MUD WORK - Lippan Kaam

  • HISTORY:
First of all, Why is this art called “lippan kam”?
It is because, earlier, the Rabari community women (in Kutch) used to do this art on walls, with their palms and fingers. They are so experienced in this art form that they don’t draw or trace a pattern before beginning the work. The art was done by these women to decorate their homes with hands, so it was called Lippan Art. Generally, according to the climate of Kutch this art was done on walls to keep the Bhungas (houses) cool.
The “Kumbhars” used to make vessels of the same type and now, as time passed, this art took a new form and was liked by the new generation as well. The Kumbhars started making this art on plywood with colors and geometric designs. And so, the “Lippan” on walls became “Mud Mirror Work” on plywood.
  • MATERIALS: Lake Soil, Glue, Aabhlas / mirrors, Colors, Some raw materials from natural resources
  • PROCESS:
  • A dough of clay is made by mixing all these materials required; for example: Glue, lake soil, water etc.
  • Various type of drawing is done on a MDF Plywood. Drawings like Motiffs, (Human figures, Animals etc.), Free-Hand designs, Landscapes, Geometric designs etc. are drawn with pencil roughly.
  • From the dough of clay some clay is taken and rolled on flat surface with palm. It is rolled till it shapes like a pencil.
  • The rolled clay is kept on the lines or figures drawn and the clay is wet with fevicol so that it holds the plywood long life and then it is pinched and shaped according to the drawing.
  • As the clay dries after 4 5 days, this piece of art is coloured with various colors as well as single color as required.
  • Then comes the most beautiful part of this art, “The Abhlas” the piece of art made is then decorated and embellished with beautifully shaped Mirrors or also called Abhlas.
  • Modern Mud Mirror Work is more durable compared to old lippan.
  • Modern type: Wall hanging piece, Name frames / Keyholders, Pots, Torans, Wall mirrors, Mud paintings, Wall Mud Work, etc.
Mud Mirror Work gathered attention of the modern world for its intricate pattern and aesthetic perfection and has made a full transition from its unknown modest stature to the mainstream art world, decorating the walls of urban homes.
 
Thank You for Patronizing Arts and Crafts of Kutch and the craftsmen of the Kutch.
May the Traditions of our country live indefinitely, enriching our lives.

Khanjan Mankad

M: 9426813531