Lakshmi: Goddess of Enlightenment in Kalighat by Sonali Chitrakar

Born in the bustling lanes near Kolkata's Kalighat Kali Temple, Kalighat paintings are a vibrant testament to the folk art of nineteenth century Bengal. Created on inexpensive paper and brushes, these paintings captured the essence of daily life and mythological tales, using bold lines and vivid colors primarily for pilgrims visiting the temple. In this captivating Kalighat rendition by Sonali Chitrakar, Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of wealth and prosperity, is depicted in her serene glory. She sits gracefully on a stylized lotus, a symbol of purity and enlightenment, her posture exuding tranquility and abundance. She holds a wealth pot filled with riches, signifying material prosperity, along with other attributes suggesting auspiciousness and blessings. Lakshmi's face, rendered with the characteristic large, expressive eyes of Kalighat art, radiates a gentle benevolence. Her elaborate crown, detailed with intricate patterns, and her ornate jewelry add to her regal aura. She is clad in a flowing pink saree, its delicate patterns and frilled edges adding a touch of elegance. The use of white highlights on the saree's border and pleats, as well as on her jewelry, adds a subtle shimmer, drawing the eye to these details. Flanking Lakshmi is her vahana (vehicle) the owl, depicted with a unique charm. Their large, round eyes, also a signature of Kalighat style, give them an almost human-like expression, adding a touch of whimsy to the composition.The owls are rendered in shades of grey with intricate patterns on their wings, showcasing the artist's attention to detail. The lotus seat on which Lakshmi sits is rendered in vibrant shades of red and orange, its pointed petals adding a dynamic element to the composition. Below the lotus, stylized water lilies and leaves are depicted in shades of green, suggesting a serene aquatic environment. The backdrop, a deep teal, provides a striking contrast to the warm tones of Lakshmi and her lotus seat, making her the focal point of the painting. Sonali Chitrakar's work, with its bold lines, vibrant colors, and simplified forms, captures the essence of the Kalighat style. The painting's narrative strength lies in its ability to convey the auspicious presence of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and the prosperity she bestows. The depiction of the owls, her vahanas, adds a unique touch, making this rendition both traditional and distinctive. The painting stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Kalighat art, offering a glimpse into the cultural and spiritual landscape of Bengal.

Each of our artworks are hand painted by master artists across India. We provide a digital authentication certificate with this artwork signed by the artist which will be sent over email after 3-4 days of delivery of the artwork.

View Sample Here

The sizes mentioned are excluding the borders of the artwork. Frames shown are for visual representation only and are not included with the artwork.

Customisation

Most artworks can be customised in terms of colours, size and elements to fit your requirements.

For custom artwork orders, please use the WhatsApp chat below or email us at wecare@memeraki.com to discuss your requirements in more detail.

Framing Services

We offer framing services on demand at additional framing and shipping costs. If you wish to get your artwork framed, please reach out to us on WhatsApp or email.

We ship worldwide.

Domestic Orders

All prices are inclusive of GST and applicable Indian taxes.

• We offer free shipping on orders above ₹999 for all artworks, except Lippan, Terracotta and Thikri.
• A flat shipping rate of ₹249 applies to orders below ₹999.

Lippan, Terracotta and Thikri

Shipping is charged on a per-kilogram basis, due to the delicate and bulky nature of these items.

International Orders

• A flat shipping charge of ₹4,000 applies to international artwork orders.
• Customs duties, taxes, or import charges in the buyer’s country are not included and must be borne by the buyer.
• Shipping rates for Lippan, Terracotta and Thikri artworks will be calculated based on weight.

Additonal Shipping Charges

Extra charges may be applicable for both domestic and international deliveries in the following cases:

• If the article requires additional packaging (such as a wooden crate) to ensure safe shipping due to its delicate nature.
• Custom-framed artworks.
• Artworks where shorter side exceeds 36 inches or Decor items with any side over 35 inches.
• If you request express shipping. Contact support to check availability.
• The order contains more than two different product types.

You can proceed with your purchase, and our team will contact you to confirm any applicable additional shipping charges before processing your order. Alternatively, reach out to us on WhatsApp or email, and we'll assist you in completing your purchase with the final pricing.

All artworks are handmade and couriered securely packed in a tube.

This artwork will be Made to Order and will take 2-3 weeks to be made and shipped. Returns are not applicable on Made To Order artworks.

Once your order is placed, our team stays in constant communication with the artist to track the progress and ensure the quality of your order. You will receive regular updates from us throughout this process.

All MeMeraki artworks are hand-painted. In rare occasions, artist may face delays due to weather, health, prior commitments or force majeure. Our team will reach out to you with revised timelines in case of such delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience in such situations.

All artworks on the website are hand painted from scratch by our master artists. This makes every artwork absolutely unique and the actual colour and overall artwork may vary slightly from the artwork image posted here.