Art, Astrology & Zodiac Animals
Adapted from my talk on the subject Tibetan astrology borrows from Hindu constructs as well as Chinese constructs. Through artworks, let us explore the Chinese astrological model with its 12 … Continue reading
Hybrid Manuscript Paintings
A few weeks ago the surprise of hybrid paintings had already stung me when I saw a Hindu manuscript with illuminated paintings scripted in Gurmukhi. (Link to Gallery Store) My … Continue reading
Special Offers on Wovensouls.Com
In March, our newsletter subscribers received a special offer of 25% off on EVERYTHING priced less than US$1000 for a brief period of 3 days. An offer not-to-be-missed right? If … Continue reading
Daily Art Fix – Stars in her EYES
“Stars in her eyes” – A bridal scarf from the Yao group. The textile is not old but has been made by an old experienced hand! Frame it / hang … Continue reading
Antique Painted Wood Furnishings!
I was introduced to a whole new world of art – painted wood furnishings from Persia!
Tears in Heaven
We never love quite as much as at the time of saying goodbye…. I loved this piece – I loved the artist who lived a hundred years ago – I … Continue reading
Art Connoiseurs – Have you registered yet?
On WOVENSOULS.com – the little gallery of antique art, we welcome art lovers of tribal and ethnic Asian art to sign up here and be part of a select inner … Continue reading
Krishna’s Raas Lila in Silk Embroidery
Art Fix for the Day – Two Rumals with double-sided embroidery!
Textile Study Tour of Punjab
Preface on the minor notes about the textile study tour, Punjab, 2019
Learning History through Art – Sikh Rule in Kashmir
Exploring an example of Sikh influence in Kashmir through illuminated paintings in the Kashmir school from a Bhagavat Gita manuscript written in Sikhi Gurmukhi script
Conversations – The Soul of Punjab
A few photos of the grand old women and men who were young at the time of the “hallaa” … the Partition.
Over deep conversations about phulkaris, over chai & pakodas followed by parathas & butter, we bonded – discussing the culture of their youth, of their childhood homes and the culture of the time.
Architecture of Amritsar
What have these bricks seen? Set in the city of Amritsar, these buildings have seen strife and tragedy like few others have. The Jalianwala Baug massacre, the Partition, Operation Blue … Continue reading
A Phulkari Fan from the Olden Days
Here’s another cultural remnant of the olden days in Punjab – A ceiling fan decorated with Phulkari work: The rope is used to swing the fan and is held by … Continue reading
A Charkha Spinning Wheel
Sighting of a decorated Charkha Spinning Wheel – used in a vanishing craft
Wearing her mother’s Bridal Haalvan Phulkari
A “haalvan” phulkari is done on very fine cotton cloth that is similar to mul mul. This is the first time I held one in my hand! All bridal textiles … Continue reading
Boats of Eastern India, 1800s – Company School Paintings
Seen on an auction site, these paintings give us a glimpse of the lifestyle of those times. To pursue the characters that lived these lives, watch the Netflix original series … Continue reading
Bless the Kohistani Creator!
“Gulposh kabhi itraaye kahin Mehke to nazar aa jaaye kahin” Only the brilliant A. R. Rahman’s lyrics are appropriate for this outstanding masterpiece from Kohistan. “A flower may try to … Continue reading
Gateways of Bali
Just a few photos of the amazing art that is just everywhere in Bali. The artsy environment goes a long way in making this a spiritual haven. ❤️ jm Dec … Continue reading
Worth a Look: Coffin Art from Ghana
The concept of coffin art is intriguing isn’t it? See more in the Exhibition: Ghanaian Fantasy Coffins For a riveting slideshow online see the website of photographer Regula Tschumi here. … Continue reading
The Magic Carpet :)
Borrowed from the internet to spread the smiles 🙂
Opium Culture – History in Art
There is too much that I do not know anything about and the role that opium played in the history of China is one of them. Were it not for … Continue reading
Boundless Creativity in Motifs
Superb embroidered motifs from the North West Frontier Province region photographed from faded fragments of dress-fronts! Enjoy the feast: What thought-paths created these very aesthetically pleasing unique motifs that have … Continue reading
Rare Swat Wedding Shawl with ‘Self’ Embroidery
Just when I’d thought I’d seen the complete range of the niche textile art from Swat Valley, along comes a piece that challenges that belief and nudges me out of my smug stupor. – Exploring a Rare Swat Valley Artwork
Confused About Classification! Silver or Silk?
In awe of an antique Benarasi Sari with real silver sari!
The Goldsmith’s Craft
In another life that I lived within this life I had a little venture called IQ Club. Had a lot of fun creating a brain-games-based workshop for kids. The parents … Continue reading
There’s an Elephant on my Sofa!
