Fish Madhubani Painting on Handmade Paper

This Madhubani painting by Ashutosh Jha centers on the revered motif of fish. In Indian iconography, the fish, or 'matsya,' embodies fertility, prosperity, and abundance, often associated with the Matsya avatar of Vishnu, signifying preservation and the dawn of new beginnings. Here, the fish are rendered with characteristic Madhubani stylisation, featuring the distinctive almond eyes and a meticulous composition that adheres to the tradition's hallmark of dense filling, leaving virtually no empty space, thereby amplifying the sense of life and vitality.

Created by Ashutosh Jha, an artist working in Delhi, this piece continues the vibrant legacy of Madhubani or Mithila art, which originates from the Mithila region of Bihar. Traditionally practiced by women on freshly plastered mud walls and floors during auspicious occasions like weddings and festivals, the art form transitioned onto handmade paper from the 1960s. This transformation allowed its intricate narratives, characterised by double-line borders and iconic motifs such as the sun, moon, lotus, and peacock, to reach a wider audience. Ashutosh Jha's work exemplifies these foundational techniques, employing either the bold colour fills of the bharni style or the fine line and cross-hatching of kachni, or a combination thereof, to bring his narrative to life on this handmade surface.

As a one of a kind original, this Madhubani painting is a singular creation, not a reproduction. Each unique work from our collection ships with a signed Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its provenance and originality. We are pleased to offer complimentary insured delivery across India for this distinctive piece.