Neemuch is a sleepy gem, tucked away far from the hustle and bustle of Udaipur, in Madhya Pradesh. Its traditional bazaar comes alive with bustling tuk-tuks and rickshaws – but only recently has its unique Jhabua beaded artwork captured global attention. Drawing admiration from artists across the world intrigued to reimagine these pieces for their own styles!
The unique beauty of this craft lies within its bright colors and distinctive patterns beaded together with an incredible attention to detail - something only accomplished through practice passed down from artisan generations before them. Each piece holds much more than aesthetic value; it carries cultural significance as well - signifying status amongst members in their tribe or village community.
In 2017, I had the privilege of meeting Sheela Ji and learning about her incredible journey to overcome depression through the art of Jhabua.
She quickly learned the craft of Jhabua and dedicated her life to teaching other women in her village how to bead on fabrics, leathers and papers - a skill that was before unknown! Her daughters helped with crafting new designs too which made them quite sought after by buyers and designers from all around India.
Sheela Ji has become a beacon of hope and creativity in the village, empowering locals with access to raw materials needed for Jhabua. Every day between noon and 6 pm her house becomes a hub of activity as women arrive from near-and-far eager to learn this craft that could change their lives.
Through our travels, we have been privileged to meet the diverse and talented craftswomen from all corners of India. Our Cosmic Dance Collection is a beautiful embodiment of these women's skills - with each piece bringing them greater economic opportunity. We appreciate their artistry in creating heirloom-quality pieces that will bring joy not just for those who acquire it now but also future generations!
