Ensures fair living wage for producers
Discloses the community being impacted
Reduces the environmental impact
Focusses on women producers
Created using handcrafted methods
Reduces/Reuses/
Recycles resources
Recycles resources
Made out of responsible materials
Avoids use of chemicals or toxic materials
Purpose
Through Natraj Art, Nikita Yogesh Joshi has transformed her lifelong passion for Kutch mud work into a thriving creative enterprise. What began as a deeply personal artistic journey has grown into a platform that celebrates and shares the intricate beauty of this traditional craft with a wider audience. Her work not only preserves a rich cultural legacy but also uplifts the local artisan community by keeping time-honored skills alive. Nikita’s story is one of perseverance, creativity, and cultural pride—making her a powerful voice in the world of traditional Indian arts. With every piece she creates, she invites others to experience the elegance, heritage, and heart behind this remarkable art form.
People
Lippan art, or mud and mirror work, holds profound social and cultural significance in the Kutch region of Gujarat, where it has been practiced for generations by communities like the Rabari, Mutwa, and other tribal groups. More than a decorative art form, it serves as a means of cultural expression, storytelling, and livelihood. By engaging in this intricate craft—using natural materials like clay, camel dung, and hand-cut mirrors—artisans preserve ancestral knowledge while passing it down through generations. Today, initiatives that promote Lippan art not only help sustain traditional skills but also empower rural artisans, especially women, with financial independence and a sense of pride in their heritage. In revitalizing this ancient practice, Lippan art becomes a tool for social impact, fostering community resilience and ensuring that this luminous legacy continues to thrive in a modern world.
Planet
Lippan art, deeply rooted in the arid landscapes of Kutch, is an inherently sustainable craft that reflects harmony with nature. Traditionally crafted from locally sourced clay and camel dung, this eco-friendly medium naturally insulated mud homes, offering both aesthetic and functional value. The motifs—often inspired by flora, fauna, and geometric forms—mirror the artisan’s connection to the environment, while the mirrors not only enhanced beauty but were also believed to reflect negative energies. As Lippan art finds its way into modern interiors, furniture, and décor, its environmental impact remains minimal. Contemporary artists continue to use natural and biodegradable materials, making it a sustainable alternative to mass-produced, synthetic décor. By honoring traditional techniques and embracing slow, mindful creation, Lippan art promotes environmental consciousness and proves that heritage crafts can thrive without compromising ecological values.
