Note:
With the high cost of shipping many of our customers choose to ship by USPS. For small and light shipments this is usually less expensive, but please be aware that their estimates are notoriously wrong. The service is not always as economical as it may appear, particularly on larger or more valuable shipments. USPS estimates only include insurance up to $100 for its domestic shipments, and varying amounts for overseas shipments. If you ask for full insurance we will recalculate the shipping cost and send you an invoice for any difference in cost.

Madhumala Mandal

About the Artist

Madhumala Mandal (courtesy of Janakpur Women's Development Centre)
Madhumala Mandal (courtesy of Janakpur Women's Development Centre)

When I was 15 my father went to India to earn money. Coming back, he brought many things that were necessary for a wedding. Although those things were all second quality, I was looking forward to the wedding. I hoped to marry in Janakpur and that way I would gain some freedom.
In town the people usually are less traditional, more liberal. My parents had to pay 15,000 rupees for dowry. My in-laws also requested a radio and a bicycle. To me, my father gave only a silver hasuli (neck ornament) because jewelry lasts a long time whereas other things can easily break.
I learned to paint by myself, from what I saw painted on different houses. Our neighbours saw 
my paintings and asked me to paint their houses. So I started painting houses on the occasion of festivals. Because I like painting so much and because we needed the money, I wanted to join the Janakpur Women's Development Centre. So a friend told me to paint my house during festival time. During that time, people from the center were going to villages to find new artists. I painted my house and was chosen. Starting from the first money (500 rupees) that I earned, I managed to save 10,000 rupees to build a shop. With two incomes my husband and I could afford to send our four children to school. Usually I paint daily life situations and tattoos. Tattoos are very important in our culture. If you do not have tattoos, people will not accept you as a member of society. For example, no one will touch your food because they think it will not be tasty.

(Biography Courtesy of Janakpur Women's Development Centre)

Region:
Maithili Bicycle
SKU: MTHL-2206

Madhumala Mandal - Kuwa village, Janakpur, Nepal
c.2021
Acrylic paint on handmade lokta paper
(20" h. x 30" w. ).

$185

Maithili Bicycle
SKU: MTHL-2103

Madhumala Mandal - Kuwa village, Janakpur, Nepal
c.2016
Acrylic paint on handmade lokta paper
(10" h. x 15" w. ).

$75

Aripana Design
SKU: MTHL-2104

Madhumala Mandal - Kuwa village, Janakpur, Nepal
c.2016
Acrylic paint on handmade lokta paper
(15" h. x 10" w. ).

$68

We are in the process of uploading items that have been sold, but which may be of interest to our customers.