Kohbar - Madhubani Painting

The Kohbar Madhubani Painting is one of the most sacred works of art. Available online exclusively at GoRoots, this Kohbar painting depicts the Kohbar Ghar or the nuptial chamber a room that has been traditionally painted to bless a newlywed couple. In the Maithili culture, the paintings that have Kohbar as the central idea are dedicated to love and prosperity. Generally, louts, snake, fishes, bamboo grove and birds are the elements that are showcased as in the Kohbar paintings. So, through the paintings, the couple is blessed for a successful marital life.

This Kohbar Madhubani Painting as well features intricate layout of birds and animals with a faded colour palette. Keeping up with the Maithili traditions, this one possesses a vintage look and feel with minute detailing and close-knit motifs. Such works of art are heavily inspired by the Vedas and the Puranas along with a truly inspirational theme of the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This painting is thus a blessing in its own tone. Bring it home for its classic yet simplistic appeal. Better yet, it can also be gifted on occasions that involve a married couple for their well-being and prosperity.

The Madhubani style of painting is also known as Mithila art for it has been originated in the Mithila region of Bihar. Madhubani literally means the forest of honey. And, to take the legacy a step further, this art has been taken to piece of paper, canvas and cloth so as to commercialize the artwork. Traditionally, Madhubani painting was practised by the women of the Madhubani village, who used to decorate their homes and surroundings with unique patterns and forms. The art of Madhubani dates back to the ancient times of the Ramayana. An interesting piece of information states that King Janaka ordered the artists of his court to paint pictures during the wedding of his daughter Sita with Lord Rama. Hence, the paintings today as well, showcase Hindu mythology and religious beliefs with Hindu deities to surround the main theme of the Madhubani type of painting.

Most Madhubani artworks also include depiction of natural elements such as birds, animals, trees, flowers and especially village life. The patterns are geometric-based and generally no space is left vacant, the entire canvas or the paper is entirely filled with designs. About the colours, bright shades of blue, black, red, yellow and green are used. These colours are naturally procured.