The Cowherd and his Cattle in Cheriyal Scroll Wall Plate by Dhanalakota Rakesh

This elaborate Cheriyal Scroll Wall Plate composition by Dhanalakota Rakesh presents a narrative moment of human relationship with the animal kingdom, expressing through visual language the principle of dharmic stewardship and the cowherd's role as guardian and provider within the pastoral realm.

The composition is dominated by a solitary male figure rendered in golden-ochre tones, positioned in left profile with commanding posture. The figure wears elaborate ornamentation: a white turban, multiple layers of jewelry rendered in burnished gold including an elaborate necklace and bracelets and a lower garment (dhoti) rendered in white with geometric grid patterning and woven elements, with a green upper garment placed over his shoulder. The figure holds a long chhatra (umbrella) rendered in golden-yellow tones, the instrument held vertically and extending upward, a traditional tool of pastoral authority used to guide and direct animals.

The right portion of the composition features a dense cluster of animals, each individually characterized: cows rendered in contrasting colors, pink, blue, yellow, brown, and white, each with distinctive facial features, patterns and body postures suggesting individual personality and relationship to the cowherd. The animals are rendered with careful attention to form despite the flat, decorative aesthetic of Cheriyal tradition, their horns and facial features rendered with precise lineation in dark pigment.

The background field is predominantly a sky-blue, creating a pastoral atmosphere punctuated with delicate floral motifs (pushpa) that scatter throughout, maintaining visual richness and preventing empty void. On the left side of the composition rises a large stylized tree with dark brown trunk and densely packed green foliage rendered with repetitive leaf patterns, anchoring the scene in natural landscape while suggesting the shelter and sustenance nature provides within pastoral life, under which the cowherd sits on a blue mat.

This painting captures the essence of how Cheriyal tradition understands human - animal relationship, not as one of dominance and superiroirty, but of care and harmonious coexistence, maintained through wisdom and compassion.

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.

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.