motifs on indian sarees
TRANSCRIPT
Motifs on Indian Sarees
Styles and Color Combinations
Traditional motifs can be described as the motifs which are being used in Indian textiles since ancient times and are handed over from one generation to the other. Our traditional motifs are deeply influenced by religious belief, culture, environment, activities of day to day life, architecture, history, rulers and many more.
These motifs represent over poetic expressions and imaginations towards life, and devotional characters. Few of these motifs are:
Peacock Motif• The peacock was painted on Indus
Valley depicting tribal art; it was also found in Mauryan Buddhist sculpture, Gupta-period artifacts, Mughal miniatures, and in present-day wall paintings and textiles. Although it is hard to say if it had the same symbolism in every age, the peacock was found in the arts of most post-Indus cultures, indicating that it remained a potent symbol. The peacock is now India’s national bird. It symbolizes immortality, courtship, and fertility. In all types of Indian textiles peacock is either printed or embroidered on light background with dark colour combinations.
Parrot Motif
It is a symbol of courtship and passion seen in Indian art mostly in company of Krishna and Radha, Hinduism’s eternal lovers. Motif of parrot is generally found in textiles from West Bengal, Gujarat and Rajasthan embroideries and resist textiles.
Goose or Hansa Motif The motif was found in Indus
Valley pottery and on the wall paintings at Ajanta. In Buddhist illustrations, it represented spiritual purity. It was also common in Indian art prior to Mughal times, but afterwards, it disappeared. Its use in textiles is characterized by its highly stylized forms as depicted in woven and embroidered textiles of southern India.
Lotus or Kamal Motif The lotus is among the most
popular motifs in Indian art. Lotus is the symbol of eternal order of the union earth, water and sky. It represents the life giving power of water but is also associated with the sun for the opening and closing of the petals. It is also the symbol of recreating power of life.
Jasmine Motif Jasmine flower has been a
popular floral motif from long; known to have embellished textiles given to the seventh-century North Indian king Harsha. The jasmine motif symbolized fertility and called champa in Hindi. Flowers became a popular decorative element in Islamic India. The Mughals adored gardens hence it is seen in the textiles and architects.
Mango Motif It is an important motif found
in a wide range of Indian textiles. In Sanskrit the design is known as mankolam and has long been used in India and associated with Hinduism. Rural Indians called the motif as aam or mango and considered as symbol of fertility. In 17th century the elaborated mango motif woven on Kashmiri shawls were called as Paisley, famous till today
Tree of life Motif Tree of life motif is a many
branched tree laden with flowers and fruits, birds in the tree branches, animals roaming under it illustrating the idea that all life on earth are related and has been used in religion, philosophy, mythology and other areas. Lot of colours are associated with this motif, which is mostly seen in the embroideries and Kalamkari’s of India.
Conch Shell Motif Shankha is a Sanskrit word used to
denote a sleek and smooth conch shell. It is believed that if the Shankha is blown with skill, it can scare away evil spirits and is described as a killer of germs and enemies. The Conch or Shankh has remained as integral part of Hindu socio-religious philosophy since the mythological past. It symbolizes the cosmic space of which the attribute is sabda or sound. Thus it is regarded as a divine jewel always held by Lord Vishnu on his right hand
Fish
Fish motif is commonly used motif of madubani paintings and kantha embroidery. It is a symbol of prosperity.
Elephant Motif It is widely used motif in Indian
textiles. Elephant is regarded as the mount of Kings in India. Elephant is a devastating weapon of war. Elephant came to symbolize the God of Warriors. It is a sign of wealth and power and influence denoting royalty, inner strength and nobility. In India, it is used in richly decorated form in their printed, painted and embroidered textiles to depict war scenes and royal extravaganza
Rudraksh Motif Rudraksh beads have an
ascetic charm. Associated with Lord Shiva and mentioned in Vedic literature, it has significance for peace and power. Bestowed with electrical and magnetic properties which make them spiritually and medically curative, these beads are positively charged. Rudraksh beads are common motif among south woven sarees.
