Lippan art- the beauty of mirrors unfolded

What is Lippan art?

Lippan Art, also known as Lippan Kaam or Mud Mirror Work, is a traditional mural craft from the Kutch region of Gujarat, India. It involves creating intricate patterns using a mixture of mud and camel dung, decorated with small mirrors (known as abhla). Originally used by rural communities to beautify the interiors and exteriors of their homes, Lippan art is known for its geometric, floral, and animal motifs.

The art not only adds beauty but also reflects light, keeping homes cool and bright. Today, it’s adapted for modern decor—done on boards, MDF, and canvases—while retaining its ethnic charm.

This is the first time I am woking on this lippan art. I have used chalk powder and marble powder to make this.

Hues used in Lippan art:

Lippan Art was created using natural mud colors, and the primary focus was on textures and mirrors, not bright paints. However, in contemporary versions, artists experiment with a beautiful range of colors to suit modern aesthetic. Normally used colrs are browns, beiges,  terracotta and white. Modern trends use silver, gold and bronze and colors to match the decor.

I have used the traditional colors:

With beige and white

This has geometrical shapes. In the other one I used mud and beige color. The lippan is made in circular design.

In mud and beige color

Here is the closer view:

The closer view

Though it’s a tedious task to make this when the outcome is good, we forget that. I thouroughly enjoyed sticking mirrors to it. Making One more bigger in size. I will share that soon.

Love, Laugh and Live the life to the fullest,

-Ranjana