original rings

Flutes, a symbol of Lord Krishna, surround a lovely gopi or devotee of Krishna in this beautiful original painting by Pooja Kathuria in India. The artist works in watercolors and acrylics on handmade paper to paint the appealing composition.

Two sterling silver bands, inscribed with the words "namaste" and "breathe," cradle three narrower sterling silver rings in this original design by India's Shivani Choudhary. One of the narrow bands features a raised brass lotus, the second features a raised brass "om" symbol, and the third complements the other two with its simplicity. The words and symbols are oxidized to further highlight the motifs.

Ganesha, the beloved god with the head of an elephant, sits on a lotus throne with a mouse resting at his feet. A halo represents enlightenment as he feasts on his favorite dessert. Ganesha is the son of Shiva and Durga, two of the most powerful deities in Hindu belief. Ganesha is endowed with the power to keep control of occult forces that bring disaster upon humankind. Devendra Kumar Jha portrays him the ancient Madhubani style, drawing the intricate images freehand on handmade paper. Originating in northern Bihar, India, Madhubani painting was once used to decorate the floors and walls of homes. Life in harmony with nature is a popular theme for this art style.

As each painting is an individual creation, each is unique. Colors and motifs may vary slightly from that pictured.

Regarded as the celestial overlord of deliverance through destruction, Shiva dances to the sound of his damru drum while his wife, Parvati, watches. She holds their son, Ganesha, in her lap. Shiva is one of the most complex gods of the Hindu pantheon, embodying seemingly contradictory qualities. He is both destroyer and restorer, the great ascetic and the symbol of sensuality, the benevolent herdsman of souls and the wrathful avenger. As he dances the tandav, he represents the process of creation, maintenance and dissolution of the material universe. Indian artist Devendra Kumar Jha depicts the scene in a meticulously hand-drawn Madhubani painting. Originating in northern Bihar, Madhubani painting was once used to decorate the floors and walls of homes. Life in harmony with nature is a popular theme for this art style.

As each painting is an individual creation, each is unique.