Indian motifs in drawings. Indian ornaments and their meaning

The vibrant and astounding beauty of India's nature is reflected in various types decorative folk art. However, the religion professed in one or another region of this multinational and multi-religious country had a significant influence on the Indian ornament used to decorate fabrics and jewelry, furniture and utensils.

Floral ornament

In that part of India where the main religion is Islam, it is most widespread, as in other Muslim cultures, received floral and geometric ornaments. This is due to the fact that in this religion there is a ban on depicting the face of Allah, people and animals. Indian masters have achieved the highest level mastery, creating plant patterns. The most beloved and popular are the sacred symbolizing creativity, cloves and mango fruits, pomegranate. Often the patterns include images of trees - palms and cypress.

Thus, in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, the main Indian ornament is flower garlands and medallions. And also borrowed from Persian culture. Such ornaments and patterns are applied not only to household items, they are also used to decorate walls in houses, decorate fabrics and use them in traditional art henna drawing - mehendi. Among all the diversity plant designs It is worth highlighting such an Indian ornament as buta, better known in Europe under the name “paisley”.

"Indian cucumber"

Buta is a very important symbol meaning in Indian culture fire.

This pattern is loved in India and is widely used in art and everyday activities. Sarees and shawls, decorated with various interpretations of “Turkish cypress,” as paisley is also called, are worn by women of all faiths. The question is where and when did this Indian language appear, which is very popular in modern world and decorates furniture, clothing, shoes, jewelry and other items in many countries, is still open. India and Persia have been arguing for supremacy for several centuries. The basis of this pattern is a teardrop shape with a curved tip, which can be empty or filled from the inside with floral or abstract patterns and elements.

Geometric patterns

No less popular and widespread are various geometric and ornamental designs, among which are “gyasir” - fish scales, “jali” - a lattice.

Often used when creating patterned motifs simple lines and angles, triangles pointing upward and symbolizing masculinity, and down - personifying the feminine. On the fabrics you can see squares, diamonds and circles, which can be filled with both geometric and floral elements. Indian designs often use checkerboard designs and the swastika motif as a symbol of divine fire and the sun. This group of patterns also includes religious ones, depicting the obligatory attributes of the gods - tridents (trishuls), various drums (damaras) and such a common ritual pattern as tilak - a check mark with a dot in the center. When decorating clothes, scenes from the divine life of Ganesha, Shiva and Krishna can be depicted.

Animalistic images

In Central India and Rajasthan, where most of population professes Buddhism and Hinduism, plant and geometric patterns. As well as images of animals such as elephants, camels and lions, and birds, usually parrots and peacocks with flowing tails - symbolizing well-being and prosperity.

It is worth noting this feature Indian art, such as naturalism and the almost complete absence of stylization when creating animalistic patterns and ornaments.

Indian patterns are amazing. They attract with their intricate shapes and life-affirming stories. Admirers of Indian culture apply them to their hands and feet, paint fabrics with them and create fancy accessories based on these motifs. Paisley curls (“paisley”) inspire the creation of masterpieces by the most venerable fashion couturiers. Often this motif, like solar panels, is used in interior design for the manufacture of frescoes, lamps, furniture upholstery, and carvings. And what can we say about tattoo art! The most famous salons offer millions of designs for both temporary and permanent tattoos, which are based on amazing Indian patterns.

It is safe to say that the ancient Indian art of painting is today experiencing another period of universal adoration.

Mehendi and its history

Mehendi is the art of applying designs on the body with paints made from henna. The history of this painting is so ancient that it is no longer possible to accurately determine its exact age and ancestral home. Hindus are confident that their Aryan ancestors stood at the origins of the origin, and this happened at least five thousand years ago. And if the time of the emergence of disputes among historians does not cause any disagreement, there are still disagreements about the place. Most likely, ancient art originated in the territory Ancient Egypt, since archaeological finds support this version. The Egyptians painted the feet and palms of the dead with henna, believing that this would ease their difficult journey to the afterlife.

At the beginning of the 12th century, henna painting became widespread in India. From that moment, the formation of the art of mehendi began in the form in which we know it. Today, Indian patterns on hands can be seen almost anywhere in the world.

Fabrics

For India traditional materials From time immemorial, cotton and silk have been used. And whatever the influence of the West, these materials remain relevant today in this country. Traditional Indian patterns are used for embroidery and painting. Young people, of course, pay attention to Western fashion, but Indians celebrate the most solemn events in life by wearing the same clothes that their ancestors wore for many thousands of years in a row.

