Folk canvas in mint

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

At the heart of the composition stands Shrinathji, resplendent in his celestial blue form, adorned with opulent jewels, delicate garlands, and a golden embroidered robe that shimmers with intricate hand detailing. His serene expression and raised hand symbolic of divine protection radiate both compassion and majesty. The Lord stands gracefully on a lotus, signifying purity and transcendence, grounding the divine in nature’s quiet poetry.

Encircling Shrinathji are herds of cows, each uniquely hand-painted with care and devotion. Their gentle stances and adorned forms evoke peace and abundance, symbolizing the eternal bond between Krishna and his sacred companions. The artist achieves remarkable rhythm and balance in the arrangement transforming repetition into reverence.

Above the divine figure rises a magnificent Kadamba tree, lush with hand-painted blossoms and intricate foliage rendered in fine detail. Each flower seems to glimmer with divine radiance, representing prosperity and the flourishing of life under Krishna’s grace. On either side, stylized palms and celestial motifs frame the divine grove, creating an ethereal canopy of serenity and devotion.At the top of the composition, the Sun and Moon watch over the scene a symbolic nod to the eternal cycle of day and night, devotion and renewal. Celestial beings float serenely above, further elevating the composition into a spiritual plane where art becomes prayer.

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.