Traditional Aipan Kalash with Om & Swastik

This exquisite piece is a handcrafted pot, likely a kalash or small matka, adorned with traditional Aipan art from Uttarakhand. The pot features a rich reddish-brown base, characteristic of Geru (red earth pigment), which serves as a vibrant canvas for the intricate white designs. These designs are meticulously applied using Biswar, a paste made from ground rice, creating a striking contrast. The artwork showcases typical Aipan motifs, including geometric patterns, delicate floral elements, dots, and precise lines arranged in various bands around the pot's circumference. Notably, the base of the pot features auspicious symbols and text in Devanagari script, including 'श्री' (Shree), 'ॐ' (Om), and a '卐' (Swastika), signifying its religious and sacred importance. Aipan art is traditionally created by women in Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand for auspicious occasions, religious rituals, festivals, and ceremonies, symbolizing good fortune, prosperity, and divinity. This decorated pot would be used for pujas, housewarmings, weddings, or as a decorative item to bring traditional aesthetic and spiritual charm to any home or altar.