Manu Munshi (transliterated: Munsi) was a prominent Indian painter and sculptor celebrated for his mastery of Indian Mother-of-pearl art. He was born as Manomohan Munshi on 2 August 1924 and passed away on 20 February 2009. Throughout his artistic career, which spanned the mid-to-late 20th century, Munsi earned widespread acclaim for his detailed and innovative use of mother-of-pearl, a delicate and iridescent material, to create stunning artworks. Munu Munsi, an accomplished artist celebrated for his intricate mother-of-pearl artworks and sculptures, also demonstrated his artistic versatility through wire sculptures and metal engravings. His wire sculptures depicted some of India’s most iconic figures, including Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, and Bhagat Singh. These lifelike creations not only captured the essence of their subjects but also reflected Munsi’s deep admiration for India’s cultural and historical legacy. Munsi’s works found appreciation among prominent figures, with some of his sculptures becoming part of the personal collections of Bidhan Chandra Roy, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal, and legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray. His artistic repertoire extended beyond sculptures; he also crafted exquisite metal plate engravings, portraying Rabindranath Tagore in various iconic poses. These engravings, marked by their precision and emotional depth, celebrated Tagore’s legacy and Munsi’s own mastery of metalwork. Through his diverse artistic expressions—ranging from mother-of-pearl creations to wire sculptures and engraved metal plates—Munu Munsi made an indelible mark on India’s artistic landscape. His work continues to resonate with art lovers, preserving the spirit of Bengal’s rich cultural heritage. Munu Munsi was born on August 2, 1924, in Jessore (now in Bangladesh) into a family deeply rooted in artistic traditions. His father, Anukul Charan Munshi, was a pioneering figure in the field of mother-of-pearl artistry and is often referred to as the Father of Indian Mother-of-Pearl Artistry for his groundbreaking contributions to the medium. Anukul Charan’s mastery of the delicate craft, which involves creating intricate designs from the iridescent inner shell layer of mollusks, set a standard in Indian decorative and fine arts and significantly influenced his son's artistic journey. He was part of an exceptionally talented family, with his elder brother, Annada Munshi, also leaving a profound mark on the Indian art world. Annada Munshi is regarded by some art critics as the Father of Commercial Art in India for his pioneering efforts in blending fine arts with advertising and visual design. Annada’s contributions helped establish commercial art as a recognized and respected genre in India, bridging the gap between artistic creativity and the emerging advertising industry during the mid-20th century. Growing up in this rich artistic environment, Munu Munsi was deeply influenced by both his father’s traditional craftsmanship and his brother’s modern, applied artistic practices. This unique blend of heritage and innovation contributed to Munu’s artistic versatility, which spanned mediums such as mother-of-pearl, wire sculptures, and metal engravings. His work not only honored the legacy of his family but also expanded the horizons of Indian art by blending traditional techniques with contemporary themes. Munsi’s life and career thus stand as a testament to his family’s artistic legacy and his own contributions to Indian art, which continue to inspire generations of artists and collectors.