Palace of illusions

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 an exquisite cartographic composition that unfolds like a sacred map of Nathdwara, the holy town devoted to Shrinathji, an incarnation of Lord Krishna.

Rendered entirely by hand with meticulous detail, this Pichwai painting celebrates the rich miniature traditions of Rajasthan where every element, from the domed shrines to the flowering trees, speaks of reverence and artisanal mastery. The work portrays the inner sanctums of the Nathdwara temple, its courtyards, ritual chambers, and the bustling life of devotees engaged in daily worship. Tiny figures of priests, musicians, and cowherds animate the canvas, transforming it into a living tableau of faith and festivity.

The painting’s composition is divided between the sacred town and its natural landscape the left and central sections feature the temple complex with rows of architectural facades, each window and arch drawn with precision, while the right section opens into a verdant world of hills, flowing waters, and meditating sages. The juxtaposition of structured architecture and organic nature reflects the harmony between divine order and earthly beauty.

The artist’s color palette is both restrained and radiant soft ivory walls, earthy ochres, muted greys, and lush greens, accented by the occasional saffron and rose pink evoking the serene luxury of hand-ground natural pigments. Surrounding the sacred heart of the painting, we glimpse stories within stories temple rituals, festivals, and quiet moments of devotion. The viewer’s eye is invited to wander through this visual pilgrimage, discovering intricate details hidden within the architecture doors, arches, shrines, and courtyards, all echoing centuries of living tradition.

This handcrafted Pichwai is more than a painting it is a meditation on sacred space, a map of devotion rendered through time-honored artistry. It stands as a testament to the mastery of India’s Pichwai painters, and to the quiet grandeur that defines heritage art reimagined by Khenshu.

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.