Kalamkari or Qalamkari work is an elaborate and complicated Indian art that involves techniques of hand-painting and block printing. This is one of the most popular crafts in India. Kalamkari derives its name from the Persian roots Kalam (pen) and Kari (skill, workmanship). Kalamkari is an ancient folk art, about 3000 years old and which can be found in many pockets of India.

Kalamkari work is of two types, namely the Masulipatnam and Srikalahasti styles of painting. This type of craft is laborious and time-consuming and goes through various stages of development before the finished product is created.

Featured here is a gorgeous Kalamkari painting of Lord Krishna. He is shown in the traditional pose, standing under a tree, resting against His cow and playing His musical instrument, the Venu (flute). This intricate painting is bound to be the show-stealer in any home and could give the entire room an ethnic and arty look.