Dancing Krishna – Sanjhi Art (postcard)

Description

Sanjhi is the art of cutting out negative spaces from a paper, to depict a scene, somewhat like a stencil. The term Sanjhi is derived from Sanjh or dusk. It is related to the ritualistic practice of unveiling the rangolis (floor paintings) in the temples with chanting at dusk. 

It was the traditional art form widely practiced across Mathura and Vrindavan. Originally, these stencils were used to create the rangolis, but gradually the stencils caught the interest of the patrons.

In olden times, the stencils were made using rough paper or banana leaves but contemporary artisans have started creating artworks using handmade and recycled paper.

Traditionally this form of art was passed on from generation to generation. Its delicate and elaborate motifs are a visual treat; artists use small fine custom-made scissors, however, even scalpels can be used to the same effect. 

When framed without a mount board, these pieces add a special character to a coloured wall; they look even prettier under warm spot lights in coloured niches. When framed with a mount board with a few cms depth, they look very elegant in any living space. 

These stencils make one wonder – is it the existence of material, or its elimination that creates a form? Somewhat like the ego and self..