The summer meadow 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

The painting presents a symphony of white cows gracefully arranged in near-perfect symmetry, their postures and gazes choreographed in poetic harmony. Each cow is meticulously hand-painted, outlined in delicate black contours that define form through simplicity rather than volume. Their pristine white bodies rendered in soft washes radiate serenity, while subtle shading adds a quiet dimensionality to the herd.

Adorning each cow are ornate golden garlands and saffron-hued decorations, accentuating their sacred status. The ornamental motifs seen on the horns, necks, and foreheads are executed in tones of gold, ochre, and vermilion, reflecting temple rituals where cows are worshipped as divine companions of Krishna. Their gentle eyes and calm demeanor evoke a sense of collective devotion, as if gathered in eternal service to their beloved Lord.

The background a stylized depiction of rolling hills in soft green tones creates a pastoral tranquility, balancing the intricacy of the foreground. Below, a row of blooming pink lotuses floats serenely on the water’s edge, grounding the divine scene in the sacred symbolism of purity and awakening. The lotuses and leaves, painted with rhythmic repetition, echo the spiritual symmetry that defines traditional Pichwai compositions.

Despite its simplicity, this painting achieves sublime grandeur through repetition and balance a hallmark of Nathdwara artistry. Each element the cows, the landscape, the floral border works in concert to convey a meditative stillness that transcends the earthly.

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.