Festival of vermillion

HISTORY

Pichwai paintings are beautiful examples of India’s traditional art and craftsmanship. The word ‘Pichwai’ comes from pich (back) and wai (textile wall hanging), as these paintings were once hung behind the idol of Srinathji in temples. Over time, handcrafted Pichwai art has evolved to include not just religious themes but also peaceful scenes of nature, flowers, and animals.

DESCRIPTION

This handcrafted Pichwai painting is a vibrant ode to devotion and artistic heritage, featuring Shrinathji, the divine child form of Lord Krishna, surrounded by sacred cows. Set against a striking vermilion red background, the composition radiates warmth, energy, and reverence.

At the heart of the painting stands Shrinathji, rendered in a deep, celestial blue. His divine presence anchors the composition, dressed in intricately detailed robes adorned with pearls, floral garlands, and subtle gold accents. The artist captures the Lord’s calm expression and poised gesture one arm raised in blessing, the other holding a symbolic lotus encapsulating grace and serenity.Surrounding him are rows of sacred cows, each meticulously hand-painted with symmetrical precision. The cows, decorated with ornate golden saddles and anklets, embody purity, abundance, and devotion.

The lower section of the painting features a serene lotus pond, its stylized blooms and leaves rendered in shades of green and blush. A floral border frames the entire composition a garland of blossoms in tones of coral, ivory, and sage green. This intricate border not only completes the visual narrative but also celebrates the artist’s mastery in detailing and balance. The interplay of gold leaf highlights, natural pigments, and the soft sheen of the hand-painted surface reveals the precision and patience of traditional Pichwai craftsmanship.

MATERIALS: Locally sourced - all organic crushed stone dyes, Fine spun cotton.

PROCESS AND CRAFT

Our paintings are made on fine spun cotton fabric using all natural organic dyes made from crushed natural stones found in Hilly regions of northern India.

The crushed stones are mixed with natural gum and water to form paint-like consistency.

The artwork is further adorned with gold leaf, sometimes 24 karat gold leaf to give it life.

These Pichwai paintings are also made on canvas or paper.

NOTE: Vintage inspired Paintings often have intentional discolouration and creases, made to add value and retain its authentic vintage aura. These are authentic paintings made by Indian artisans.

CARE

The painting should not be regularly cleaned, but only when required. The front of the painting should be cleaned gently with a soft brush to remove the loose dust on the painted surface.

If you want to use the painting without a glass backing, keep the painting away from moisture and humidity.

If you want to have an artwork in a location where there is direct sunlight at times, do consider having it framed behind a UV protected glass.

Paintings made on paper or canvas need to be framed in glass.