Chhittar Kaam is the mural tradition from the Kutch region in Gujarat. The craft form was traditionally done using the wild ass or camel dung, which means lippan in Gujarati, and hence its more famous name Lippan Kaam. The mud work, done in bas-relief has been practiced by the various communities in the region. The mud work is done on the bhungas, or the circular mud huts where the locals live. The various communities migrated from the other side of the border in many waves, the latest being after the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. The major communities which practice Lippan kaam today are the Rebaris, the Harijans and the Mutwas, though there are many more sub-tribes which practice the craft. The Mutwa and Rebari community migrated from the Sindh to Kutch about 400 and 700 years ago respectively. While the Harijan community migrated from the Marwada region in Rajasthan. These communities primarily practice embroidery, pastoralism, livestock and horse rearing. However, all these communities continue the lippan kaam as a local tradition which has aesthetic as well as functional uses. The clay work increases the strength of the bhungas and also act as insulators. The air gaps between the clay keep the houses cool in summers and warm in winters. The aabhla, or the mirrors used in lippan reflect light from the lamps and make the interiors bright even with a single lit diya. Image Source: Artist Nalemitha Within the bhungas, lippan kaam is generally done on the kotholo or the large granaries, kotho or the grain containers, sanjiro or the storage for valuables, dhadabla or seats for babies, chula or the hearth, pedlo or the storage platforms, the walls, plinths, shelves, niches and wndows. The motifs are derived from everyday life with animals such as peacocks, camels, elephants, temples and geometric patterns. Each community has a distinct style of lippan and can be differentiated from the others. The Rebari community does not pay much attention to the preparation of the clay. Hence their mud work has thick lines and a rough look. The most common motifs are women with pots or women churning buttermilk. Also depicted are the flora and fauna of the region, as well as from imagination or stories. There is an excess use of mirrors by them as the Rebaris believe that mirrors repel the negative energy and act as an evil eye. The Harijan community has taken the lippan kaam to the world stage. They have promoted the mud work in cities and in the urban establishments, taking them to every home. The most common motifs are inspired by the embroidery patterns and even the geometric motifs of other communities. The most auspicious motif of the Harijan community is ‘women with water pots’. A characteristic of the Mutwa community lippan kaam is the thin lines and geometrical themes. This is primarily because the community is Islamic and depicting living forms is prohibited. The inspiration for motifs is from the Mutwa embroidery practiced by the same community. The traditional lippan kaam required annual maintenance, and was passed as an heirloom to the future generations. There has been a shift in the use of materials for lippan kaam. There has been a shift in the materials used for lippan kaam, although many locals still continue their tradition. Earlier, it used camel or wild ass dung and clay, but later the evolutionists used the husk of bajra as an alternative. Today the artists have shifted to using newspapers to avoid the pungent smell as well as to keep the termites away. The characteristic white colour of the Lippan kaam was earlier made using white clay or white sand from the Kutch. Today however, most artists use synthetic white paint. There is no literary evidence for the origin of Lippan since it has been subject to continuous change. The process for revival and recognition of lippan began after the massive earthquake of 2001. It is evolving and amalgamating the different styles and contemporary traditions. It is this evolution which has made Lippan the vibrant form it is today. However, the continuation of this tradition is only possible if the future generations continue to practice and propagate the craft of their ancestors. Written by ~ Misha Jaswal
Chhittar Kaam is the mural tradition from the Kutch region in Gujarat. The craft form was traditionally done using the wild ass or camel dung, which means lippan in Gujarati, and hence its more famous name Lippan Kaam. The mud work, done in bas-relief has been practiced by the various communities in the region. The mud work is done on the bhungas, or the circular mud huts where the locals live. The various communities migrated from the other side of the border in many waves, the latest being after the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. The major communities which practice Lippan kaam today are the Rebaris, the Harijans and the Mutwas, though there are many more sub-tribes which practice the craft. The Mutwa and Rebari community migrated from the Sindh to Kutch about 400 and 700 years ago respectively. While