Vintage Folklore Pichwai Painting - Handcrafted Art

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 heart of the composition stands Shrinathji, depicted in his iconic black hue, one arm raised in divine gesture, symbolizing his role in lifting the Govardhan mountain. His form is resplendent draped in richly adorned robes of pinks, greens, and golds, layered with delicate pearls and intricate jewellery that glimmer with hand-applied gold leaf. The lotus beneath his feet and the radiant halo framing his face elevate him into the celestial realm a vision of eternal grace and divine majesty.

Surrounding the central figure is an elaborately detailed shrine-like framework, complete with festoons of flowers, banana trees, and intricate architecture reminiscent of Nathdwara’s sanctum. The setting captures the grandeur of Rajbhog Darshan, one of the most revered moments of daily worship where the Lord is adorned in his most opulent attire, amidst a world celebrating his divine presence.

Above the divine form, the Sun and Moon gaze down from golden clouds, symbolizing the Lord’s timeless presence protector of both day and night. The upper panels feature divine attendants and musicians, their serene postures and instruments celebrating the eternal music of devotion. Below, lotus ponds, white domes, and peacocks complete the sacred landscape, grounding the divine in earthly beauty.

The border is a marvel in itself  an intricate floral and geometric framework filled with delicate patterns in muted golds, terracotta reds, and soft greens, evoking the richness of traditional temple murals. Every inch of the painting is alive with layered symbolism and fine craftsmanship a harmony of devotion, design, and detail.

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.