Exploring the Traditional Art of Pichwai Painting (pichvai) is a painting style that originated over 400 years ago in the Rajasthani town of Nathdwara, near Udaipur. Pichwai paintings, which are created on cloth and are intricate and visually beautiful, depict stories from Lord Krishna’s life. Creating a pichwai can take months and demands a great deal of expertise, as even the tiniest details must be meticulously painted. Shrinathji, the deity manifested as a seven-year-old infant, is frequently depicted as Lord Krishna in Pichwais. Radha, gopis, cows, and lotuses are also popular subjects in pichwai paintings. Pichwais often portray festivals and festivities such as Sharad Purnima, Raas Leela, Annakoot or Govardhan Puja, Janmashtami, Gopashtami, Nand Mahotsav, Diwali, and Holi.
Pichwai is derived from the words ‘pichh’ (back) and ‘wai’ (textile hanging). They are rendered by members of the Pushti Marg sect, which was established in the 16th century by Shri Vallabhacharya. Pichwai paintings were originally used to decorate Shrinathji’s (Shrinathji ki Haveli) temple in Nathdwara, where they were hung behind the deity to commemorate various seasons, festivals, and events in Lord Krishna’s life. Because of their aesthetic appeal, pichwais have found a spot in the homes of art connoisseurs over time. The art of Pichwai, like many other traditional Indian art forms, is dying and needs to be recognised and revived.
Understanding Pichwai & its Origins
Pichwai ( Pichhvai ) is a type of Rajasthani art that dates back over 400 years and originated in the temple town of Nathdwara near Udaipur. Since these artworks are hanged literally “piche” or behind the temple deity, and “wai” literally means a cloth hanging, the word “Pichwai” was coined. They are rendered by members of the Pushti Marg sect, which was established in the 16th century by Shri Vallabhacharya.
What makes Pichwai Special
Pichwai artists create work that is complex, informative, and visually breathtaking. Artists use brushes made from goat tail fur, coconut shells to carry colours, tamarind twig charcoal, and other materials. The Pichwai colour palette consists of red, gold, and stone tones. Creating a genuine piece of Pichwai art takes several months and a great deal of talent on the part of the artist the smallest details with precision.
Originally crafted to decorate the temple of Shrinathji (Shrinathji ki Haveli) in Nathdwara and used for story-telling in villages – Pichwai art is now found in temples of the region and is purchased by art connoisseurs and devotees for display in their homes and home temples.
Pichwai Art Themes
Pichwai wall hangings or art on cloth or paper – depict tales from Lord Krishna’s life. Popular themes include Lord Krishna as Shrinathji, the Ras Leela of Krishna and the Gopis, Radha – Krishna , cows and lotus blossoms. Other popular themes include depiction of festivals such as Diwali, Holi, Janmashtami, Gopashtami, Nand Mahotsav, Sharad Purnima, Annakoot or Govardhan Puja.
Exploring Pichwai
Like many other traditional Indian art forms – Pichwai painting needs consistent recognition and revival – to prevent it from dying out.
We’re proud to play our role in this effort – and are delighted to showcase our curated selection of Pichwai paintings and Pichwai themed accents