The sacred synergy between the temple sculptures of Kanchipuram and the motifs used in Kanchipuram sarees invoke auspiciousness and purity in the weaver
The Divyamayura motif – a symbol of our deep communion with nature, also possesses grace, beauty and symmetry making it a favourite of our artistes across all spans of time.
The peacock has continued to maintain its place as the most popular motif in art and architecture of India over the last 7000 years or more.
In Part 3 of our series on Unique Motifs in Indian Art by Shefali Vaidya traces the history & meaning of the unique motif of ‘Kirtimuka – Face of Glory’.
The four elephants in this motif were supposed to represent four Islamic sultanates – Bidar, Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Golconda while Hindu Vijayanagara kingdom was the mighty Gandabherunda.
From this week onwards, we will traverse through the beautiful world of Indian Textile Motifs and their significance through the gaze of Shefali Vaidya. This week we will talk about the exquisite Nava Nari Kunjara motif, a composite animal figure of an elephant that is composed by nine women that depicts not only the artist’s skill but also its deep spiritual context.
The rattlepod bushes stood in a row, replete with flowers. Clusters of butterflies buzzed around the flowers, opening and shutting their colorful wings lazily, the afternoon sunlight throwing iridescent hues…
Shefali Vaidya is a best-selling author, columnist, social influencer and political commentator based in Pune.