And a horse!!! 😊 Beginning the day with a smile and a reminder of the beauty our hands can create! See more of Asset 1143 on wovensouls.com
Chinese Paintings on Ailments
The last thing I expected to find in a medical centre is art that might arrest my attention. But here I am between tasks finding myself searching for the wall … Continue reading
Veneration of Human Spirit – Jain Painting
Heroic act spellbind us. And spur us on to do more, to push ourselves a little bit more and to give life the very best of ourselves. In Bombay, there … Continue reading
Inspiration from the Extraordinary
When I was younger, life was too busy. We all just rode that super fast rollercoaster of life doing everything that must be done and must be done well – … Continue reading
Service or Sacrilege? The Dilemma of Textile Art Fragments
Have you seen these? Amazing creativity isn’t it?!! ❤️ The ones that I have are in good but not in perfect condition – usage, withering natural life of the fibre … Continue reading
Wearing Art – Bhil Tribal Earrings
Travel results in exposure. Exposure to the lifestyles of others. And to the Art within that lifestyle. Exposure results in desires. Desires result in quests. Quests can be classified loosely into 3 … Continue reading
Artwork of the Day
A Peacock takes a little ram for a walk! What an endearing example of folk creativity! Seen in this most-beloved AntiqueQashqai Shekarlu rug that I cannot get enough of! More … Continue reading
Sleeping Under The Stars
My evening on the terrace has often turned into night. Alone with the stars and the sound of the sea and the darkness, I have found myself lying on the … Continue reading
Washing Shawls in 1867
An antique Indian miniature painting from the Kyburg exhibition catalog (1988) depicts the washing of shawls The 1867 painting is possibly from Lahore, Such a treat to get a glimpse … Continue reading
Waiting…. The Antique Shekarlu Qashqai Rug
For years I’ve eyed Shekarlu rugs. Their identity is highly evolved and very striking! Very rustic in character the rugs are filled with an extravagant number of minor motif elements … Continue reading
The Retirees
Living the high life! The accessories and the blissful expressions say it all! Acquired in a flea market in Singapore twnty years ago and now sits prominently on a camphor … Continue reading
Art of Tunisia
The more I know, the more I realise how ignorant I am. Someone famous said something like that in a much more cogent way. Completely true for me. In the … Continue reading
Art Fix: A Green to Envy
Isn’t that aged and saturated natural green reason enough to treasure that weaving forever? ❤️❤️❤️ *** Jaina Mishra Singapore
Raincoats of the Fortunate – Bhutan Textiles
Destinies differ between individuals. And between people groups. In the plate of destiny granted to me, raincoats were made of plastic. In the plate of the fortunate, raincoats were works … Continue reading
Rare Antique Company School Mica Paintings
In the early-mid 1800s Mica paintings were produced as souvenirs in Murshidabad, Patna and Benares in eastern India and Trichinopoly in South India. They imitated paintings on glass. Mica, a transparent … Continue reading
Astitva Project – August Update
For those who have provided encouragement and support and are following the story – here are some photos that just came in today. The loom is being constructed by the … Continue reading
External Article – Ramayan of Rani Laxmi of Jhansi
An article about art, culture and history! The monumental work sold for just over GBP200000! https://www.christies.com/features/5-mins-with-Ramayana-9234-1.aspx The sum probably does not reflect the historical value! jm
A Man and His Dowry
In many parts of North Africa, at the time of the proposal the families discuss the dowry the man is willing to pay to get his bride. The dowry is … Continue reading
Butterflies of Indonesia
And just when I thought I was done with the lessons in the Fauna of lovely Indonesia, along comes another Batik that showcases the butterflies of the islands: And the … Continue reading
Beauty of The Checkerboard
Checkerboards are simple forms. Not much creativity needed to create these basic geometric forms. It could even be said that checkerboard motifs are born during one’s lazier creative moments. But … Continue reading
Birds of Indonesia
So someone said ‘why only talk talk about art always’ …. So let’s change the track a bit for today and talk about birds! I spent an hour this afternoon … Continue reading
Made in 3 Places – Batik Tiga Negeri
In the world of modern mass production – the only world young people in their twenties (in my world) know – the concept of getting clothes made does not exist. … Continue reading
Vanished
When things vanish it feels bad. When cultures vanish it feels worse. Here is a Yao Shaman’s manuscript that came to me about 2 years ago. About 4 months ago, … Continue reading
External Article: Italy’s last Sea Silk Master (on BBC)
Byssus, or sea silk, is one of the rarest and most coveted materials in the world – and this is the last person on Earth who still knows how to … Continue reading
Fierce Deities!
A character that is not pleasant or all goody-goody has an appeal that is perhaps stronger! The glimpse of something fiesty, something temperamental, something strong with overtones of bold confidence … Continue reading