Symbolism

Triangles and solar symbols, strict geometric patterns and interweaving of leafy branches are the symbols that underlie the Indian art of painting. And the role of each of these elements goes far beyond the boundaries of ordinary decorativeness. What secrets do ancient Indian patterns keep? The meaning of each element is firmly associated with its image.

For example, connected triangles symbolize the unity of two principles: male and female, heavenly and earthly, giving and receiving.

Swastikas, or solar symbols, are ancient signs that contain the deepest symbolism. They seem to describe the course of the Sun across the sky, the flows of its life-giving energy, giving fertility and health.

The stars strengthen the connection with the Deities and express hope.

Squares and rhombuses are the simplest symbols of home, native shelter.

The protective meaning of circles is known in many ancient cultures, but Hindus see this sign as even more deep meaning. For them, a circle is a symbol of the turn of life. A circle with burning flames (“pakriti”) implies rebirth, growth of life-giving forces, a new beginning.

Meditation Basics

Not a single mehendi artist or textile artist from India will do her work in a hurry. Indian patterns in this regard are similar to Japanese art calligraphy. They are applied leisurely, in a calm atmosphere. The master is protected from the bustle of the world, tunes into a certain mood, picks up his instrument and begins to create. Perhaps this is precisely what Indian patterns owe their magical protective power...

Every person has a need for beauty. Since time immemorial, people have tended to decorate themselves and environment images that are observed around.

India is a country not only of riotous colors of amazing nature, but also of a variety of magnificent patterns, the most popular of which are floral ones, can be seen in architectural forms, interior items, handicrafts, dishes, clothing, fabrics and body jewelry.

The most revered flower and symbol of India is the lotus, images of which are most often seen in the second place in popularity is the mango fruit. There are often images of trees. In the art of Islamic India (Islam prohibits depicting people and animals), they are the only possible decorative elements.

The favorite animals of Indians, judging by traditional drawings, are elephants, lions and camels. Luxurious birds are also often depicted - peacocks, parrots.

Indian patterns also refer to religious themes. The most common symbol is Aum (Om), the swastika, and the attributes of the gods - a trident, a drum, a checkmark with a dot in the middle.

Among geometric and abstract elements, the undisputed leader is the Indian cucumber, or paisley. You can often find a stylized image of the sun.

Bizarre, complex and original Indian patterns often perform not only aesthetic function, but also carry sacred meaning. Most

a clear confirmation of this - Indian painting on the body (mehendi, mehindi, mehndi), which has become one of the most recognizable signs of this amazing country.

Body patterns served as amulets, protecting their owners from illness, misfortune and even death. They were also used to attract love. The exquisite ornament on the hands attracted the eye to the woman while performing the dance, and the smell of henna mixed with essential oils inflamed passion. It is believed that images of plants, birds and animals on a woman’s body connect her with nature, reproduction, nutrition and growth.

The symbolism of mehendi is manifested in the application of the signs rupa (bodily), yati (rebirth), svar (sun), atman (individuality, soul).

Everyday images are quite simple, but for the holidays, girls and women cover their bodies with wondrous flowers, intricate lace motifs and fancy arabesques, revealing the nature of the celebration. With a special meaning wedding mehendi is given. On the eve of the ceremony, experienced female relatives used thin metal or wooden chopsticks they paint the body of the newlywed, initiating her into the secrets of marriage. Needless to say, what

The more complex the drawing ended up being, the more prepared the bride turned out to be, and the happier the union was?!

Indian women believe that wedding mehendi will attract a lot of voluptuousness, love, care into the married life, and will help maintain the fidelity of the husband. In the nai to a greater extent Hands, wrists, feet and ankles are painted; the paint lasts here longer due to the characteristics of the skin. By the way, the design on the hands is a kind of guarantor of the honeymoon, since the young wife is traditionally freed from household duties while the wedding painting is preserved on her hands.

Is it any wonder that Indian designs on the hands and feet are gaining more and more popularity all over the world?

Today in the craze in India, many artists are discovering this folk art like a traditional Indian ornament. As in any folk art, Indian ornament is also extraordinarily beautiful and intricate, and each element is not just an image, but a means of transmitting information, in other words, each element means something, like in any nation.

I generally love folk art, the ornaments of all nations are beautiful in my opinion, each has its own unique beauty, for each ornament you can find a place in your life. Ornaments can decorate the interior, interior details, clothing, dishes, furniture.

But today’s popular henna painting, for example, will not be done in the style of North American Indians; in such a case, every artist will first of all remember the traditional Indian ornament. And in order not to accidentally wish the bearer of the drawing something inappropriate, it would be good to find out before starting work what this or that element means :)

The first element is probably familiar to all of us since childhood; remember this element could often be found on mother’s dressing gowns, scarves, sweaters, etc. It is still just as popular today; it must be said that this element became popular and widespread many centuries ago.

