Peacock Madhubani Painting on Paper

This exquisite Madhubani painting by Ritu showcases the regal peacock, a revered motif in Indian culture symbolising beauty, grace, and the renewal brought by monsoon rains. Often associated with wisdom, as the vahana of goddess Saraswati, its presence evokes auspiciousness. Here, the peacock is rendered with the iconic visual language of Mithila art: its form meticulously outlined with characteristic double-line borders, its stylised almond eye conveying serene watchfulness. The expansive plumage and surrounding space are densely filled with intricate traditional patterns, leaving no area untouched, a hallmark of this unique painting style.

This original work is by artist Ritu, rendered on high-quality 300 gsm paper. Madhubani art, also known as Mithila painting, originates from the Mithila region of Bihar. Traditionally, it was the domain of women who painted vibrant narratives and auspicious symbols on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of their homes for weddings and festivals. From the 1960s, this intricate practice transitioned onto handmade paper, allowing its preservation and dissemination. The art form is distinguished by its hallmarks: double-line borders, dense filling that intentionally leaves no space empty, stylised almond eyes, and recurring motifs of fish, lotus, sun, moon, and serpents. Artists employ styles like bharni, using bold colour fills, or kachni, which relies on fine line work and cross-hatching, to bring these narratives to life.

As a one-of-a-kind original, this painting by Ritu is not a print, ensuring its unique provenance and artistic value. It ships with a signed Certificate of Authenticity, verifying its originality, and includes complimentary insured delivery across India.