Surrounding Lord Krishna, who wears his blue "cloud complexion," gopies, or village women listen to the music of his flute. They form a lotus blossom in this colorful Madhubani painting. Devendra Kumar Jha works with natural dyes on handmade paper to perpetuate an ancient Indian art form that originated long ago in Mithila. The intricate motifs are painted freehand. As each painting is an individual creation, each is unique. Colors and motifs may vary slightly from that pictured.