great ring

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.

Regarded as the celestial overlord of deliverance through destruction, Shiva dances to the sound of his damru drum while his wife, Parvati, watches. She holds their son, Ganesha, in her lap. Shiva is one of the most complex gods of the Hindu pantheon, embodying seemingly contradictory qualities. He is both destroyer and restorer, the great ascetic and the symbol of sensuality, the benevolent herdsman of souls and the wrathful avenger. As he dances the tandav, he represents the process of creation, maintenance and dissolution of the material universe. Indian artist Devendra Kumar Jha depicts the scene in a meticulously hand-drawn Madhubani painting. Originating in northern Bihar, Madhubani painting was once used to decorate the floors and walls of homes. Life in harmony with nature is a popular theme for this art style.

As each painting is an individual creation, each is unique.

Bharti Dayal celebrates her love of nature in the ancient style of Madhubani painting. Dayal mixes vegetable dyes with acrylics to paint peacocks perched within the spreading branches of a great tree. Subtle touches of red and pink relieve the otherwise black and white composition. Traditionally painted by women from Mithila on the walls and floor of their homes, Madhubani paintings often depict ancient mythological themes.

Please note: Bharti Dayal signs her pieces on the back side.

Bharti Dayal celebrates her love of nature in the ancient style of Madhubani painting. Dayal mixes vegetable dyes with acrylics to paint peacocks perched within the spreading branches of a great tree. Subtle touches of red and pink relieve the otherwise black and white composition. Traditionally painted by women from Mithila on the walls and floor of their homes, Madhubani paintings often depict ancient mythological themes.

Please note: Bharti Dayal signs her pieces on the back side.

Showy peacocks bow and nod to one another, as if engaged in a courtly dance. Bharti Dayal renders the scene in fine detail on this original Madhubani painting on handmade paper. Madhubani painting is an ancient Indian folk art traditionally created by women. They would paint mythological themes in great detail on the walls and floors of their homes.

Bharti Dayal celebrates her love of nature in the ancient style of Madhubani painting. Dayal mixes vegetable dyes with acrylics to paint two flamboyant peacocks beneath the spreading branches of a great tree. Subtle touches of red and pink relieve the otherwise black and white composition. Traditionally painted by women from Mithila on the walls and floor of their homes, Madhubani paintings often depict ancient mythological themes.

Bharti Dayal signs her pieces on the back side.