Madhubani Fish Hand Painted Clock - Folk Art Table Clock

In Madhubani lore, Matsya the fish is never just a fish. It is Vishnu's first avatar, the one who saved the world from the great flood, and a folk symbol of fertility, fluidity and abundance that Bihar's women have painted onto mud walls, sarees, and now, tabletops, for generations.

On this clock, four fish swim nose to tail across a wash of green, their scales built up in fine cream linework the way Madhubani artists have always worked — one careful stroke at a time, until the whole surface seems to ripple like water. No two hand-painted pieces come out identical; the small variations are proof of the brush, not a flaw.

Hand-painted on a wood panel and set on a matching wooden stand fitted with a working clock movement, this is a piece that tells time and carries Bihar's oldest living folk art with it — equally at home on a study desk, a console table, or wrapped up as a Diwali or housewarming gift.

Art form: Madhubani (Mithila) painting
Material: Hand-painted wood panel, wooden stand, quartz clock movement
Dimensions: 6″ x 6″

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this clock hand-painted or printed?
Every fish motif is hand-painted by our artists using fine brushes, following the traditional Madhubani line-and-fill technique. Because it's handmade, expect gentle variation from piece to piece — that's part of its charm.

How does the clock work — battery or plug-in?
It runs on a quartz clock movement, so there's no cord to hide, just a clean tabletop presence.

How do I clean and care for a hand-painted wood clock?
Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid water, alcohol-based cleaners, and long hours of direct sunlight, which can dull the hand-painted finish over time.

Can this be mounted on a wall as well as kept on a table?
It comes with a wooden table stand and is designed as a tabletop piece; it isn't fitted with wall-mounting hardware.

Is this a good housewarming or wedding gift?
Yes — its folk-art motif and handmade nature make it a popular pick for housewarmings, weddings, Diwali and return gifts, especially for someone drawn to Indian art and craft.

Do you ship internationally, to NRIs?
Yes, we ship worldwide. For international shipping timelines and rates, write to us at contactus@ethniichic.com.