Fertility & Flow: Women with Four Fishes - Madhubani Painting

Provenance

Madhubani painting, also known as Mithila painting, originates from the ancient Mithila region of Bihar and is traditionally created as a ceremonial art form rooted in ritual practice. Its cultural genesis is linked to the Treta Yuga, when King Janaka is believed to have commissioned artists to decorate the city of Mithila during the wedding of Sita and Lord Rama, transforming homes into sanctified spaces of celebration and protection.

Within the Madhubani tradition, the depiction of women is closely associated with fertility, continuity, and the preservation of household harmony. The fish motif, one of the most auspicious symbols in Mithila iconography, represents fertility, abundance, prosperity, and good fortune. In this composition, the central female figure is harmoniously surrounded by four fishes, creating a balanced and protective visual arrangement. The number four suggests stability and completeness, reinforcing themes of cyclical life and cosmic order.

Rendered with bold outlines, intricate linework, and dense geometric patterning, the painting adheres to the non-rubbing tradition, where strokes are never erased or corrected, reflecting ritual discipline and belief in auspicious continuity.

Recognised under 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 artwork is painted by Shri Lakshmiji, Chief Artist, Mithila, sustaining generational knowledge and symbolic precision within the GI Panchayat framework.

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.