Madhubani paintings as a home decor idea- Explore all about the popular Madhubani art from India for wall decoration, room decor, Find origin and styles of Madhubani art
Looking for a classy and royal decor for your home – choose the Madhubani paintings. You see, there is nothing like the joy of seeing a colourful Madhubani painting as a part of your daily home life. Also, today, Madhubani art from India is earning a worldwide appreciation – for the simple form and vibrancy. So, you might want to see some of these paintings as a part of your home interiors.
Now before you bring these paintings to your home and see how they spread positive and happy vibes – Let’s explore this traditional form of canvas paintings and how it can charm your home’s decor.
Madhubani paintings
Madhubani painting is a popular form of Indian art. The traditional art originated around 2500 years ago and is in practice even today. Today, Madhubani art has become one of the best home decor items. The canvas art is known for its simplistic artistic character and bold use of colours.
Explore Madhubani Designs here
The Madhubani paintings are basically from the Mithila region of Bihar in India. These paintings are also said to be from Nepal’s Madhubani or Mithila region. Hence, these paintings are known as Mithila paintings of Madhubani paintings.
Madhubani art painters are from different specs of people who categorize the forms of Madhubani art as,
a. Bharni,
b. Kachin,
c. Tantrik,
d. Godna, and,
e. Khobar
Find more about the types, colours and technique of Madhubani paintings
Here are the best Madhubani painting ideas for your home decor:
a. wall art,
b. vases, pots,
c. serving trays
d. lamps
The art of Madhubani is popular in two types:
a. As wall art decoration
b. As canvas painting
Madhubani art styles
Have you come across the different styles of Madhubani painting? Yes, the humble yet engaging painting form is practised in five different styles. Now, to choose the perfect Madhubani art for your home, it’s is helpful to know the styles and what they offer.
Traditionally, the Madhubani paintings were created by the women of the society. Are you wondering what these paintings depicted back then? Earlier, these paintings depicted the women’s hopes, dreams and thoughts.
Bharni, Kachin and Tantrik styles
- The three styles are by women of the upper class.
- These paintings included characters of gods, goddesses, plants, and animals.
Godna and Khobar
- The two styles belong to lower caste
- This art form included their daily life activities.
Modern Madhubani Art
- This style of artwork is by contemporary painters.
- In modern art, all five traditional styles come together in one painting.
Theme and scenes
These paintings do not have a specific meaning. But the art powerfully depicts events such as birth, life cycle, wedding, mythological stories or scenarios, royal scenarios, etc. The themes and scenes of a Madhubani painting depend on its style – Bharni, Kachin, Tantrik, Godna and Khobar. A Madhubani painting usually involves any one or all of:
- the figures of Hindu gods and goddesses like Krishna, Rama, Lakshmi,
- heavenly bodies such as the Sun, the Moon or elements of nature,
- intricate mathematical and geometrical patterns.
Origin of Madhubani paintings
Madhubani paintings originated in the Mithila region of Bihar in India and Nepal. And there is more to the story of Madhubani art. Do you know our mythological stories have spoken about Madhubani painting?
Yes, in the Hindu epic Ramayana, King Janaka, Sita’s father, asked his painters to prepare Madhubani paintings for her wedding. It was only then that the women of the region started practising these paintings on the walls of their home. With time the Madhubani paintings started adorning the houses of that region. These Madhubani paintings were a must during festivals and weddings.
Madhubani – a Sustainable art
It’s interesting to know the nature-inspired organic techniques involved in Madhubani painting. The method consists of using natural canvas, colours, and brushes. Everything from the Paint Brushes to the colours and paper is made by 100% biodegradable materials.
- Paintbrushes are made by wrapping cotton to a bamboo stick,
- Canvas is of handmade paper made of Multani mitti and neem juice,
- Colours are from natural materials like yellow comes from turmeric.
Canvas of Madhubani paintings
Earlier Madhubani paintings made on walls were prepared by cow dung or mud. Later, handmade paper made of Multani mitti and neem juice became popular. Presently handmade papers are readily available, and these are directly used to paint.
