The Gopal Kala Pichwai Painting - Handpainted

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 center of the composition stands Shrinathji, majestic and radiant, his arm gracefully raised in the divine gesture of lifting the Govardhan mountain — the eternal symbol of protection and grace. Draped in intricately patterned textiles and layered garlands of pearls and flowers, the deity exudes a serene yet powerful presence. The artist’s mastery is evident in the minute gold detailing of the jewels, the rhythmic folds of the garments, and the tender balance between grandeur and devotion.

Surrounding Shrinathji are devoted gopis, depicted mid-offering, holding flywhisks, garlands, and lotuses. Their flowing attire in deep saffron, coral, and ochre hues radiates warmth and harmony, symbolizing their unwavering bhakti. Behind them, banana trees and lush groves form a sacred enclosure a reminder of Vrindavan’s divine landscape. Above, a silvery full moon rests against a midnight-blue sky patterned with celestial dots, evoking an atmosphere of transcendence and eternal rhythm.

The upper register of the painting shows celestial beings in golden chariots floating among clouds, showering blessings from the heavens. The lower panel brings life to the earthly realm gopis and cowherds gathered in joyful reverence, accompanied by cows and calves, symbolic of Krishna’s nurturing spirit. The border a hallmark of traditional Pichwai art is richly adorned with miniature depictions of Shrinathji in various darshans or ritual moments, framed within golden shrines.  The lotus motifs at the base and the delicate floral scrolls framing the edges unify the composition in an unbroken rhythm of devotion.

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.