the Harijan community migrated from the Marwada region in Rajasthan. These communities primarily practice embroidery, pastoralism, livestock and horse rearing. However, all these communities continue the lippan kaam as a local tradition which has aesthetic as well as functional uses. The clay work increases the strength of the bhungas and also act as insulators. The air gaps between the clay keep the houses cool in summers and warm in winters. The aabhla, or the mirrors used in lippan reflect light from the lamps and make the interiors bright even with a single lit diya. Image Source: Artist Nalemitha Within the bhungas, lippan kaam is generally done on the kotholo or the large granaries, kotho or the grain containers, sanjiro or the storage for valuables, dhadabla or seats for babies, chula or the hearth, pedlo or the storage platforms, the walls, plinths, shelves, niches and wndows. The motifs are derived from everyday life with animals such as peacocks, camels, elephants, temples and geometric patterns. Each community has a distinct style of lippan and can be differentiated from the others. The Rebari community does not pay much attention to the preparation of the clay. Hence their mud work has thick lines and a rough look. The most common motifs are women with pots or women churning buttermilk. Also depicted are the flora and fauna of the region, as well as from imagination or stories. There is an excess use of mirrors by them as the Rebaris believe that mirrors repel the negative energy and act as an evil eye. The Harijan community has taken the lippan kaam to the world stage. They have promoted the mud work in cities and in the urban establishments, taking them to every home. The most common motifs are inspired by the embroidery patterns and even the geometric motifs of other communities. The most auspicious motif of the Harijan community is ‘women with water pots’. A characteristic of the Mutwa community lippan kaam is the thin lines and geometrical themes. This is primarily because the community is Islamic and depicting living forms is prohibited. The inspiration for motifs is from the Mutwa embroidery practiced by the same community. The traditional lippan kaam required annual maintenance, and was passed as an heirloom to the future generations. There has been a shift in the use of materials for lippan kaam. There has been a shift in the materials used for lippan kaam, although many locals still continue their tradition. Earlier, it used camel or wild ass dung and clay, but later the evolutionists used the husk of bajra as an alternative. Today the artists have shifted to using newspapers to avoid the pungent smell as well as to keep the termites away. The characteristic white colour of the Lippan kaam was earlier made using white clay or white sand from the Kutch. Today however, most artists use synthetic white paint. There is no literary evidence for the origin of Lippan since it has been subject to continuous change. The process for revival and recognition of lippan began after the massive earthquake of 2001. It is evolving and amalgamating the different styles and contemporary traditions. It is this evolution which has made Lippan the vibrant form it is today. However, the continuation of this tradition is only possible if the future generations continue to practice and propagate the craft of their ancestors. Written by ~ Misha Jaswal
Measures: 18” x 15” Lotus Pichwai Lippan art Lippan Art Wall Hanging - Add a touch of traditional elegance to your home decor with this handcrafted Lippan Art piece. Made using clay and mirrors, this wall hanging is a unique representation of the traditional mural craft of Kutch, Gujarat known as Lippan Kaam. Its bright colors are sure to grab attention and create an ambiance of sophistication in any room it's displayed in. Whether it's for your living room, drawing room, or bedroom, this wall hanging is perfect for adding a touch of Indian charm to your space. Lippan art also makes for an excellent gift for housewarming, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Diwali, or any other special occasion. Bring home this beautiful piece of Lippan Art Wall Hanging today. Features Ready to hang Clean with dry cloth.
Measures: 18” x 15” Lotus Pichwai Lippan art Lippan Art Wall Hanging - Add a touch of traditional elegance to your home decor with this handcrafted Lippan Art piece. Made using clay and mirrors, this wall hanging is a unique representation of the traditional mural craft of Kutch, Gujarat known as Lippan Kaam. Its bright colors are sure to grab attention and create an ambiance of sophistication in any room it's displayed in. Whether it's for your living room, drawing room, or bedroom, this wall hanging is perfect for adding a touch of Indian charm to your space. Lippan art also makes for an excellent gift for housewarming, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Diwali, or any other special occasion. Bring home this beautiful piece of Lippan Art Wall Hanging today. Features Ready to hang Clean with dry cloth.
