The lotus berths Pichwai Painting - Handcrafted Art.

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

Against a warm, earthen backdrop, white cows serene and sanctified are depicted resting gracefully atop lush green lotus leaves. Each cow is intricately hand-painted, adorned with ornamental cloths in saffron, ochre, and gold, evoking the ceremonial textiles used in temple offerings. Their tranquil expressions and poised stances symbolize devotion, service, and divine calm attributes deeply associated with the holy cows of Nathdwara, beloved to Lord Shrinathji.

Interwoven between the cows are delicate lotus stems, blooming into soft pink and white flowers that spiral elegantly through the frame. The lotus symbol of purity and transcendence unfurls in rhythmic symmetry, connecting each element of the composition through a meditative flow of line and form. The intertwining stems create a sense of movement, while maintaining the stillness of a sacred tableau a visual metaphor for divine order amidst natural abundance.

The painting’s muted background, possibly rendered in natural dyes and mineral pigments, offers an earthy restraint that enhances the luminosity of the greens and pinks. The border, finely detailed with floral motifs in ochre and crimson, acts as a frame of sanctity enclosing the sacred grove in timeless beauty.

Executed entirely by hand, this Pichwai represents the devotional minimalism often seen in gaumata (cow) themed compositions where the absence of the deity becomes an invocation in itself. Each cow, placed atop a lotus, is both a devotee and a divine symbol representing Shrinathji’s eternal companions and the soul’s aspiration for purity.

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.