The Gilded Beige

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 dedicated to the holy cows of Shrinathji, rendered in luminous tones of gold and earthen beige. At the upper register, three sacred shrines or temple motifs are delicately hand-painted in pure gold, representing the eternal abode of Shrinathji and anchoring the composition in divine reverence. Below them, rows upon rows of Kamadhenu cows unfold in gentle procession each meticulously adorned with ornamental details, sacred markings, and subtle variations that bring individuality within repetition.

The composition’s layered horizontal alignment creates a visual rhythm,The artist achieves an exquisite balance of texture and tone, using gold leaf detailing to evoke celestial radiance, while the muted beige ground provides a grounding calmness reminiscent of temple walls weathered by time and devotion. The cows’ eyes, outlined in fine black strokes, are soft yet sentient embodying the eternal witness to Krishna’s divine play.

This Pichwai is not merely an artwork but a devotional tapestry of heritage, where every cow stands as a metaphor for faith, abundance, and grace. Through restrained palette and intricate craftsmanship, the artist distills centuries of Vaishnav devotion and Rajasthani artistry into a timeless visual 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.