Buy Lippan Art online
Stroll across the white sands of the Rann of Kutch (Gujarat) and you will notice the landscape dotted with small, thatched huts with shimmering art on their mud walls. Among the unique traditions here is the technique of decorating the walls of homes with mud and mirror work. While these circular mud huts are known as bhungas, the mud art is called Lippan Kaam or Chhittar Kaam, also popular today as Lippan Art.
Decorating walls and other spaces into shimmering works of art, theLippan Artis now being used in creative and contemporary ways
The word ‘Lippan’ means ‘clay’ or ‘dung’ in local Gujarati language. The Lippan Art is essentially mud-relief work that incorporates mirrors. It is used to embellish the interior and exterior walls of the circular adobes that these communities live in.
The origin of Lippan Art is lost in the pages of history. But as an art, it has evolved across many years, with local communities making a concerted effort to keep this wonderful and vibrant tradition alive.
Peepul Tree offers a wide range of Lippan Art pieces, which are inspired by the elaborate work inside the bhungas and are made with traditional geometric motifs. It represents the vibrant culture and tradition of the Kutch, and carries forward a legacy passed across generations. Added to them, this range maintains the consistency of fine quality, along with being eco-friendly, sustainable and natural.
Best Lippan Art
Peepul Tree brings you stunning pieces of Best Lippan Art, handwoven by the local communities of Kutch (Gujarat), that are painted in joyful colour combination.This Best Lippan Art also uses repetitive geometric motifs, which reflects the simplicity of the tradition. Known for their stupendous visual appeal, these pieces from Best Lippan Art bring a vibrancy to your decor with dazzling mirrors. What’s more, that these fine pieces of artistic excellence are sustainable and eco-friendly! Treat yourself with Best Lippan Art today, only from Peepul Tree!
Lippan Art On Wall
It was once crafted for livening up the homes of the Kutch communities living in bleak and harsh environments. Now, its your chance to grace Lippan Art On Wall of your houses. Among the artistic additions in your home sweet home, a Lippan Art On Wall with mirror so unique, is no less than bringing a new level of beauty. Add a pop of colour with Lippan Art On Wall which is handwoven by the local communities of Gujarat. Mix and match with other pieces in this range to create your own unique style, that are also sustainable and eco-friendly.
Lippan Art On Canvas
Grace your walls with Intricate designs and patterns with Lippan Art On Canvas. It uses a mixture of clay and cow dung, which is then decorated with mirrors and vibrant colours. Representing the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of Gujarat, Lippan Art On Canvas showcases the creativity and skills of the local artisans. The Lippan Art On Canvas is a testament to the rich artistic traditions that have been passed down through generations, preserving the cultural identity of the region. Interestingly, Lippan Art On Canvas is not just limited to walls; and it can also be found on decorative objects like clay pots, wooden panels, and furniture. It is appreciated for its rustic charm, intricate details, and eco-friendly nature. Own a piece of artistic excellence which is intricately handwoven, natural and sustainable.
F.A.Q’s
Which communities practice the Lippan Art? Where do they come from?
Lippan Art is practiced mainly by the Rabari, Kumbhar, Marwada Harijan and Mutwa communities in Kutch (Gujarat). However, most Lippan artisans today trace their origins to the Kumbhar community. Traditionally earthen pot-makers from Sindh, the Kumbhars transferred their expertise in working with mud and clay to a much larger canvas, like the exterior and interior walls of their homes, and traditional boxes, at some point in time.
What is the process of making Lippan Art?
The process of creating lippan art starts with a mixture of clay, cow dung, and straw. This mixture is applied to the walls or surface in a desired pattern or design. The artisans then use their hands and simple tools to create various motifs, such as geometric patterns, flowers, peacocks, and other nature-inspired elements. The design is built up in relief, giving it a three-dimensional effect.
Once the design is complete, the artisans embed small mirrors or glass pieces into the wet clay mixture. The mirrors reflect light and add a shimmering effect to the artwork. The entire surface is then left to dry and harden.
After the clay has dried, the artisans paint the relief work using natural colors. The colors are typically bright and vibrant, reflecting the traditional aesthetics of the region. Red, blue, yellow, and green are commonly used, along with white for contrast. The colors further enhance the beauty of the design and add depth to the overall artwork.
What is the relevance of mirrors in Lippan Art?
The use of mirrors in this art form produces an astonishing, glittering effect, where a simple lamp can light up a very large space.
What are the motifs used in the Lippan Art?
The motifs and designs used in Lippan Art are inspired by everyday life. There are peacocks, camels, elephants, mango trees, temples, women churning buttermilk, women carrying water, and depictions of other daily activities. Locally, some of the motifs are called: panihari - woman carrying a pot; gowal – shepherd; mor – peacock; popat – parrot; surya – sun; gajja – elephants. These Lippan motifs are also used in other crafts in the Kutch, like Mutwa and Rabari embroidery.
Where else in Kutch can we find the pieces of Lippan Art?
While the craft is used mainly to embellish the walls of mud houses, you can also find Lippan Art in specific parts of the houses, such as on kotholos – large storage granaries, sanjiros – large storage areas for valuables and clothes, pitara – a chest, kothi – silos for grain storage, chula – hearth, paniyara – clay platforms, and also in alcoves, plinths, shelves and on window frames.