Ancient Sanjhi paper stencil art finds new applications

Artist Mohan Kumar Verma's 'Chaas Jali', multiple layers of paper stencils in various colours replicate the intricate latticed windows seen in Mughal-era buildings like the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri.
Verma is a fifth generation practitioner of 'Sanjhi,' the craft of hand cutting stencils from paper to create exquisite designs and intricate picture motifs.
In a bid to facilitate the development of the art form, the Delhi Crafts council has put up an exhibition "Sanjhi, Past Forward", which acknowledges contribution to the craft by artisans like Verma.
"Delhi Crafts Council has been interacting with sanjhi artisans for more than three decades and this exhibition is a tribute to the contribution to their craft as well as to their exquisite handskills," says Radhika Bharat Ram, Joint Secretary, Delhi Crafts Council.

The art form is believed to have originated in Mathura in Uttar Pradesh and artisans from the region have been practising it for over centuries.
"In an intriguing practice, the surface of water kept in a medium sized earthen bowl is covered with a layer of powder, talcum or chalk, and the stencil is put over it cautiously, so as not to break through the layer," says Verma, whose family has been practising the art for five generations now.

"Coloured powder is then poured through these stencils which, once removed, reveal beautiful patterns on the surface of water," says the Vishishth Shilp Pradeshik Puraskar awardee.

Verma says he learned the craft when he was 11 years old. His work has also been recognised at the Karigar Haat in 2011.
In an exciting experiment, the artist has also combined Sanjhi with hand painting in 'Pichwai' style.
Contemporary artisans have maneuvered the traditional sanjhi patterns of stylised trees and Mughlai jaalis skilfully to suit modern tastes.
It has found a significant place in the ornamental market and can often be seen decorating home and office interiors.
"Sanjhi designs are usually used in decorative items like lamps, coasters, partitions and wall-hangings," says Verma.
The exhibition, thus, at certain points, also seems to showcase an uncanny amalgam of the archaic art form with contemporary designs.

For instance, "Humayun's Jali" by Verma, is a stencil work in translucent paper. The height of a door, it falls vertically almost like a scroll. "Once framed, it can be used as a curtain in houses," says Verma.