Discover Best Gujarat crafts - Explore Navratri Home decoration with ideas for Durga Mata ni Pachedi, Bandhani, Namada, Lippan art
Lippan Kaam Clay Art of Gujarat: Lippan art is a clay art form from the state of Gujarat, India. It is mostly done by the village ladies from Kutch to decorate their homes. Traditionally lippan is made by adding mud and cow dung and done on the walls. I am showing a more contempora…
Lippan Kaam Clay Art of Gujarat: Lippan art is a clay art form from the state of Gujarat, India. It is mostly done by the village ladies from Kutch to decorate their homes. Traditionally lippan is made by adding mud and cow dung and done on the walls. I am showing a more contempora…
Measures: 18” x 15” Lotus Pichwai Lippan art Lippan Art Wall Hanging - Add a touch of traditional elegance to your home decor with this handcrafted Lippan Art piece. Made using clay and mirrors, this wall hanging is a unique representation of the traditional mural craft of Kutch, Gujarat known as Lippan Kaam. Its bright colors are sure to grab attention and create an ambiance of sophistication in any room it's displayed in. Whether it's for your living room, drawing room, or bedroom, this wall hanging is perfect for adding a touch of Indian charm to your space. Lippan art also makes for an excellent gift for housewarming, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Diwali, or any other special occasion. Bring home this beautiful piece of Lippan Art Wall Hanging today. Features Ready to hang Clean with dry cloth.
Kutchi Lippan, Lippan Kaam or Mud Mirror Art, call it whatever you want, for an aesthete, it remains an innovative craft from Gujarat’s Kutch district that can transform inert, lifeless mud into absolutely vibrant and jovial murals. If you have ever travelled this stretch of India, then you must be familiar with the artistic embrace that awaits you. There is a cluster of beautifully decorated homes, each with their own tale to tell. Their intricately designed and coloured interiors are evident enough of the skill-set that Kutch artisans have. Before we go on to showcase some extraordinarily stunning piece of this art form, let’s have a brief insight on Kutchi Lippan. What exactly It is? Lippan, or technically called as mud-washing, is the use of locally available materials that is mostly used to keep interiors of houses cool. In Kutchi Lippan, a Kutch artisan typically uses the mixture of clay and camel dung. This helps to keep interiors cool in the otherwise harsh climate of Kutch. While its use is mostly limited to interiors, some artisans prefer to decorate their outer walls too. Have a look at some more exquisite Lippan works of the artists on Mytr- Kutchi Lippan Artworks Words are that this mural craft goes way back in history because of which it becomes difficult to trace its origin. Though basics of creating mud murals with Lippan Kaam remain the same, in more recent times, this art form has developed its own varieties owing to the different communities inhabiting the region. Each community has given this art form its own distinct style. Artisans belonging to Islamic community are known for their appealing geometric patterns with neat finishing, while non-Islamic communities mostly stick to depictions of animal and human figures. But that doesn’t stop artisans from experimenting with their creativity, and they often find joy in trying each other’s work and style. However, the credit for skilled artistry in Lippan Kaam is usually attributed to women of the Rabari community, Kutch’s pastoral community that is mostly confined to the outskirts. It is said that Rabari women are so skilled and experienced that they generally do not need to trace or draw patterns beforehand. Outlook of Lippan Kaam in Modern Art World Lippan Kaam has swiftly made its way into the world of modern art, thanks to its array of elaborated patterns and aesthetic appeal. Adding to its perfection is the use of natural materials and dazzling effect caused by sparkling mirror pieces. It has rose to prominence in the mainstream art world and has come a long way from being a mere rural art form from the land of Gujarat to a thriving artwork. Various artisans are now joining the bandwagon of transitioning Kutchi Lippan from interiors of Kutch to walls of urban residences. Although it’s not possible to craft murals with traditional techniques for urban residences, artisans use MDF board along with craft clay (as and when needed), sawdust and chalk powder. Working with MDF board, however, takes neater finishing and