The Blue Hera

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 depicts the grand Annakut Utsav  the festival of abundance where Lord Shrinathji is worshipped amidst lavish offerings of food and devotion. The deity, adorned in intricately detailed garments and jewels, stands at the sanctum of the Nathdwara temple, surrounded by priests and devotees offering prayers and bhog (food offerings).

The temple architecture is rendered with delicate precision, its symmetry and ornamentation reflecting both spiritual discipline and artistic mastery. The golden hues, deep reds, and midnight-blue sky filled with stars symbolize prosperity, divine energy, and cosmic balance. The lotus border and rows of miniature attendants further enrich the scene, embodying a sense of movement and sacred rhythm.

Every detail from Shrinathji’s expression to the silver vessels of offerings reflects the meditative devotion that makes handcrafted Pichwai paintings timeless symbols of faith and beauty.

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.