Mughal Miniature Wall Plate by Master Artisan Ravi Kumawat
SIZE: 7 inch (diameter)MEDIUM: Natural Colours on Handmade plate mounted on a wooden base.
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 soft blue background is created using indigo extracted from the indigo plant, with a lighter hue achieved by dilution. The lush greens are derived from Hara Bhata, a green stone finely ground and filtered, with darker shades formed through increased concentration. The warm yellow tones come from Pili Mitti, a natural yellow earth pigment. White is sourced from chalk or limestone, while black is made from the soot of burnt wood. The delicate grey hues are achieved by blending black and white. Framed with a golden border, this artwork beautifully showcases traditional craftsmanship and nature’s colors.
The Ibis in Repose
This Mughal Miniature masterpiece, crafted by regional artisan Ravi Kumawat, captures the ethereal beauty of an African Sacred Ibis standing by an ancient river’s edge, a silent guardian of time. Once revered as a divine messenger, the ibis gazes upon the rippling waters under the golden dawn, embodying wisdom and grace.
Painted with meticulous precision, this artwork showcases the mastery of miniature painting, where every feather, every reflection in the water, is rendered with delicate strokes adorned with a refined golden border. The harmony of these natural elements, combined with exquisite detailing, makes this piece not just a painting but a timeless celebration of artistry and heritage mounted on a hand crafted wooden base.