Traditional Designs From India

A wealth of creative suggestions in 99 full- and partial-color illustrations of authentic Indian motifs. Introduction. Map.

Intricate and inventive, these 30 full-page designs are drawn from the vibrant patterns that have adorned Indian clothing and decorative objects for centuries. Motifs include birds and animals, folkloric characters, abstract florals, paisley patterns, and other bold designs. Colorists of all ages will thrill to the challenge of bringing these black-and-white patterns to vivid life.

Encompassing the sheer beauty and variety of traditional Indian designs, this fascinating store of decorative motifs is inspired by a 5,000-year-old artistic heritage. Hundreds of unique black-and-white embellishments have been precisely adapted from a wide range of cultural artifacts: coins and pottery from South India, Ajanta and Bagh murals, Muslim monuments, textiles from Gujarat and Punjab, as well as designs from masks and other tribal pieces. A stimulating and immediately usable archive for today's illustrators, designers, and art enthusiasts!

Incredibly rich treasury of authentic royalty-free designs adapted from artifacts of the Harappa culture, coins and pottery from South India, Ajanta and Bagh murals, Muslim monuments, Buddhist temples, textiles from Gujarat, Punjab, other regions, masks and tribal arts, much more. Immediately usable material or great resource for design inspiration. Introduction. Notes.

The art of Kalamkari painting is one of the oldest among the traditional arts of India. Written in a lucid style, the book not only explores the origin of the beautiful craft and other traditional design forms, but also documents their evolution while carving a road-map for the future.

The triumphant result of more than 35 years of research, this sumptuous book is a comprehensive presentation of one of the greatest of the world's jewelry traditions. The stunning display of individual ornaments is supplemented by full documentation of hundreds of pieces. More than 5,000 years of the development of personal ornament are traced, as major themes, variations on basic forms, the use of gemstones, and cross-cultural influences are analysed and comprehensively illustrated. Alongside form and technique, the influences of myth and religion, social structure, economics and politics illuminate the context in which jewelry of exquisite beauty and great originality has been created.