Kantha (Bengali: কাঁথা) is a form of embroidery originating in Bengal region, i.e. Bangladesh and the Indian states of West Bengal, Tripura and parts of Assam. It has its roots in nakshi kantha, an ancient practice among bengali women of making quilts from old saris and rags by sewing them together. In modern usage, kantha generally refers to the specific type of stitch used. The kantha needlework is distinct and recognised for its delicacy. The stitching on the cloth gives it a slightly wrinkled, wavy effect. Today, kantha embroidery can be found on all types of garments as well as household items like pillowcases, bags and cushions.

While it is an increasingly diversifying art form, traditional kantha embroidery motifs are still sought after. Traditional kantha embroidery is two-dimensional and are usually of two distinct types: geometric forms with a central focal point, carried over from the nakshi kantha tradition and influenced by islamic art forms; and more fluid plant, floral, animal and rural motifs with stick-figure humans depicting folklores and rural life in Bengal.

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Paw-heira 🐈‍⬛

Amazing Spider-People by Bengal

Started a new project where I sketch headshots for a bunch of different species to help study animal physiology and facial shapes / features! Foxes are first, specifically vulpes!

Supergirl by Bengal

Bengal Tiger.

Trying out new ways to paint digitally. Here it was important to me to just draw the shape I saw and then select with the lasso tool some areas to paint and work with a soft brush to define the areas. It was really challenging but fun! What do you think of this approach?

A benevolent patron decided to pay for 5 twenty minute slots to be awarded to people who'd like to commission me but lacked funding at the moment. Aside from making me feel like a renaissance artist being supported by a wealthy noble, it was also just a lovely thing to do!

Here's the 4th slot, 20 minutes of @supernovasolace's gorgeous bengal kitty!

Introducing an updated illustrated poster featuring all the tigers of the world! While it was once believed that there were nine subspecies of tigers, recent scientific research has shown that there are actually only two: those that live on the continent and those that reside on islands. However, within these two subspecies, there are various populations of tigers that were previously classified as distinct subspecies. Creating this poster was a labor of love that required a significant amount of time and effort. Some of the animals featured on the poster were particularly challenging to illustrate due to their extinction, which meant there was limited photographic evidence available to use as a reference. I am thrilled with the final product and hope that others will appreciate the attention to detail and care that went into each illustration. If you are interested in buying this art print, please click here Thank you for your support

a Kittie Cat woa

Disco Elysium Warriors AU…. i have no idea what their names would be?? any suggestions lmfao?

If this is too niche it’s joever for me

Rough Leopardstar sketch

Motivation Monday: Keep your chin up! 🌸

Firefly #25 (Cover art by Bengal)

pavitr.......... tiger.......... pavitiger........

Nightwing and Superman by Bengal