A TRAGIC LOVE STORY THAT PRECEDES EVEN ROMEO AND JULIET.
Krishna on Leaf Figurine (right).
Krishna, depending on the textual tradition, is either the avatar of Vishnu or the Supreme Being himself. After his evil uncle King Kamsa heard of a prophecy that a child would put an end to his reign, he ordered all male children of his kingdom killed (similar to King Herod or Pharoah Seti I). Krishna’s parents were forewarned of the calamity and sent their infant son away to live amongst cowherds anzd cowherdesses (Gopis) in Vrindavan. Despite his royal lineage, he had a humble and carefree childhood, playing mischievous pranks on the Gopis and wandering the forests of Vrindavan with his flute.
Lladró’s Radha Krishna Sculpture Limited Edition of 720 units features a garland of flowers hanging from Krishna's neck composed of 193 delicately handcrafted flowers.
Radha is considered to some as an avatar of Goddess Lakshmi. She grew up in the village of Repalli nearby Vrindavan and was five years older than Krishna. They enjoyed each others’ company and were in love during childhood but alas this is a tragic love story. Radha’s mother forced her to marry another man, and they even had a child together. Krishna also eventually had to leave Vrindavan as part of his destiny to overthrow his wicked uncle and to play a key role in the fight between warring brothers Pandavas and Kauravas. Despite all this, they remained entranced by each other.
To some, the love between Radha and Krishna is simply adulterous and scandalous, given her married status. However, the focus of the tradition is on the deep, spontaneous and genuine devotion - called bhakti - Radha had for Krishna, so strong that it flies in the face of social conventions and community disapproval. Their love was so strong that Krishna’s first wife Rukmini (and his many others) admit that there is no greater lover of Krishna than Radha.
Most interpretations never saw them married (unlike the pairs Sita Ram, and Shiva Parvati). Some do specify that as shakti and shaktiman (female and male divine energies) of each other, they are considered a singular being despite having two physical avatars and therefore never needed to marry each other. Their love was of the highest form - divine and spiritual rather than physical and emotional, unconditionally given and nonreciprocal. Krishna represented spiritual bliss, eternality, and existence whereas Radha represented devotion and love – together they are the god(s) of eternal love.
JHULAN YATRA
THE FESTIVAL OF SWINGS
Also known as Jhulan Purnima or Hindola, the Hindu festival of swings is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha, celebrated with the onset of the monsoon season filling ponds and lakes with rainwater as lotus flowers bloom and spread a pleasant fragrance. It is not a coincidence that the rainy season is considered the season of love in many cultures, even outside India.
The origin of Jhulan Yatra is inspired by the swing pastimes of Lord Krishna with his Gopis in Vrindavan as depicted in literature such as Bhagavata Purana, the Harivamsa, and the Gita Govinda. Today, devotees celebrate by putting up an ornate Jhula (Indian swing) decorated with flower arrangements in temples upon which they place idols of Radha Krishna. Devotees come from across the nation to swing their favourite deities amongst bhajans (songs) and kirtans (dances).
RADHA KRISHNA ON A SWING, LIMITED EDITION
To celebrate Radha Krishna’s culmination of love, Lladró’s second High Porcelain piece of the duo recreates Krishna’s moment of bonding with his favourite Gopi on a Jhula. Radha Krishna on a Swing, Limited Edition is a creation that creates the illusion of Radha Krishna swinging from nothingness, thus capturing the moment of divine love for eternity. The swing is decorated traditionally with many garlands, alike to the flower garlands worn by Krishna – the painstaking craftsmanship of Lladró artisans assembling porcelain flowers petal by petal mirrors the devotion of Radha Krishna’s devotees assembling flower garlands as offerings. The costumes worn signify their spiritual importance and are recreated in minute detail – from etched jewellery decorated with golden and copper lustre, to the fabric embroidery combining deep rich colours of orange and blue.
The new Fall 2023 piece crafted in a numbered limited edition of 399 units, this sculpture of the divine lovebirds is truly for the discerning. Do contact us to book a piece before the official launch.
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