thus, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. If you are a fan of Bollywood, then you must remember the movie Refugee which was mostly shot in Kutch. The movie had few scenes that show beautiful Lippan artwork in the background. A still from Refugee movie with Kutchi Lippan work in the background That’s a pretty good example of how it has penetrated and trended in the field of modern interior as well as exterior décor style. From movies to urban houses, organizations to foundations, Kutchi Lippan has certainly made a huge impact in the art industry. Lippan Artisans on board with Mytr Over last couple of years, Mytr’s team has toured, researched and connected with several Lippan artisans, but there are two in particular whose competence and dexterity has won everyone’s hearts – Rashid Khan and Mital Shah. Both the artisans are brimming with creativity and their polished works are display of their mastery over it. Rashid Khan is older, more experienced and his perfectly finished works clearly portrays his command while Mital’s passion on the other hand is equally commendable. He has been in this field since last eight years and has gained a firm grip over the art and its techniques. Artisan Rashid Khan with current PM Narendra Modi Author - Tuhina Neogi Das
We travelled through the Kutch area of Gujarat stopping intermittently at different villages and towns to explore the wild, history and more often than not the rich art heritage. While passing thr…
Lippan Kaam Clay Art of Gujarat: Lippan art is a clay art form from the state of Gujarat, India. It is mostly done by the village ladies from Kutch to decorate their homes. Traditionally lippan is made by adding mud and cow dung and done on the walls. I am showing a more contempora…
Product details- Set includes- 2 Ganesha lippan art Shape- Round Product Dimensions- 30L*30W centimeters Frame material- Engineered Wood Style- Art Deco #- Ideal usage- perfect for home Decor like living room, bedroom, hall, entrance, stairs, wall, the wall you want decorate. #- decorative item care instructions: Handle with care. A soft bristled, dry brush can be used to gently clean the surface. Keep away from moisture and liquids #- Decor your house with this beautiful lippan art #- handmade lippan art used Acrylic colors Lippan art, also known as Lippan Kaam or mud-mirror work, is a traditional Indian folk art form that originates from the state of Gujarat. This unique and visually striking art is often used for wall decor and is characterized by its intricate patterns created using a mixture of clay, cow dung, and mirrors. Each piece is individually handcrafted which means that no two pieces will be identical. When used as wall decor, Lippan art pieces can transform a room into a vibrant and culturally rich environment. Their intricate designs and mirror embellishments create a stunning interplay of light and shadow, making them a captivating focal point. Whether you're looking to infuse your space with traditional Indian aesthetics or simply appreciate the beauty of handmade artistry, Lippan art wall decor is a wonderful choice that brings a piece of Indian heritage into your home.
Lippan Kaam Clay Art of Gujarat: Lippan art is a clay art form from the state of Gujarat, India. It is mostly done by the village ladies from Kutch to decorate their homes. Traditionally lippan is made by adding mud and cow dung and done on the walls. I am showing a more contempora…
Lippan Kaam Clay Art of Gujarat: Lippan art is a clay art form from the state of Gujarat, India. It is mostly done by the village ladies from Kutch to decorate their homes. Traditionally lippan is made by adding mud and cow dung and done on the walls. I am showing a more contempora…
Lippan Kaam Clay Art of Gujarat: Lippan art is a clay art form from the state of Gujarat, India. It is mostly done by the village ladies from Kutch to decorate their homes. Traditionally lippan is made by adding mud and cow dung and done on the walls. I am showing a more contempora…
Lippan Kaam Clay Art of Gujarat: Lippan art is a clay art form from the state of Gujarat, India. It is mostly done by the village ladies from Kutch to decorate their homes. Traditionally lippan is made by adding mud and cow dung and done on the walls. I am showing a more contempora…
Lippan Kaam Clay Art of Gujarat: Lippan art is a clay art form from the state of Gujarat, India. It is mostly done by the village ladies from Kutch to decorate their homes. Traditionally lippan is made by adding mud and cow dung and done on the walls. I am showing a more contempora…
