Avian Assembly in Kalamkari by Ghanshyam Sarode

This delightful Kalamkari painting by Ghanshyam Sarode is a study of avian life, moving away from a single focal point to celebrate a bustling community of birds. Set against a warm, buff-colored natural background, the composition showcases a wide variety of species through intricate patterns and a harmonious palette of indigos, ochres and reds.

Kalamkari, literally translating to pen-art, is an ancient textile tradition from Andhra Pradesh. It involves a meticulous process of sketching with a bamboo pen (kalam). The roots of Kalamkari can be traced to ancient temple traditions, where artisans were commissioned to paint large narrative cloths that adorned temple interiors. These paintings served as visual scriptures, narrating stories from Hindu epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana.

The painting is populated with a diverse range of birds, each rendered with distinct personality and anatomical detail. While some are stylized, many bear the characteristics of recognizable species.

Several figures throughout the center and top right feature the long, sweeping tail feathers and crested heads associated with the peacock and various pheasants. Their bodies are decorated with patterns that mimic the shimmering quality of real plumage. Scattered among the larger birds are smaller, more compact forms with curved beaks, reminiscent of parrots. These are rendered in shades of pale green and yellow, adding a brightness to the mid-section of the cloth.

Towards the center and bottom, birds with outstretched, powerful wings like hawks or kites, are depicted mid-soar. The use of grey and black linework here emphasizes the speed and grace of their flight. Smaller, more delicate birds, some resembling kingfishers with their pointed beaks and upright posture and others akin to sparrows or bulbuls create a dense, lively thicket of movement.

Each bird is a miniature masterpiece of repetitive linework. Chevrons, dots, cross-hatching and floral motifs are used to differentiate between species. The colors are deep and earthy, characteristic of natural vegetable dyes. The indigo blue birds provide a cool anchor to the composition, while the iron-mordant blacks and terracotta reds provide sharp definition and warmth.

In the Srikalahasti Kalamkari tradition, birds are often seen as messengers of the divine or symbols of the soul's freedom. By presenting them in such a large, egalitarian group, the bird is elevated to a subject of sacred beauty, serving as a reminder of the intricate diversity of the natural world.

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

No, we currently sell artworks unframed (unless explicitly mentioned otherwise) and do not provide framing services.

We ship worldwide.

Domestic Orders

All prices are inclusive of GST and applicable Indian taxes.

• We offer free shipping on orders above ₹1999 for all artworks, except Lippan, Terracotta and Thikri.
• A flat shipping rate of ₹499 applies to orders below ₹1999.

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 in transit safe packaging sutaible for the artwork.

Ready To Ship/ In Stock artworks are shipped in under 2 weeks. We only accept return requests for Ready to Ship/ In stock artworks placed within a week from date of delivery. However, no returns can be accepted for international deliveries.

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.