The Two Sides: Traditional Woman in Kalighat by Sonali Chitrakar

This evocative artwork, executed in the expressive Kalighat style by Sonali Chitrakar, depicts a dual-female form that symbolizes two contrasting states or roles of womanhood. The composition centers on a single, iconic figure split vertically down the middle, creating a striking visual dichotomy.

Reminiscent of the iconic poster for the film Chokher Bali, based on Rabindranath Tagore’s celebrated novel, the left half portrays a bride rendered in vibrant red, with intricate patterns and a leaf held delicately in her hand—an emblem of new beginnings, marital auspiciousness, and the vibrancy of celebration. In contrast, the right half adopts a quieter, more austere palette of white, evoking a different emotional register and suggesting a later, somber stage of life, possibly marked by widowhood or loss.

The figure embodies the distinctive Kalighat aesthetic: bold, sweeping black outlines; large, expressive eyes; and a stylized simplicity that communicates emotional depth with immediacy. Set against a minimal background, the artwork draws full attention to the central figure, offering a powerful meditation on the dualities, transitions, and layered identities within a woman’s life. Rendered with the traditional vigor and dramatic clarity of the Kalighat school, this painting stands as a compelling and culturally resonant exploration of womanhood.

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.

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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.

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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 packed in a tube.

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.