An Indian pichwai depicting Shreenathji (Krishna) surrounded by portraits of gopis, Nathdwara, Rajasthan, first quarter 20th C.

126,5 x 98 cm

A pichwai is a large, hand-painted fabric wall hanging from Rajasthan (India), particularly from the city of Nathdwara, and is used as a temple decoration behind the image of the god Krishna in his form as Shreenathji. The four architectural structures (kind of temple pavilions) at the bottom are consistent with the Nathdwara tradition, as are the peacock image and lotus motifs below. The whole is bordered with images of cows, a classic feature of Pichwais, as Krishna is considered the protector of cows. The background is dark, often used to make the figures and colour pigments stand out more.