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History Of Use

Indian popular religious prints have been published for nearly a century, first by German presses, later by Indian ones. The prints may take the form of calendars, posters, or simple images. They are also used as book covers, cards, and packaging labels. The style of the representations is European. In the beginning they were Hindu images, but are now acquiring elements both of folk art and a romantic secularism. It is a living art currently influenced by the movie industry and non-Hindu religions. The images are a vehicle for advertising and are also used for religious purposes. This packaging for two-cord thread was manufactured by 'national cottage industries'.

Cultural Context

popular religious art

Description

Rectangular shaped, flattened, cardboard box lid illustrating a female with long black hair. She is standing upon pink-petal lotus, all on blue and white water. She is wearing a red sari, green shirt, conical shaped gold crown and is holding a long-shafted gold trident upright in her left hand. Right hand is raised, outward-facing palm with red swastika in centre. Yellow halo behind head. Orange and pink ground. Illustration bordered by green then pink bands. Red and blue bands at illustration's top states: 'Parashakthi', 'The National Cottage Industries', plus address. Yellow square field at base states: 'superior lustre two cord thread , fast colour'. Other information in pink Indian script on one box side, pink and blue English on the other. Seal illustration on one box end, orange thread roll illustration on the other. Corners were affixed by staples.