It's called: Butane (buta), paisley, Indian cucumbers (peppers).

It is still unknown what exactly it is, perhaps it is the seed of a date palm, cypress, or even sacred in oriental culture flame. But the main thing is what Bhutan means, it is a symbol of fertility, it is believed that things with this symbol attract wealth and prosperity to the owner. It is also generally accepted that this symbol denotes the entire beautiful divine essence of the person himself, his talents and all best qualities given to him by the gods.

Flowers

Flowers are also a very popular element of patterns; they can be found almost everywhere; Indians generally have a special love for flowers. Flowers also mean the transience of life, the value of every moment. It is important to understand what kind of flower is drawn, for example, red Ashoka flowers symbolize love.

Lotus

The lotus has a very important meaning; the lotus is a symbol of purity, fidelity, enlightenment, inspiration to overcome any difficulties in life. The lotus is more than a plant, it is a symbol of unshakable will and determination. The lotus is born in order to go through the darkness, to survive even in the most dirty water and show the world your pure, flawless beauty. Also, the lotus ornament has a slight erotic connotation; for example, newlyweds are usually decorated with garlands of lotuses. And women give men objects with images of an eight-leaf lotus, wanting to hint about their feelings.

Elephant

What traditional Indian drawing can do without an elephant, the elephant is one of the most favorite animals in artistic arts India. This is no coincidence, because the elephant is a symbol of longevity, prosperity, prudence, will, patience, goodwill and insight. In general, if you wish a person all the best, everything he needs to succeed in life or fulfill his deepest desires, give him an “elephant”, or an image of one.

It is not for nothing that the Hindu god Ganesha is a symbol of wisdom and happiness. It is easy to recognize him, because this god has the head of an elephant.

Cow

The cow is the mother of the whole world, Hindus greatly respect and honor the cow, the image of a cow on objects symbolizes all that is good, unselfishness and self-sacrifice.

Peacock

The peacock can also often be found in Indian patterns. Peacock national symbol India, this royal bird symbolizes wealth, abundance, and can also drive out dark forces.

Sun

The sun will mean divine protection, since the sun is the divine eye looking at us from heaven. Most often, the sun in Indian ornaments is depicted in the form of a circle with many rays.

India showed influence on the art of ornament of the peoples of the East while it was under the influence of Persia. Geometric ornament not as popular in India as in other countries of the East. During the time of the Guptas, a decorative style matured, which later became widely popularized. Main decorative themes of that time: geometric, having rhombuses, as well as spheres alternating with lines and also framed by leaves; plant - lotus, garlands, branch ornament, iris, themes of water monsters or half-humans, half-birds intertwined with floral links. All ornamental themes diverse, with a predominance of rounded, sinuous, intertwining directions.

Characteristic feature Indian ornaments tend to lean toward natural subjects, as well as a large number of details. The descriptions of animals, birds, and colors are quite similar to nature, and also show a good understanding of their forms. Indian designs have an obvious carpet style. In which the entire ornamental area is densely saturated with diverse patterned themes. Indian ornamentation is characterized by a predilection for colorfulness. Motifs include images of festive processions, as well as ceremonies and home scenes. The decoration of the ceilings is largely natural themes birds, as well as flora. The main decorative item is people; things, as well as plants, are not so important.

Hindu ceramics are characterized by geometric or animal patterns, the themes of which are placed in friezes on the body of the tank. Among the decorating themes (in furniture, on thrones of the Gupta era) there are crocodiles, elephants, deer, rams and other animals that personify Earth, water, as well as ether, etc.

In the ornaments of Indian fabrics, the floral pattern is interpreted close to the Persian one, only the colors are more specific and also more contrasting. Stylized palm and cypress are particularly famous ornamental themes decorating Kashmiri capes. Lotuses, pubescent leaves, tulips, carnations, pomegranate flowers are depicted in cheerful and harmonious colors. The plot of Kashmir shawls is usually created in contrasts - a clear sketch on a black background, and vice versa. For example, a well-popular method is to surround a painting on a black background with a clear border, like a wide, clear outline. When an image has a clear background, the edge becomes black.

In the ornaments of Indian fabrics of the 17th and 18th centuries. Remnants of Iranian influence are clearly visible: a floral pattern with the superiority of a cypress branch. In Indian embroideries, themes were taken from nature (flowers and birds) or from scriptures and tales. The design of the sari was usually geometric (squares, diamonds, zigzags), but from time to time you come across saris decorated with birds.