Artisan – Dr. Sneh Gangal
Craft – Miniature Painting
This exquisite artwork is a masterpiece that captures the joys and comforts of romantic love, earning its creator the prestigious National Award in 2001.
What sets this piece apart is the medium used. Departing from traditional paper, the artisan, Dr. Sneh Gangal, illustrates various scenes on eggshells. These scenes depict a gopi, a devotee of Lord Krishna, encountering her soulmate on the banks of the Yamuna River.
Each of the 36 themes within the artwork portrays a unique interaction between the gopi and her soulmate, imbued with a lightness that reflects the playful nature of love.
Inspired by the Kangra School of miniature painting, the artist meticulously renders each scene with extraordinary detail and vibrant colors. Dr. Gangal dedicated two and a half years to conceptualize this masterpiece, envisioning around 500 potential scenes during this period. After selecting the scenes that best fit the theme of joy, she began sketching on the eggshells. Using a thin brush for fine lines, she then brought the scenes to life with watercolors. To ensure the artwork’s longevity, it is protected by four layers of waterproof spray, making this unique piece durable.
The Kangra School of miniature painting, originating in the 18th century in Himachal Pradesh primarily focuses on the romantic and devotional themes of Radha and Krishna, often depicting their love stories and episodes from Hindu mythology like the Bhagavata Purana and Gita Govinda.
