Madhubani Sarees: Peacock To Fish- Know Different Motifs Present And Tips To Identify A Pure Piece

Madhubani art, originating in the Mithila region of India, is a traditional form of painting with deep cultural and historical roots. It is characterised by intricate line work, eye-catching geometrical patterns, and vibrant colours, often depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and nature. Madhubani art is known for its complex and meticulous detailing, portraying mythological figures, flora, and fauna with precision. Each element within the art carries a specific meaning, often representing religious concepts, tradition, and cultural practices which are now applied to a plethora of products including breath-taking hand-painted Madhubani sarees.

G.R. Rajapriya- Founder director, Eastcraft Designs Pvt. Ltd. said, “Madhubani holds a special place in Indian heritage for its unique techniques, utilising local resources like plants, cow dung, and bamboo sticks. Historically, it was the women who pioneered this art form, decorating mud huts with intricate paintings passed down through generations. Today as we see Madhubani transcends its humble origins, finding expression on various surfaces like cloth, handmade paper or canvas.”

How You Can Identify A Pure Madhubani Saree?

Madhubani sarees represent the rich cultural heritage of India, with each design reflecting the traditions and beliefs passed down through generations. Worn during festivals and special occasions, these sarees hold deep cultural significance and are considered auspicious in Indian culture. Madhubani sarees serve as a canvas for visual storytelling, depicting intricate narratives, and showcasing the artistic prowess of the Mithila region.

Designer Rooma Jain said, “Wearing an art is classy. Madhubani sarees are a rich art of India. Mythological patterns, motifs like the Sun, trees, flowers, fish, bamboos and many others enhance the beauty of these sarees. From border painted saree to fully painted one, each madhubani saree speaks a story.”

Madhubani sarees are painted on many fabrics like Desi Tussar silk, Tussar, Ghicha Silk, Crepe, Cotton, and chiffon. Rishab Manocha, Associate Professor, Fashion Design, Pearl Academy talked about the popular motifs found on Madhubani sarees.

• Peacock Motif – The peacock motif symbolizes beauty and grace, often seen in Madhubani sarees, representing nature’s elegance.
• Lotus Design – The lotus design signifies purity and spirituality, a recurring motif depicting the unfolding of divine truths.
• Fish Motif – The fish motif represents fertility and good luck, a beloved element in Madhubani art symbolising prosperity and abundance.

He then went on to speak about the process of making a Madhubani saree.

• Drawing – Artisans sketch the design directly onto the fabric using natural dyes and pigments, ensuring precision and attention to detail.
• Painting – Using fine brushes and an array of colours, artists meticulously paint the intricate patterns, layering the saree with vivid details.
• Drying and Fixing – After painting, the saree undergoes a drying process, followed by fixing techniques, ensuring longevity and colour permanence.

However, the important question is how to identify original Madhubani sarees from their fake counterparts.

To distinguish between the two, Rishab Manocha said, “Original Madhubani art is typically painted on handmade paper or cloth, using natural, plant-derived colours. The materials reflect the traditional process. Buyers need to have a keen eye for the patterns and motifs used, as they reflect the thematic elements and regional symbols unique to authentic Madhubani art.”

“Fake Madhubani art is often produced in large quantities using modern printing techniques, lacking the authenticity of traditional hand-painted art. It mimics the style of Madhubani art but lacks the intricate, cultural, and historical depth found in genuine pieces. Fake Madhubani sarees may exhibit perfect symmetry, lacking the organic and handcrafted feel of traditional techniques. Recurring patterns and motifs without nuanced variations can indicate a lack of authenticity in the artwork,” he added.

Presently, artisans are incorporating contemporary elements and motifs into Madhubani Sarees, while preserving the core essence of Madhubani art. This fusion has garnered widespread acclaim, motivating designers from across the globe to join forces and craft innovative designs.