Meet the Artisans of Mithila
Every PokharBowl bamboo cup, bowl, and spoon is hand-painted by rural women artisans from Darbhanga and Madhubani, Bihar — carrying forward a 2,500-year-old living tradition of Mithila art.
Hands That Harvest, Hands That Paint
Mithila painting has been passed down from mother to daughter for generations across the Mithila heartland of Bihar. Originally drawn on mud walls and courtyards (Aripan), this sacred art form has survived centuries and is today globally recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
PokharBowl partners directly with women artisan clusters from Darbhanga and Madhubani districts. We pay fair rates per piece with zero middlemen. Every bamboo bowl you hold is a functional canvas touched by the same hands that have painted Mithila heritage 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 natural binders 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 auspicious ceremonies to symbolise prosperity. She has adapted this sacred pattern to bamboo bowls and cups, 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 ancient Mithila folklore, painting narrative panels that tell stories of nature and wisdom passed down through Bihar's oral heritage. Her tableware pieces are as much a story as they are a vessel.
The Mithila Art Styles — A Field 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 prosperity. Traditionally painted in the auspicious chambers.
Support Our Women Artisans & Farmers
Every bamboo tableware purchase directly empowers these women artisans and their families in rural Darbhanga and Madhubani.
Shop Hand-Painted Tableware