The Artistry at Aurangabad!

At JADE by Monica and Karishma we strive to amalgamate inspirations from our ancient historic jewels with modern day luxury. Our search for some inspiration led us to the world heritage sites Ajanta and Ellora located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.

Our rummage through the glorious history of Aurangabad’s heritage has left us awestruck! The spell-binding beauty of Bibi-ka-Maqbara, the exquisite cave paintings in Ajanta Ellora, the Soneri Mahal and Pithakhora has convinced us that the plethora of magnificent aura has been around since like forever.

Strategically placed on the Deccan plateau this city is undoubtedly the land of plentiful. Aurangabad is heading towards rapid industrial growth, but it retains the nostalgic memories from its glorious past.

The Ajanta and Ellora caves situated in Aurangabad exhibit incredible murals and paintings molded into them that reflect the magic of Tantric Hinduism. The subtle yet striking color palettes that can be seen murals in dense caves of Ellora have been major inspirations behind JADE’s surreal ensembles.

The stunning cave paintings and stone carvings in Ajanta and Ellora mark the changing fortunes of three major religions Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism between the 5th and the 10th century CE. The unique and breathtaking cave paintings have drawn visitors from all over the world making it one of the most visited places in Maharashtra. 

The rock-cut masterpieces in Kailasha, Ellora remind us of the dedication and skills of the craftsmen of that century. Like the mesmerizing murals at Ajanta-Ellora a JADE ensemble too is created with Avant-Garde perfection! The mood and grandeur exhibited by these caves have set tones for exquisite JADE collection.

The abundance of cultural wealth cumulated in India continues to enthrall us! Our maneuvers have led us to explore desolate areas of art. At JADE our search for unique styles have led us to explore newer dimensions of our very own Jade masterpieces! 

Image Credits : World Heritage Site

The Exquisite World of Saris - Welcome to Orissa!

In our second post on the Exquisite Saris of India, we’re here to talk about the timeless elegance of Orissa’s weaves. Famous for its Ikat weaves, Orissa has a wealth of weaving styles that have created some evergreen favourites.

Ikat Weaves

The hand-woven textiles of Orissa stand out with their unusual patterns and vibrant color schemes. The inspirations for these sarees come from the rich heritage of the sub-continent. Typical design motifs include rows of birds and animals, fish, seashells, rudraksh beads and temple spires. 

The rural areas are famous for creating weaves in tassar silk with a brilliance, glaze and texture that is unmatched. The rare silk fabric produced at Nuapatna in Cuttack district embellished with verses from the Gitagovinda is used to dress the idols at the Jagannath Temple.

Apart from the renowned Ikat Weave, Orissa has some lovely distinctive saris as well! The Berhampuri Pata are heavy silk sarees with narrow borders, generally woven without any intricate motifs.

The Saktapar sari, from the weaving looms of Sambalpur, Bargarh and Sonepur are identifiable by the double ikat checkerboard pattern and brocade border. The weaving arts of Sambalpur-Sonepur and Nuapatna have greatly influenced each other.

Style from Orissa

The Bomkai cotton saris from Ganjam district, named after a tribal village, have been influenced by tribal art, and are embroidered with temple spire patterns on the border.

The other typical varieties of Odisha  saris, in silk and cotton, include the glossy Khanduas having elaborate designs, the rich red jotai ikat with rows of stylized trees and temple spires on the borders, the unbleached cotton kotpad from Koraput offset by a vibrant red dyed border, the Taraballi and the Bichitrapuri. The tribal people of the State also excel in producing textiles of myriad hues using vegetable dyes.

Silk Saris from Orissa

An Orissa drape gives you an edge and that distinct style. A large Bindi, lots of kohl with chunky ear rings are the only accessories you will need to look like an ethnic diva! 

JADE by Monica and Karishma is amazed by and inspired by the beauty of these weaves and compelled to create ensembles that speak of timeless wonder. 

Image Credit : www.cohands.in

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