#Artworld - Pichwai Painting

Pichwai ( Pichhvai ) is a form of art that originated over 400 years ago in the temple town of Nathdwara near Udaipur in Rajasthan. Pichwai  means 'at the back' so these paintings are basically used as decorative curtain/backdrop in Shrinathji temples and Krishna temples in Rajasthan.

Process: 

The work of Pichwai artists is intricate, detailed and visually stunning. Earlier Pichwai was done on loose, rough, hand spun fabric and painted in permanent natural colors that were extracted from vegetables and minerals and that don't tend to fade with time. Outlines are always dark hued and lighter soft tones are used for filling the picture. Painting is then adorned with gems, stones or embroidered with gold thread to enhance the beauty of it.

Theme: 

Different paintings are made for different occasions, seasons, festivals and so on. While some have pink lotuses signifying summer, some are night scenes with a full bright moon signifying the occasion of Sharad Purnima. Raas Leela, the festival of Holi, Annakut (Govardhan puja) are commonly employed themes by Pichwai artists.

Checkout our collection of Pichwai paintings.