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 Shekhawati wall plate portrays Geru (Red Ochre) from iron oxide for the deity's skin, complemented by Hartal (Orpiment Yellow) for garments. The background is Haldi (Turmeric Yellow) + Red Ochre, while Neel (Indigo Blue) from indigo plants forms the sky. Malachite Green from copper carbonate colors the base, and Safeda (Lime White) highlights details. The lotus petals feature Pink, created by blending Geru + Safeda. Kaajal (Lamp Black) outlines, with golden accents mixing Orpiment Yellow + Red Ochre. Each color undergoes a meticulous elaborate process of sourcing natural materials, cleaning, crushing, mixing with water and adding adhesives.