Meet the Artisans
Every PokharBowl bamboo bowl and spoon is hand-painted by a woman artisan from Darbhanga and Madhubani, Bihar — carrying forward a 2,500-year-old tradition of Mithila art.
Hands That Paint, Hands That Harvest
Mithila painting, also known as Madhubani art, has been passed down from mother to daughter for generations across the Mithila region of Bihar. Originally drawn on mud walls and floors, this sacred art form has survived centuries of change and is today recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
PokharBowl partners directly with women artisan groups from Darbhanga and Madhubani districts. We pay a fair rate per piece — no middlemen, no compromise on craft. Every bowl you receive has been touched by the same hands that have painted Mithila walls for generations.
Savitri Devi
Laheriasarai, Darbhanga
Savitri has been practising Mithila art for over 22 years, learning the Godna geometric tradition from her mother. Her mandala work is characterised by precise dot-and-dash borders that frame the central motif — a technique that takes years to perfect.
Kamla Jha
Biraul, Darbhanga
Kamla specialises in Kachni — the fine-line style of Mithila painting depicting forest scenes, birds, and animals. Each brushstroke is drawn freehand with a bamboo twig dipped in natural pigments. Her panels take 3-5 days to complete.
Poonam Kumari
Jale, Darbhanga
Poonam works in the Bharni style — bold outlines filled with vibrant natural colours. She uses a combination of cow dung paste primer and mineral-based pigments. Every bowl she paints is a functional canvas that lasts for years.
Rekha Paswan
Singhwara, Darbhanga
Rekha's specialty is the Kohbar motif — traditionally painted during weddings to symbolise fertility and prosperity. She has adapted this sacred pattern to bamboo bowls, bringing auspicious symbolism into everyday dining.
Anita Mishra
Madhubani, Bihar
Anita creates the signature Lotus Pond series that inspired the PokharBowl brand identity. Her work captures the sacred pond motif — lotus flowers, fish, and waterfowl — in the traditional two-colour Mithila style.
Geeta Yadav
Pandaul, Madhubani
Geeta draws from the ancient Panchatantra fable tradition, painting narrative panels that tell the stories of wisdom passed down through Bihar's oral heritage. Her bowls are as much a story as they are a vessel.
The Patterns — A Brief Guide
Godna Geometric Mandala
Inspired by Godna body tattoo art. Uses repeated geometric dots, dashes, and concentric circles. Traditionally auspicious.
Kachni Forest & Animals
Fine-line style depicting forests, birds, peacocks, and fish. Drawn entirely freehand without stencil or tracing.
Bharni Floral Fill
Bold outlines filled with solid natural colour. The most iconic Mithila painting style, visible in international museums.
Kohbar Wedding Motif
The sacred bamboo grove and lotus pond symbolising marriage and fertility. Traditionally painted in the wedding chamber.
Own a Piece of This Heritage
Every tableware purchase directly supports these artisans and their families in Darbhanga.
Shop Bamboo Tableware