Pichwai Wall Plate by Master Artsian Kuldeepak Soni
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: The deep Royal Neel (Dark Blue), derived from indigo, forms a rich backdrop, evoking grandeur. A vast white-grey cloud drifts at the center, creating a striking contrast with a beautiful white outline. The vahan and ornamentation of Lord Indra, adorned in gold, delicately handled with gold foil and gold dust- gleams against the dark hues, enhancing the painting. Each color undergoes a meticulous elaborate process of sourcing natural materials, cleaning, crushing, mixing with water and adding adhesives.
Indra’s Celestial Ride
Master artisan Kuldeepak Soni brings this celestial vision to life, turning the skies into a divine highway. This plate captures Lord Indra, the mighty god of rain, riding through the heavens on a dense, water-laden cloud, on his graceful swan vehicle, with hints of delicate gold foil work, gliding effortlessly.
The cloud feels heavy, brimming with rain, ready to burst and drench the earth below. And who else but Indra could command such a ride? As the ruler of storms, it’s as if the cloud was crafted just for him. It’s a perfect harmony of power and nature, where Indra and his cloud move together, bringing rain, renewal, and life to the world below.
