There is a painting style that showcases the life of the commoner then there is one that displays the life of tribes. Some displays the life of kings and queens, then some portray spirituality in the prettiest form. One such painting style from ancient India is Pichwai artwork. It is one of the most popular, unique, and renowned painting styles inherited from the past. The Pichwai paintings originated over 400 years ago in the Nathdwara town in Rajasthan. The word Pichwai is a combination of two words, “Pich” means back, and “Wai” means hanging.
Back in the past, Pichwai paintings were used to hang in the back of the shrine of Shreenathji. Pichwai artwork originated in the year 1672 in Nathdwara town in Rajasthan in the temple of Shreenath Ji. The beautiful paintings are made with dedication and devotion by Pushti Marg sect members, which was founded by Shri Vallabhacharya. They have intricate designs, are more detail-oriented, and are more vibrant than other traditional art forms from the state of Rajasthan. Pichwai paintings were created to tell the story or instances from the life of Shreenath Ji. Made on cloth using natural dyes, Pichwai paintings are stunning and stately and surely add a charm to the space they are kept.
Pichwai artwork is splendid, gorgeous, and a great addition to the art collection or home décor. Not just in India, this intricate and beautifully handmade painting is famous across the world. Usually depicting the tales from the life of Lord Krishna, Pichwai paintings are made with much dedication and precision to get the best result. Artisans make sure to add the tiniest details to enhance its look. Be it traditional Pichwai painting or modern- Sweet Magnoliaa has a spectacular collection of Pichwai Artwork.
Unlike any other paintings or wall décor products available at Sweet Magnoliaa, Pichwai paintings are the only ones that will add spiritual fervor along with elegance to the space. In the past, these paintings were used to describe the life of Shreentah Ji, a form of Lord Krishna, to those who were uneducated. Each painting takes months to complete because of its intricate and delicate designs. It requires a skillful artisan to create these extremely complex paintings.
This art form has been passed through generations in a sacred way. What makes it special is it cannot be learned or taught in any educational institute. Only a master of Pichwai artwork can teach the complexity of this art form. Even in this modern world, this is how artisans learn this traditional art form of India. We know traditional paintings depict the tales of Shreenath Ji’s life. But, apart from him, Radha rani, gopis, cows, and lotuses are the prominent symbols that are used in this painting style. Pichwai paintings are also used to depict Hindu festivals such as Sharad Poornima, Janmashtami, Diwali, Annakut, Raas Leela, and more.
Pichwai is made using elements gathered from nature. Artisans use tools like brushes made using goat tail hair, coal made from burning tamarind tree logs or twigs, coconut shells used to keep colors, and colors made using natural elements. The traditional Pichwai painting is in shades and tones of gold, red, and stone. It takes intense dedication and devotion to create one masterpiece of Pichwai with precise small details.
The handspun cotton fabric is used to create Pichwai paintings. The sketches made on fabric are created with extreme attention, only organic paints, natural brushes, and colors are used to fill in the details and intricate designs of the painting. The natural colors are obtained from indigo, silver, coal, flowers, and other elements from mother nature. Sometimes gems, crystals, and gold gilded are used to make intricate details and designs in painting. Some Pichwai paintings are created using pure gold, which adds value to them, making them more expensive.
Paintings that depict festivals showcase Shreenath ji differently in comparison with other paintings. For instance, Ankut Pichwai's painting at Sweet Magnoliaa portrays the idol of Shreenath Ji in the center, and the same in Shreenathji Mandir Puja Antique Pichwai painting, Shreenathji Gopashtmi Pichwai painting, and Sharad Purnima Antique look Pichwai painting. When the painting depicts instances like Raas Leela, Lord Krishna is portrayed while being surrounded by gopis.
Some of the Pichwai paintings, like modern Pichwai, do not portray any instances or festivals but Swaroop. They are created using Swaroop from traditional Pichwai, like Shreenathji Swarup Pichwai Painting on blue cotton cloth and Shreenathji Swarup Pichwai painting on red cotton cloth. Modern Pichwai also uses elements from nature, like lotuses and cows, like cow pichwai painting or cow lotus pichwai painting available at Sweet Magnoliaa.
Conclusion
The Pichwai painting is admired across the world. They have intricate details and designs and leave powerful impressions on house guests. Though these paintings were used for religious significance, today, they have become an immense home décor product as they are said to evoke a joyous feeling in the viewer. So, get your Pichwai painting from a spectacular Pichwai art form collection from Sweet Magnoliaa if you want unique home decor or art for your art collection.