About the Artwork +
This Kalighat painting by Uttam Chitrakar depicts the traditional Babu-Bibi theme through this 19th-century folk art technique. Originating near the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata, this art style has historically been celebrated for its ability to capture social trends, satire and changing domestic dynamics with absolute economy of line.
This artwork captures a young musical couple thoroughly absorbed in an animated musical conversation. At the heart of the composition stands the affectionate couple, closely intertwined with their postures mirroring each other as they sit on elegant, high-backed European-style chairs to form a warm, unified physical silhouette.
The man, positioned on the left, holds his arm steady to cradle a small wooden tabla (percussion instrument), his face turned toward his partner with a subtle, content expression as if responding to a musical note. He is dressed in a olive-green long sleeve kurta accented with an opulent, multi-layered white pearl necklace, paired with a clean, white dhoti adorned with fine grey stripes. A striped grey and white shawl drapes over his shoulder and loops around his lap, adding movement and texture to his attire.
The woman stands on the right, balancing a slender tanpura (stringed instrument) across her body. She is beautifully attired in a festive, bright red sari adorned with dense, undulating black and white borders. Her hair is neatly tied back, framing her face, while her elongated, stylized almond eyes look up toward her partner in mid-conversation. Her arms are heavily ornamented with traditional white bangles, intricate armbands, and a multi-stringed necklace adorns her neck.
Peeking into the frame from the upper edge is a heavy, stylized blue and black draped curtain, completing the cozy scene. Painted with sharp, contrasting ripples and finished with an orange tasseled trim, the theatrical backdrop hangs overhead with wide, sweeping symmetry, playfully mimicking a formal performance stage brought into an intimate domestic setting. In classical Kalighat iconography, the inclusion of Western furniture and musical soirées often acts as a silent, knowing witness to the whims and follies of elite lifestyle, making the couple’s engaged dialogue a clever, humorous nod to how art and courtship intertwine in modern household spaces.
The painting features the Kalighat school's signature bold outlines, using thick, sweeping strokes to give the figures their rounded, volumetric presence. The color palette relies on a striking contrast between the cool and warm tones used in the composition, all highlighted by meticulous white line-work on the textiles and accessories. By portraying a ubiquitous slice of modern daily life through centuries-old folk art conventions, this piece beautifully honors the living, evolving spirit of Bengal’s regional art heritage.
Authentication and Certification +
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
Sizes, Framing and Customisation +
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.
Shipping and Taxes +
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 35 inches or Decor items with any side over 35 inches.
- For orders above ₹24,999 in value, the shipping provider may levy an additional commercial package handling fee of up to ₹3,609.
- 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.
Delivery Timelines and Returns +
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
2-3 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.
Colour Disclaimer+
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.