture #indianhomedecor #indianethnic #customportrait #indianhome #beautifulhomesindia #lakshmipooja #indianart

Wooden Handicrafts The history of Indian wooden handicrafts goes back to ancient times. The art of making crafts from hand is known as handicrafts. These Indian handicrafts were discovered in one of the oldest civilizations of India, The Indus Valley Civilization. The handicraft industries were made during the medieval period in India and it continued to increase until the British came to India. Wooden handicrafts are very popular in India because of their beauty and aesthetic importance. India has a vast species of trees. These different varieties of trees were used in the manufacturing of wooden handicrafts. The Indian handicraft industry is highly labour-based industry and decentralized, being spread all over the country in rural and urban areas. Indian craftsmen create distinctive masterpieces with different shapes, patterns, colours, and sizes. These handicrafts are famous all over the earth for their ability to last. India is blessed with a vast number of tree species, most of which are deciduous and evergreen. Alpine forests and trees belonging to arid regions are also present. These trees are used extensively to manufacture wooden handicrafts. Wooden handicrafts of India are renowned for beauty, durability, and utility. Wooden handicrafts include furniture, utensils, boxes, beads, finely carved figurines, accessories, etc. It requires a lot of hard work and dedication to carve a piece of wood and make something unique and beautiful out of it. The patterns and figures that are engraved on every piece of wood have a different story. The magnetic appeal of Indian Wooden Handicrafts lies in its exclusivity. Mysore is famous for carved sandalwood, silk sarees, and incense. The major art forms are rosewood inlay work and Mysore paintings. The art of sandalwood carving has been practiced in Karnataka for at least a thousand years, and Karnataka is world-famous for its exquisitely carved figurines with intricate details. Sandalwood artisans are concentrated in Shivamogaa, Mysore, Uttara Kannada, and Bangalore districts of Karnataka. The spell-binding figurines in this golden-coloured wood are embellished with designs inspired by nature. The soft aromatic wood can be delicately carved with ease to create elegant masterpieces. The availability of sandalwood in abundance in the forests of Mysore and around has made this region the most flourishing for this trade. Besides Mysore; Tirupati, Madurai, and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu; Jaipur, Delhi, and Varanasi are the other center of this attractive workmanship.  Sandalwood carving is an ancient tradition and has been a part of Indian culture and heritage and finds mentioned in the Ramayana. The fragrant wood is used by Hindus and Buddhists in certain rituals as incense. It is one of the scents besides rose oil that is used during rituals in Islam. It is practiced by a community of craftsmen called the Gudigars who specialize in the art of carving sandalwood, ivory, and stone. Having migrated from Goa during the Portuguese invasion, the Gudigars settled in Uttara Kannada (north) and Mysore regions.  To buy and explore  wide range of wooden carvings visit us at :  Raga Arts - Jayanagar #10, (Old No:1876) 38th 'B' Cross, 11th Main Road, Opp : Shalini Grounds, Jayanagar 4th 'T' Block, Bangalore – 560041 Ph no : 080 - 4121170 | 080-41211771  Call/WhatsApp : 8197970063 #woodcarving #woodworking #wood #handmade #woodart #art #carving #woodwork #woodcraft #woodworker #wooddesign #sculpture #handcrafted #handcarved #homedecor #design #woodcarver #woodsculpture #woodshop #woodturning #whittling #carvingwood  #furniture #interiordesign  #sculpting #artist #woodcarvings #bangalore #Jayanagar #HSRLayout #RagaArts    

Diwali- festival of lights,  symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance".  The festival is widely associated with Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity, with many other regional traditions connecting the holiday to Sita and Rama, Vishnu, Krishna, Yama, Yami, Durga, Kali, Hanuman, Ganesha, Kubera, Dhanvantari, or Vishvakarman. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. All around the corner - not just in India, Diwali is celebrated all over the world with great enthusiasm. Diwali is one of the most prominent festivals in Hindu culture. Generally, families celebrate for five days and on Amavasya or and the dawn of a New Year according to the Hindu calendar and even considered as the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. There are many stories about Diwali said and many of the festivals are about the triumph of good over evil. In the northern part of India Diwali festival is about Rama winning over the evil king - Ravana ending the 14 - year exile. As Rama and Sita return to the north, "millions of lights are spread out across the city Ayodhya to welcome them back home. In the south, Diwali is celebrated and linked to the story of god Krishna, here God Krishna frees 16,000 women from another evil king. In the western part of Gujarat, Diwali is celebrated as New Year as per the Hindus calendar and associated with asking the goddess Lakshmi for wealth & prosperity for the upcoming year. The date that Deepavali falls on each year holds a special significance for not only Hindus, but also the Sikhs and Jains. But though they share the tradition of lamp-lighting, each religion has its own unique beliefs and practices. No matter their differences, these three religions still come together every year to make the world just a little bit brighter.  Diwali Five-Day Celebration: 1: Dhana: Trayodashi: On the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna paksha Lord Dhanvantari is honored from here Diwali celebration begins. Lord Dhanvantari is believed as Lord Vishnu's incarnation and is considered to be the guru of all physicians ie  Ayurveda. Dhanvantari is the provider of good health.. 2: Naraka Chaturdashi: Second day of the Diwali festival.The day on which demon Narakasura was killed - which is the significant victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Narak Chaturdashi is also known as Roop Chaturdashi and also known as Kali Chaudas in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and some parts of Maharashtra. 3: Lakshmi Pooja (Diwali): Diwali's third day is the most important day, on this special day Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped of wealth & Prosperity and with the Lord Ganesha. The third day is celebrated with more colors of lighting of diyas/lamps, crackers, delicious sweets, new clothes, and family get together exchanging gifts. 4: Govardhan Puja: Fourth day, after Diwali festival. Govardhan Puja is celebrated as the victory of Lord Krishna over king Indra. Devotes pray to Lord Govardhan and ask him to protect them all from the poverty of life. Govardhan Puja also known as "Bali Pratipada" , "Annakuta Puja" , "Padwa" , "Gujarati New Year". 5:  Yama Dwitiya: Fifth day the final day of Diwali festival. After cutting down the evil rakshasa Narakasura, Lord Krishna came to his sister Subhadra and she was more delighted and gave him a warm welcome with lots of flowers & sweets also devotedly applied tilaka on Lord Krishna's forehead. Yama Dwitiya is also known as Bhai Dooj festival. Light Up Your Home With Diyas - The main essence of deepawali  festival is the lighting up the entire home with earthen diyas or lamps. Deepavali is synonymous with the multitude of oil lamps that are lit up at dusk. This is done for a couple of reasons, but the main one is that the light symbolises the sun and chases the darkness away. After all, Deepavali falls on a new moon every year which makes for the darkest night. Decorative lights and diyas (oil lamps) form the main part of the festivities. Lamps and lanterns are lit to remove darkness and bring in light and positivity. Illuminating the entire house with clay or earthen diyas/lamps has not diminished.