ORIGINAL MITHILA (MADHUBANI) ART: PAINTINGS FOR SALE

Please hover or click on images to view artwork details.

Please hover or click on images to view artwork details.

Madhubani art, also known as Mithila art, is a rich tradition of domestic ritual painting that takes its name from the region in northern Bihar where it began and continues to thrive. Historically, women made Madhubani paintings on the freshly plastered walls and floors of mud huts. These skills and techniques were passed down for centuries, preserving Madhubani’s unique qualities, and today both men and women paint in this style onto cloth, handmade paper and canvas.

Madhubani paintings typically depict nature, social themes and Hindu deities. The sun, moon and religious plants like tulsi are common elements, as are scenes from ancient epics and daily life, including the royal court and weddings. Animals like peacocks, fish, crocodiles and elephants also frequently appear in Madhubani art.

Madhubani artists make their paints and brushes from locally available materials. The handmade paper is treated with cow dung, which helps maintain the strong color of the natural pigments. Charcoal is mixed with water to outline the images, and crushed flowers and plants are mixed with powdered rice to make colorful pastes. No space remains empty on a Madhubani work—gaps are delicately filled in with flowers, animals, birds and geometric designs.

Available at Laasya Art is a carefully selected collection of original Madhubani (Mithila) paintings by internationally recognized artists, including National Award recipients. Some are mentees of Smt. Jagadamba Devi, who won the Padma Shri in 2011 and was the first Mithila-born artist to receive the National Award for Madhubani painting in 1982. These artists have exhibited their paintings throughout Europe and the US.

You are welcome to buy Madhubani (Mithila) paintings online or view them at our gallery in Palo Alto (San Francisco Bay Area). All artworks include a certificate of authenticity.

A traditional Madhubani (Mithila) artist outlining her painting.

Are Madhubani and Mithila the same?

Yes, these are two names for the same art form — Madhubani painting is also known as Mithila because it originated from the Mithila region in Bihar, India.

What are the 3 themes in Madhubani painting?

There are three main themes in Madhubani art: religion, social scenes and elements of nature.

What colors are used in Madhubani?

Madhubani artists create their natural pigments from flowers and vegetables. Some common ingredients include the aparajita flower for blue, bougainvillea for pink, flat bean leaves for green, turmeric for yellow and rice powder for white.

Are the paintings signed?

Yes, all paintings are signed by the artist and come with a certificate of authenticity.

Is shipping available worldwide?

Yes, we offer both domestic and international shipping, and all fees are calculated upon purchase and included on your invoice. We frequently ship throughout the US as well as to Europe, Africa and Asia.

How are the artworks shipped?

All works including paintings, prints and sculptures are professionally packed. Smaller paintings can be shipped flat, and larger paintings can be unstretched and rolled in a tube. Each shipment is covered by transit insurance.

Are exchanges accepted?

Yes, we do offer exchanges for remote clients who are based in the United States. Paintings must be returned in the same perfect condition in order to be eligible for exchange. Please refer to our FAQ page for more details on our exchange policy.

Are the paintings framed?

No, the paintings are not sold framed. While it is not necessary to frame a canvas, it can be a stylistic choice and help integrate the painting with the existing decor. You can read more advice about framing on our blog.

How should the artwork be taken care of?

As a resource for clients, we have written a guide on the best art care tips for canvases and works on paper.