Maya Indian Arts: Our Arts Collection
Indian art has a very long tradition and history. The earliest were the rock paintings of pre-historic times that were found in rock shelters, some of which are 30,000 years old. For instance, the Ajanta caves in Western India dating approximately 2nd Century BC are now recognised as some of the greatest art produced by humankind in any century, as well as the finest picture gallery to survive from any ancient civilisation. Interestingly, it shows women in prominent and powerful roles. From the early civilisation through to the present day, Indian paintings provide a beautiful continuum. The fine lines, colour and form produce a rhythmical and harmonious musical effect with influence of aesthetic geometry deriving from the ancient world. The melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions has a strong influence over the art forms and present an array of distinctive creations.
Our Collection: Unique Indian Arts in Australia
We present exquisite Indian arts created by talented artists from India (including rural parts of India). We work with the artists to create this array of colours. Currently, our range of arts include authentic traditional Artefacts of remote & historical Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Bengal style of art, ancient Indigenous Dokra Brass metal art, elegant Kangra Miniature paintings, unique Life-Like Krishnanagar Miniature Clay Dolls, ancient totemic Madhubani (Mithila) art, Royal Mysuru Rosewood Inlay Art and Nirmal Art, ancient Patachitra paintings on Silk & Palm leaf paintings, Rajasthan artefacts (Blue Pottery, marble, Meenakari/Enamelling and wooden), Fine Silver Filigree artefacts, Varanasi Wooden Handicraft, Shola Craft of Bengal, the UNESCO heritage-listed indigenous art form of Warli while touching by Modern & Contemporary Indian art.
More details will appear soon!
Artefacts from the Andaman & Nicobar Island
Coming Soon!
Bengal Style of Art or Indian style (Bold & Beautiful)
Bengal Style of Art or Indian style of painting is a style of Indian painting with bold-sweeping brush strokes, it originated in Bengal, primarily Kolkata and Shantiniketan, and flourished throughout India during the British Raj in the early 20th century. Eventually it led to the development of the modern Indian painting [more].
Dazzling Dokra:The Ancient Indian Craft & Metallurgical Wonder
Dokra’, is non–ferrous metal casting using the lost-wax casting technique. The lost-wax technique, called cire perdue in French, is a metallurgical art. This art is one of the oldest and the most advanced metallurgical art.
Dokra is the art of metal crafts amongst some aboriginal tribes of eastern India. The tribes were initially nomadic in nature who finally settled in the different tribal areas of India. [more].
Kangra Paintings: Miniature Paintings of India
This pictorial art of Kangra is named after Kangra from the North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and are also protected by Geographical Indicator (GI). Once practiced only in the royal courts, this exquisite miniature art form strongly depicts greenery, naturalism & the rich biodiversity of the Himalayan state. The paintings also depict feminine charm in a very graceful manner articulately portraying refined, tender emotions of Indian women. However, this iconic Indian art is at the verge of extinction today and there is an urgent need to promote it vigorously to nourish this cultural heritage of the world. These miniatures are beautifully painted with mineral pigments and pure gold on handmade paper.
For the first time ever in Australia directly from the artisans…
Art is not a mere expression of skills but a summary of history cultural heritage, a message of life to be valued & nurtured…
[more].
Life like miniature clay models of Krishnanagar
Life-like Miniature Clay Models of Krishnanagar are the Enigmatic Cultural Heritage of Bengal. Here’s a quick glimpse of rural Bengal
For the first time ever in Australia directly from the artisans… “Art is not a mere expression of skills but a summary of history cultural heritage, a message of life to be valued & nurtured”… Did you know the “History Behind This Unique Art form“. This is a 250-plus year-old art form from the history-laden land and time where Raja Krishnachandra Roy, the king and zamindar, a scholar educated in Sanskrit and Persian, musician, and patron of the arts co-existed with Siraj ud-Daula, the last independent Nawab of Bengal & Robert Clive, the first British Governor of the Bengal Presidency. The Enigmatic Cultural Heritage of Bengal [more].
The Ancient Totemic Folk Paintings of Madhubani/Mithila
The folk art of Madhubani, is practiced in Northern Bihar, India and has a Geographical Indicator (GI) which means it is region specific- a tag of authenticity identifying the paintings of its geographic origin. Traditionally, ONLY WOMEN from the region have been painting their interior walls and floors sharing their stories and domestic rituals through this highly totemic art form which is at least over 3000-year-old. These were mostly hidden from the outsiders.
