Shekhawati Wall Plate by Master ArtisanBhairunlal Swarankar and Nand Kishore Swarankar
SIZE: 11 inch (diameter)
MEDIUM: Natural Colours on Handmade plate
MAKING OF THE PLATE: The base plate is a cotton canvas pasted onto a moulded plate using tamarind paste. A mixture of chalk powder and multani mitti is applied, dried, and smoothened with stone for a polished canvas. To prevent insect damage we use crushed neem leaves. With multiple layers of coating, drying, and finishing, the complete plate-making process spans three full days.
NATURAL COLOURS: This plate features a regal dancer in Geru (Red Ochre) and Neel (Indigo Blue) attire, richly accented with Orpiment Yellow patterns. The lush greenery, painted using Malachite Green, contrasts against the Safeda (Lime White) base. Her jewellery glows with golden tones from Orpiment Yellow + Geru blends. The sky carries hints of Indigo Blue, fading into lighter shades. Tiny floral elements introduce Gulabi (Pink from crushed Rose Petals), adding a soft elegance to the composition. Each color undergoes a meticulous elaborate process of sourcing natural materials, cleaning, crushing, mixing with water and adding adhesives.
Enchantress of the Dunes
In Shekhawati, dance was more than just entertainment. It was a sacred expression of love and devotion. Inspired by the Raas Leela, award-winning artist Bhairunlal Swarnkar beautifully captures this spirit.
At the center of this tradition are the Naayikas, graceful figures who show both beauty and spirituality. This Shekhawati-style plate shows a Naayika holding a lotus, symbolizing purity and deep devotion.
Shekhawati’s art, shaped by poets and musicians, brings these timeless stories to life through detailed painting and skillful storytelling.
