{"product_id":"babu-and-bibi-in-kalighat-by-anwar-chitrakar-1","title":"Babu and Bibi in Kalighat by Anwar Chitrakar","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis striking Kalighat painting by Anwar Chitrakar explores one of the most famous and quintessential themes of the Kalighat tradition, the ‘Babu and Bibi’. Originating in 19th-century Kolkata, this motif was historically used to document, and often gently satirize, the opulent, Western-influenced lifestyles of wealthy Bengali elites (Babus) and their wives or courtesans (Bibis). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKalighat Painting is a traditional folk art form from Kolkata, West Bengal, known for its bold brushstrokes, expressive figures, and minimalistic compositions. It is characterized by strong flowing outlines, vibrant colours and themes ranging from Hindu mythology to social satire and scenes of everyday urban life.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe composition is centered entirely on the intimate, flirtatious interaction between the standing couple. On the left stands the Babu, a picture of aristocratic flair. He wears a tailored black tunic with a white dhoti. He is accessorized with a black hat featuring a prominent curved feather, and wears European-style black shoes, highlighting the fusion of cultures.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTo his right stands the Bibi, leaning slightly back in a posture of coy elegance. She is draped in a bright pink saree featuring a wide golden border with intricate cross-hatching, and a crisp white scalloped edge that traces the fabric's curve. She is heavily adorned with multiple strands of white pearls, gold armlets, bangles and delicate anklets. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBoth figures possess the iconic Kalighat facial features, sharp profiles, prominent noses and large, sweeping almond eyes that lock in a shared, playful gaze. The Babu leans forward slightly, delicately touching the Bibi's wrist. In response, she raises her right hand, gracefully displaying the alta dye painted on her palm, a traditional symbol of feminine beauty and auspiciousness.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGrounding this interaction on the lower left is a wooden stool, hinting at a domestic interior setting without cluttering the scene. Directly above the couple is a decorative, semi-circular motif, featuring radiating white petals bordered in gold and black. Furthermore, the entire scene is framed by heavy, painted curtains, scalloped valances at the top and tasseled drapes dropping down the sides in shades of olive green, black and gold. This drawn-curtain motif reinforces the stage-like, voyeuristic nature of the Kalighat Babu-Bibi paintings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Anwar Chitrakar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50064660365526,"sku":null,"price":40000.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1194\/1498\/files\/1._Babu_and_Bibi_in_Kalighat_by_Anwar_Chitrakar.png?v=1786430904","url":"https:\/\/www.memeraki.com\/products\/babu-and-bibi-in-kalighat-by-anwar-chitrakar-1","provider":"Memeraki Retail and Tech Pvt Ltd.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}