Phad Elephants Under the Tree of Life

Phad painting originated in the year 1629 in Phoolia Estate Jagir, presently Shahpura, near Bhilwara, Rajasthan.
They are 700 years old. This style of painting is an amalgamation of both the Rajput & Mughal styles of painting.
Tree of Life also known as the “Akshaya Vata” (i.e. immortal tree) in this Phad painting. As per Hindu mythology, the Trimurti resides in various parts of the sacred tree; Brahma (creator) in the roots, Vishnu (Protector) in the bark and Shiva (Destroyer) in the branches or aerial roots. This symbol represents connectedness to the universe, ancestry, growth, strength, individuality, Immorality, Rebirth and Peace.
All the colours used in making Phad paintings are natural colours that are self-prepared by artists. All the colours, such as Red, Yellow, Green, Blue and Black, are sourced from mountains. These are stone colours that are crushed, sieved and mixed with gum extracted from the trees.