reverse painted

Sitting by the sea in reverie, a woman criss-crosses her legs and contemplates life. Inspired by a dream, Indian artist Jay Karun paints this expressionist composition. He says "As the vast sea, she wants to grow in her life breaking all boundaries to reach where she wants to be."

Indian artisan Lalit Sakhuja creates a beautiful wall mirror that brings to life the vibrancy of natural foliage. The artist paints the multi-hued leaves on the reverse side of glass panes which are inlaid on mango wood. This mirror will add a pop of color to any room.

Walking calmly through nature, the Hindu god Ganesha is depicted in this fascinating Madhubani painting from India. Working with vegetable dyes on handmade paper, Indian artist Ambika Devi paints this scene in an intricate folk art style. Originating from the Mithila region, Madhubani paintings are a revered form of folk art that was originally reserved for women.

Seated atop a lotus flower, the revered Hindu god Ganesha is depicted in this painting by Sunil Jaiswal. Working with a mix of watercolor, acrylic, and ink on handmade paper, the artist paints this scene in an expressionist style that evokes Indian folk art. One hand is held in a symbol of blessing, while the other holds the elephant-headed god's favorite dessert, laddu.

A young princess, resplendent in her traditional attire and adorned with luxurious jewelry, is fascinated by a vibrant bloom in Indian artist Bharti Dayal's stunning composition. Crafted with meticulous detail in the revered Madhubani style using acrylic paints and vegetable dyes on handmade paper, this remarkable painting boasts a dazzling array of red, orange, yellow, black, white, grey, aqua, green and blue hues, inviting you to revel in its beauty and narrative charm.

In a dreamlike world of harmonious nature, Hindu deity Krishna merges with representations of green land and blue water, depicted wearing a bird feather crown and holding a flute. To his side, a swirling and bifurcating tree ascends to the heavens, laden with the songbirds of divinity. A series of eyes line the trunk of the tree, watching the faithful as they perform their eternal duties. Among the most revered and celebrated of the Hindu deities, Krishna plays a central role in the lives of followers of Hinduism. Bharti Dayal paints 'Divine Eye of Krishna' in the traditional Madhubani style, popularized in 1967 following the great famine of the Mithila region, utilizing outlined two-dimensional shapes painted in solid, vegetable dye hues to create a fantastical aesthetic without the distraction of perspective.

"Madhubani paintings are in fact a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace, the quest of all beings," Dayal says.

By Riyas, three sleek black elephants wear grey silks depicting an ancient Mughal king riding his own pachyderms. The elephant is considered a devotee of Lord Shiva and is an important icon in Hindu mythology. From ancient times until the 18th century, elephants were an integral part of land warfare and military strategy in India. Elephants are also revered for their acute memory and physical strength, and the mighty beasts symbolize auspiciousness, abundance, and well-being.