...Silk Painting...

A miniature silk painting is a beautiful piece of art to own and cherish. This art has been in practice since the late Middle Ages and reached its peak under the Mughul rule during early 17th to 19th century. Since they were great promoters of arts and literature, this influence can be seen in many of today’s paintings that still possess a "Moghul" style to them. These paintings were very popular in the desert kingdoms of Rajasthan in North India and even today this region has a high concentration of artists who are adept at this art.

Silk is treated to a special process that is known to specialized craftsmen and womenfolk in India allowing the silk canvas to retain paint in vibrant detail. It provides certain stiffness to the quality of silk to the extent that early appreciators of art often mistook the paintings to be on paper. Only upon closer examination did they realize that it was a canvas of silk. Miniature silk paintings were created specially as personal little indulgences for the royal folk for them to possess and admire in their hands or laps.

These painting often depict religious themes and opulent lifestyles with beautiful women in royal attires. However, you can choose to frame and hang these miniature works of art, which will only ensure its long-lasting quality. Heavy use of gold leaf is another distinguishing characteristic.