In 1934, Bihar was affected by a massive earthquake. While inspecting the damage caused by the natural calamity, these arts were accidentally discovered by the British colonial officer in Madhubani District, William G. Archer and after lying low for centuries, for the first time the art was brought to the notice of the outside world. He was “entranced” by the beauty of these paintings and described: “What they took for granted, I considered superb. They were unconscious, I was conscious. But whether deliberate or accidental, the art was there and it made us one. I had never felt myself so Maithil as on that day when faced with shattered walls, I saw the beauty on the mud”.
[more].
Mysore (Mysuru) Rosewood inlay work
Mysore (Mysuru) Rosewood inlay work is an 18th century artform that originated in Persia and travelled to Mysore in South of India during the reign of Tipu Sultan also known as the ‘Tiger of Mysore’, who ruled of the region from 1782 until his death in 1799. As an ardent art-lover himself, he patronised the craft of wood inlay.
The Royalty commissioned inlay works, for musical instruments, doors and furniture in their palaces.
Nirmal Art on Teakwood
A region nestled along the heavily forested Godavari river basin in the Southern Indian state of Telangana, a hotspot where cultural diversity prospered, rich historical traditions thrived, was inhabited during the Mesolithic and Paleolithic periods. That is the birthplace of a 14th century art form inspired by the floral designs and frescoes of the ancient Ajanta/Ellora and Mughal miniatures.
It is belived that the art came into existence when a king named Nimma Naidu introduced this art to the local people. Nirmal art was practised in the 14th century by a group of artisans who were known as Naqash. Over the years, this art form was also patronised by many Deccan Nawabs by incorporating it to their royal courts and households.
Nirmal art is protected with Geographical Indication (GI) – which means not any artworks can be called as Nirmal art unless it originates from that specific region. The uniquely crafted art on lacquer coated teakwood, with bright colours and gold dust surely charm the senses. [more].
Patachitra Paintings on Silk & Palm Leaf Paintings from the Soul State of India- Odisha
Odisha, The Soul State Of India, is an ancient land with rich history, art and cultural heritage, dating thousands of years. One of the ancient names of Odisha is “Utkala”- meaning, a land of finest arts and superior workmanship. Situated on the coast along the Bay of Bengal, it houses many ancient architectural splendour with the early monuments dating back to the third century B.C. The famous Sun Temple of Konark– a scientific marvel, also known as the Black Pagoda, Pristine beaches, ancient temples, Buddhist peace pagoda, largest brackish water lagoon in the world, dense forest reserves, magnificent ports, birthplace of classical Indian dance form of Odissi and notably it’s less explored unique arts and crafts make it India’s best kept secret.
We are glad to introduce a few of the marvels from the region including Patachitra paintings on Silk, Palm Leaf Painting, Fine engravings on Brass, Applique Works and Silver Filigree [more].
Regally Rajasthan
Rajasthan (literally meaning, ‘Land of Kings‘) is a state in northern India known for its rich history, majestic forts, and palaces, art, culture and more…. Its rulers are known for centuries for their valor and the spirit of self-sacrifice for cherished principles. Major battlefields were fought in this region and histories created.
Being an epicenter of princely states, Rajasthan is also known for its unique art and crafts-be it the handmade Blue pottery, Marble works, Meenakari (enameling), wooden carvings, customs, culture, colours, majestic forts, and palaces, folk dances and music, local festivals, local food, sand dunes, carved temples and beautiful palaces. Did you know, the Taj Mahal was built from white marble which was mined from a town in Rajasthan? [more].
Reminiscence: The Unique Wooden Handicrafts From The Ancient Land of Varanasi
These unique, bright and colourful wooden handicrafts from this North Indian region are a reminiscence of the historical past and heritage and have many stories to tell….[More]
Nature’s Ivory-The Ancient Eco-friendly Shola Craft of Bengal
Shola craft is a very ancient art form. The finest examples of craftsmanship is displayed in the intricate details on the craft. Soft and spongy, Shola comes from the stem of the “Aeschynomene aspera” plant, often referred to as “Indian cork.” Craftsperson spend months working on each piece and every details is meticulously worked out to crave a piece- that is elegant and unique. It looks very similar to ivory works and is an eco-friendly alternative to it. Hence, Shola craft is also known as ‘Nature’s Ivory’. It is said that in the ancient times not only the local royals and patrons but even Greeks & Roman poets of the yesteryears praised this Craft. [More]
Ancient Indigenous Warli Art
Warli art is a unique indigenous art form that got its name from Warli tribes of the Indian state of Maharashtra. This art form has a close connection with the Neolithic cave/rock paintings of Central India dating back to 3000 to 2500 BCE.
It is protected with Geographical Indication (GI) – which means not any artworks can be called as Warli art if it does not originate from that specific region. We believe that this is an extraordinary piece of heritage to be conserved for the world [more].