Pichwai Painting
Pichwai is a traditional Indian painting technique that originated in Nathdwara, Rajasthan around the 17th century. The word “Pichwai” is a Sanskrit word that stands for “that which hangs from the back” (‘Pich’ means back, ‘Wai’ means hanging).
Initially, Pichwais were artistic cloth hangings behind the idol of Lord Krishna (specifically Shrinathji), and the primary aim of Pichwais was to be decorative, but mainly to tell the stories of Krishna to devotees, mainly illiterate devotees, while also decorating temples for festivals and rituals.
Key Characteristics of Pichwai Paintings:
Subject: The theme of the Pichwai is centered on the Lord Krishna, especially in his incarnation of Shrinathji. In addition to his leelas with his gopis, cows, and nature, Pichwais also depict festivals, seasons, and events from the Pushtimarg (a Vaishnavite sect) calendar.
Setting: The standard setting for Krishna’s leela, is typically depicted in a temple or even the village landscapes of Vrindavan, where he spent his childhood.
Style: Pichwais are notable for the complexities and details in their final work, the bright and rich colors that come from minerals and vegetables, and the way they depict Shrinathji as heavier bodied and with elongated eyes and broad nose.
Materials: Pichwais are traditionally painted on large pieces of starched cotton cloth; for experimenting, and the masons painted on the wall of the temple. In accordance with the materials and drawing styles from individual Pushtimarg, artists used paintbrushes made from the hair of goats, squirrels, and horses, using mineral and vegetable pigments. Some artists include gold and silver leaf embellishments as well.
Composition: The compositions in Pichwai paintings are often extremely busy and can appear to be cluttered; nevertheless, the viewer always knows that the central figure is Lord Krishna. Symmetry and balance are prominent concepts of composition. The borders typically reference Krishna’s Chowbees Swaroop (26 incarnations) in miniature, paintings generally depicted in their various colors.
Symbolism: Elements in the Pichwais carry a meaning based on cultural understanding and religion. For example:
o Lotus: purity, beauty, or enlightenment.
o Peacock: beauty and royalty, related to Krishna and/or his iconography; in South Asian art the peacock can also signify grace.
o Cow: sacred, symbols of wealth, abundance and Krishna as a cowherd.
o Flute: Krishna’s musical divinity; inspires devotion in practice and inspires association of the divine in personifying him.
o Color: Blue – divinity; yellow – knowledge; red – love and passion.
The paintings are created using natural colours made from minerals and plant extracts. The themes of Pichwai paintings revolve around the various stages of Lord Krishna’s life, including his childhood, youth, and adulthood. Pichwai paintings are known for their intricate details, ornate borders, and fine brushwork.