Rhythm of Abundance: Fishes - Madhubani Painting

Provenance

Madhubani painting, also known as Mithila painting, originates from the ancient Mithila region of Bihar and is traditionally traced to the Treta Yuga, the era associated with the Ramayana. Cultural lore recounts that during the marriage of Sita and Lord Rama, King Janaka commissioned artists to adorn the city with sacred imagery — transforming domestic and ceremonial spaces into visual expressions of courage, destiny and celebration.

Within the Madhubani tradition, fish are among the most auspicious and frequently depicted symbols. Emerging from Mithila’s river-nourished landscape, they represent fertility, prosperity and life-giving water — essential forces sustaining agrarian life. In this composition, the repeated and flowing forms of the fishes create rhythmic movement, suggesting continuity and harmony. Intricate scales, bold outlines and dense patterning eliminate empty space, reflecting the cultural belief that fullness signifies abundance, protection and wellbeing.

Historically painted during rituals and seasonal observances, such compositions functioned as blessings for growth and renewal. Rendered in organic and water-based pigments using the non-rubbing tradition, this work preserves both symbolic integrity and inherited technique.

Recognised as a Geographical Indication (GI Application No. 37) and awarded GI status in 2006–2007 as the 30th registered GI product of India, Madhubani Painting remains protected in its regional authenticity. This piece, painted by Shri Lakshmiji, Chief Artist of Mithila, continues a lineage shaped by devotion, discipline and generational knowledge.

Disclaimer: 

• The frames shown are for display purposes only and are not included with the artwork.
• As these are made-to-order designer pieces, expect minor colour variations from the displayed artwork.