As a part of the Bherunda collection, I have created a few pieces that bear the visual of the mythical Yazhi. However, this is not the first time that I have made Yazhi jewellery. I had made a necklace in my Patinam collection in 2017 and ofcourse two designs for the Parampare collection in 2018. Similarly, I have made create a new digital illustration that I have used to create yazhi picture jewellery now.
Yazhi
The Yazhi (pronounced Yali in Tamil) is a mythical creature. Its form is found as sculptures extensively in Hindu temples in Southern India. Also known as Vidala or Vyala in Sanskrit, the Yazhi is a hybrid – a chimeral creature. Its form combines elements of a lion, a snake, a crocodile, an elephant, ox or a horse. Its form, both majestic and otherworldly, captures the imagination and invites layers of interpretation. You can read more about the legend of the mythical yazhi in one of my popular blogposts here.
Metaphorical Significance
Metaphorically, the Yazhi can be seen as a representation of the human mind—powerful, unpredictable, and capable of great destruction. It embodies a force that transcends human characteristics, symbolising strength and dominance. In this sense, the Yazhi is sometimes viewed as an allegory for power structures, such as empires, corporations, or sovereign entities, which wield their might to subjugate others. The Yazhi’s predatory nature reflects the capacity to ‘rip apart’ obstacles, symbolising the overwhelming control of the ruling entity, with the rest of humanity positioned as subservient and compliant.
In this manner, its positioning is similar to that of the Gandaberunda, the two bird-headed mythical being. Thus both these motifs fit in the aggregate collection that is Bherunda.
Yazhi picture jewellery
As an artistic motif, I believe that the Yazhi adds a dynamic and formidable energy to the colelction. Its hybrid form blends ferocity with elegance, making it a captivating element in the visual storytelling. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Yazhi serves as a cultural symbol, embodying themes of strength, dominance, and the duality of creation and destruction.
I have made three pieces for Bherunda with the Yazhi motif. One is a beaded necklace with a dori closure and a Yazhi picture pendant. I have used dark blue cut glass beads along with bright red and fire polish red beads. The next is a blue and teal earrings set in golden brass setting. It has a dark teal crystal bead drop and textured brass studs. Last but not the least is the green Yazhi ring. Elegant yet striking, this ring with a medium sized bezel is one of my personal favourites of this collection.
Bherunda – a conclusion
With that I come to the end of showing my Bherunda collection. The Gandaberunda and Yazhi, with their mythical origins and rich symbolism, hold a special place in Indian cultural heritage. As motifs, they are the visual representation of strength, protection, and victory. The aim of Bherunda is to sustain cultural and religious narratives by bridging ancient myth with modern expression. I hope that I have been able to do justice to that aim. What do you think? Tell me in the comments.
Find all the designs in indivdual posts below. They are available for sale at Coolture Designs.
I hope you find it interesting
Cheers
