Tree of Life in Ahir Embroidery

This striking rectangular textile panel showcases Ahir embroidery, a craft of the pastoral Ahir community of Kutch, celebrated for its dense, vibrant execution and exceptional storytelling. Through a rich composition organized into a beautifully balanced layout of a stylized Tree of Life emerging from a ceremonial pot, the piece beautifully captures a heritage that historical research traces back at least 500 years.

Ahir is a highly specialized embroidery style practiced by a community that traditionally traces their migration from Mathura alongside Lord Krishna before settling down in the North Western part of Gujarat. The process begins with Aarekhani, where artisans (usually women) sketch the design on fabric using traditional natural inks. The motifs are then outlined with Saankdi (chain stitch) and densely filled with Vanno (herringbone stitch) using silk thread, creating the embroidery's signature texture and coverage.

The central composition features interconnected, undulating trellis forming a stylized tree that rises from a ceremonial pot (kalash) at the bottom, flanked by two abstract animal figures resembling elephants. The climbing branches cross over one another as they ascend against a vibrant orange background fabric, holding large teardrop paisley forms within the central loops. Reflecting the community's deep-rooted inspiration from the natural world, the canvas is populated by elements of "Zad" (trees), "Sachu phool" (real flowers) and climbing floral creepers. Interspersed throughout the scene are "abhlas" (mirrors) bound tightly by herringbone stitches, functioning as the glittering centers of the floral blooms and circular accents.

The color palette is wonderfully celebratory, dominated by deep plums, forest greens, ochre yellows and terracottas. The central field is tightly enclosed by inner and outer borders featuring sections of green, yellow and pink embroidery. The central, main border is filled with repeating, large circular medallions containing embedded mirrors. Set within a wide, outer fabric frame of solid, deep red, this framing gives the composition within a perfectly tailored, traditional finish.

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. All artworks are handmade and couriered securely in transit safe packaging sutaible for the artwork.

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.

Returns and Replacements

We offer replacements or repairs if your artwork arrives damaged or has a quality issue. As each artwork is handcrafted, we do not accept returns or refunds for orders received in the expected condition.

Delivery Timeline

This artwork will be Made to Order and will take 3 weeks to be made and shipped.

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.