Symbolic Motifs

Symbolic Motifs

• These motifs always symbolize some thing or there is always a reason behind it.
• These motifs are always present in the traditional motifs list

Paisley

• Paisley is a droplet-shaped motif of Indian and Persian origin.
• It also resembles a mango so its called mangai motif
• In Persian the design is known as ""boteh jegheh“
• The modern French words for paisley are boteh.
• In Pakistan, paisley designs are widely termed the carrey design. Carrey in Urdu means mango seed
• In Punjab, this pattern is referred to as an "Ambi". Ambi is derived from the word Amb which means mango in Punjab

                            Traditional paisley motif

                                           Chikankari Paisley embroidery from Lucknow

                                          Kalka of kantha embroidery from Bengal
 

Creeping Vine

• It is again a Persian origin which came to India through Mughal.
• It is mostly preferred by the designers or the craftsmen for filling the empty area with free flow designs.
• They look harmonious and rhythmic which gives the viewer a pleasant feeling.
• It is majorly used in block prints from Machlipattnam and other embroideries.
• Creepers with flowers, leaves, buds, and fruits makes a heavy creeping wine pattern and fruitful.

                                                     Creeping Vine

Lotus

• Lotus has been a very popular motif almost all over the world
• The lotus has a lot of relevance in the Hindu religion, goddess Laxmi the goddess of financial well holds a lotus in her hand. so the flower symbolize her. also lord Krishna's feet is compared to lotus.
• People believe that the products which is designed with lotus motifs are considered to be blessed by the goddess with better status in life.
• Other than all this lotus is considered to be a good flower to offer to the god which symbolize purity and peace.
• It is also a symbol of cosmic harmony and essential womanhood.
• This flower is always considered to be auspicious.
• the flower is also used by other countries as it is considered to be one  of the beautiful flowers.                                                 

                                               Goddess Laxmi

                                          Indian lotus motifs (Print and Embroidery)

                                            Egyptian lotus

                                                  Chinese Lotus 

Tree of life

• The concept of a Tree of life as a many-branched tree illustrating the idea that all life on earth is related and considered to be one according to science, religion, philosophy, mythology and other areas.
• The tree being a living thing with so many other life from the bottom to the top gives a lively feeling to the viewer which explains the humanity in a very simple way.
• The image shows one style of tree of life in Kalamkari.

                                            Tree of Life 

                          Tree of  life in Kalamkari

Fish, Tortoise, Conch

• All these motifs are related to sea and water bodies so people who live in the coastal areas use it most of the times. (For eg: Kantha of Bengal)
• These are some of the symbolic motifs which is always used by the traditional craftsmen and artisans especially Hindus.
• It is believed that these motifs symbolize lord Vishnu in his Dashaavatharam.
• Fish for Matsya avatharam,
• Tortoise for Kurma avatharam.
• Conch which is nothing but the Shank that lord Vishnu holds in his hand.
• Some of these motifs are also used by some other countries like China and Japan but the reason is different .
• Fish for its beauty and free flow body and tortoise due to their long lifespan, slow movement, sturdiness, and wrinkled appearance which is an emblem of long life and stability in many cultures around the world.

                          Matsya avatharam,                                    Kurma avatharam.