ANTIQUE PICHWAI PAINTING ON CLOTH FROM NATHDWARA RAJASTHAN

Dimensions: 7.08 x 5.06 (240cm x 170cm)

The exquisite art of Pichhwai unfolds on fine fabric, capturing the divine essence of Shrinathji, a manifestation of Krishna depicted as a seven-year-old child, revered at the primary shrine, the Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara, Rajasthan. Positioned 48 kilometers northeast of Udaipur, this temple stands as a testament to the profound spiritual significance of Shrinathji, the central deity of the Vaishnava sect known as Pushtimarg, founded by Vallabhacharya. Followers of Bhakti Yoga and Vaishnavas in Gujarat and Rajasthan, including the Bhatias and others, find spiritual solace in worshiping Shrinathji. Pichhwais, large devotional Hindu painted pictures on cloth, play a crucial role in portraying scenes from Krishna's life in these sacred settings. Created primarily for Hindu temples, especially the Shrinathji Temple dating back to 1672, these artworks serve an aesthetic and educational purpose, narrating tales of Krishna's divine exploits to the illiterate. Temples often rotate sets of pichhwais with various images in alignment with the festival calendar, enriching the cultural and religious tapestry. Regions like Aurangabad also share a historical connection with these spiritually significant paintings, enhancing the timeless allure of Pichhwai art.

• Pigments on cloth

Refrence: https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2009/indian-southeast-asian-art-n08525/lot.62.html