Colours of Madhubani art
The colours used for these paintings are of naturally available substances. Some of the most commonly used colours are:
| Madhubani Colour | Source |
|---|---|
| Black | Cow dung and soot |
| Yellow | Turmeric |
| White | Rice paste |
| Green | Plant leaves |
| Red | Kusum flowers and sandalwood |
How to choose the best Madhubani Art to décor your home?
Madhubani paintings are simple, artistic, and vibrant. They come in different styles of painting. You can choose the traditional art form that appeals to you and is apt for your home. Here are steps to help you choose the best Madhubani art for your home.
- Know the styles of painting
Madhubani paintings are categorized into different styles based on practice.
a. Bharni,
b. Kachin,
c. Tantrik,
Women of the upper class did Bharni, Kachin, and Tantrik styles. Paintings include characters of gods, goddesses, plants, and animals.
d. Godna,
e. Khobar
Godna and Khobar styles were practised by women belonging to the lower caste. The art form depicted their daily life activities.
f. Modern Madhubani Art
Contemporary painters adopt this style. They beautifully incorporate all five traditional styles in one painting. - Select the type of Madhubani art form
Madhubani art form is available in the following types:
a. As home décor items – Madhubani home décor items can liven up the drab nooks and corners of any living space.
b. As canvas painting – The art is painted on natural canvas, with natural colours and brushes. Everything from the shades of colour, paint brushes and paper is made of biodegradable materials. - Choose the type of décor item
a. Wall art – Madhubani paintings lend grace and charm to your home. Place them on a focus wall in the dining room or living hall.
b. Vases, pots – Vases and pots with a touch of Madhubani art make for excellent ethnic table décor ideas.
c. Serving trays – Serve your guests with exquisitely painted plates for an uber aesthetic appeal.
d. Lamps – Ethnic lamps painted with beautiful Madhubani art look elegant and perk up the room with vivid colours.
Madhubani folk art comes in many styles and types. Decide on the one you connect with. It will enhance the charm of your home with its simple yet colourful presence.
Madhubani home decor
Today, these paintings are now famous as not just pictures but also as home decor items. The colourful and vivid description involved in this art form is captivating. Typically, Madhubani painting artist draws two-lines outline borders, and no space is left empty. The whole picture has many leaves or flowers to fill the gaps. This unique character of no blank or white space brings a vibrant and colourful appeal to the painting style. It works as an excellent addition for any spot of your home – be it an entire wall, a tabletop or a coffee mug.
So, are you planning for home decor or makeover? You should check out the Madhubani paintings and its different forms used for home decor. The beautiful colours and geometrical patterns can bring a touch of vibrancy to your home. Here are the best of home decor ideas with Madhubani paintings:
Vases, pots
Ethnic table decor is a modern trend in Madhubani art. Jars and bowls with a touch of Madhubani painting can charm enhance any dull or boring table decor.
Wall art
You know wall decor is an essential part of home decor. And Madhubani painting, in its original form, is luxurious and graceful wall art. We can suggest you decorate a focus wall with the art form – may be in your dining room or living hall.
Lamps
Colourful lamps and lampshades are a fantastic addition to the side table of your bedroom and living rooms. The simplicity in the colours will give an elegant but eye-catching look to the room.
Serving trays
Madhubani paintings are versatile and hence come in many forms. Serving trays are items that give an aesthetically pleasing vibe. Serving your guests by using beautifully painted plates can create positive vibes around.
Why choose Madhubani paintings?
Madhubani art travels across decades, from one generation to another, to reach to you today. Wondering why you should choose Madhubani art over modern art? Here are a few reasons:
Many style choices
Madhubani painting is one folk art but offers many styles. Using this as an advantage, you can enhance the beauty of your home by incorporating one form for each room.
A casual art form
Madhubani art is everyone’s art. And the single colour tone of walls boosts the beauty of these paintings. These merge well with all types of your home decor. So if you like a casual look, the art can serve the purpose of giving your home subtle yet stylish vibes.
Keep the traditional alive
Do you know there are very few traditional Madhubani artists around? Despite the appealing feature of this art, the art is dying in the modern world. The simplicity, beauty, and symbolism of Madhubani art has to be preserved and is worthy of being passed ahead.
Don’t think it’s time for you to include this fantastic art in your home decor?