What is the meaning of Pichwai?
Pichwai Meaning: Pichwai is a type of traditional Indian art that originated in the state of Rajasthan. It involves intricate and colourful paintings, typically depicting Lord Krishna and scenes from his life, especially his playful interactions with cows and the Gopis (milkmaids).
Pichwai painting is from which state: These paintings are often made on large pieces of cloth or canvas and are utilised as decorative backgrounds in Hindu temples, especially in the state of Rajasthan. Pichwais art is famous for its detailed designs, vibrant colours, and spiritual significance, often utilised to improve the aura of temple spaces during rituals and festivals.
What is Pichwai Art?
Pichwai art is a traditional form of painting that comes from the Indian state of Rajasthan. It highlights definite and beautiful pictures of Lord Krishna and the stories from his life. These canvases are generally very huge and are utilized to beautify the walls of temples and homes, particularly during celebrations and religious functions.
Pichwai Art History: A Brief Look
Pichwai art has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century in India. It originated in Nathdwara, a town in Rajasthan, and was initially created as intricate cloth hangings to adorn the backdrop of Lord Krishna’s idol in temples. Over time, it evolved into a highly regarded traditional art form. Pichwai paintings history depict various aspects of Lord Krishna’s life and are characterised by vibrant colours, intricate details, and devotion.
Some famous types of Pichwai Paintings
There are several famous types of Pichwais painting, each with its own unique themes and characteristics. Some of the notable types include:
Lotus Pichwai Painting
A Lotus Pichwai painting is a type of Pichwai art that prominently features the lotus flower as a central motif. Lotus flowers hold significant symbolism in Hinduism, representing purity and divine beauty. In these paintings, the lotus is often depicted in various stages of bloom and is surrounded by intricate designs and vibrant colours, creating a visually stunning and spiritually meaningful artwork.
Cow Pichwai Painting
A Cow Pichwai painting is a form of Pichwai art that highlights the sacredness of cows in Hindu culture. These paintings typically showcase cows in serene and reverential settings, often with Lord Krishna, who is known for his association with cows. The artwork reflects the importance of cows in Indian spirituality and daily life.
Sharad Purnima Antique Pichwai Painting
A Sharad Purnima Antique Pichwai painting is a traditional artwork that celebrates the Sharad Purnima festival in Hinduism. This festival marks the full moon night of autumn and is associated with Lord Krishna’s divine Raas Leela dance. These antique Pichwai paintings depict scenes from this joyful and spiritual event, often showcasing intricate details and vibrant colours, making them valuable pieces of cultural and religious heritage.
Gold Tree of Life
A Gold Tree of Life Pichwai painting is a type of Pichwai art that features a tree of life motif adorned with gold accents. This symbolises the cycle of life, growth, and spirituality. These paintings are known for their intricate detailing and use of gold, representing prosperity and divine blessings.
Peacock Pichwai Painting
A Peacock Pichwai Painting is a form of Pichwai art that prominently showcases peacocks, which hold special significance in Hindu mythology, symbolising beauty and grace. These paintings often depict peacocks in vibrant colours and intricate designs, creating visually captivating and spiritually meaningful artworks.
Sandhya Aarti Pichwai
A Sandhya Aarti Pichwai is a type of Pichwai painting that portrays the evening prayer ceremony, known as “Sandhya Aarti,” performed in Hindu temples. These paintings typically depict the rituals, lamps, and offerings made to deities during this sacred time. They capture the serene and devotional atmosphere of the evening prayer, making them significant in Hindu religious art.
Pichwai Painting of Radha Krishna
A Pichwai painting of Radha Krishna is a traditional artwork that features the divine love story of Lord Krishna and Radha. These paintings depict the romantic and spiritual connection between them, often set against a backdrop of rural landscapes or intricate designs. They are known for their vibrant colours and intricate details, celebrating the eternal bond between Radha and Krishna in Hindu mythology.
Process of making Pichwai Paintings
Creating Pichwai paintings involves several steps:
Preparing the Canvas
Preparing the canvas in making a Pichwai painting involves treating a cloth canvas with a mixture of gum and chalk. This process makes the canvas strong and suitable for painting, providing a sturdy foundation for the intricate artwork to come.
Making a Rough Design Through Sketching
Making a rough design through sketching involves outlining the intricate design on the canvas using a pencil or charcoal. This initial sketch serves as a blueprint for the artist to follow when adding details and colours to the artwork, ensuring that the composition is well-balanced and visually appealing.
Making the Sketch Colourful
It involves mixing vibrant colours and applying them to the outlined design on the canvas. Artists use brushes to fill in the sketch with various shades, adding depth and richness to the artwork. This step brings the Pichwai to life with its characteristic vivid and detailed imagery.
Embellishing the Painting
It refers to the addition of gold or silver accents and intricate details to enhance specific elements of the artwork, such as jewellery, clothing, or sacred symbols. This step adds a touch of opulence and visual richness to the painting, making it more vibrant and visually captivating.
Finishing Touch on the Masterpiece
It refers to the final adjustments and enhancements made by the artist to ensure the artwork is perfect. This includes refining details, adding any necessary highlights, and ensuring the overall composition is balanced and visually appealing before the painting is ready for display.
What is Pichwai Painting Technique?
Pichwai painting technique typically involves using cotton or silk canvases, which are prepared with a mixture of gum and chalk for durability. Artists first create a detailed pencil or charcoal sketch of the design, often featuring Lord Krishna and his stories. Vibrant colours are mixed with water and gum arabic for painting, starting with the background and then layering in finer details. Gold or silver accents may be added for embellishment. The final step involves refining the painting and ensuring it’s ready for display, resulting in the intricate and spiritually significant Pichwai artworks.
What Makes Pichwai Art Special?
Pichwai art is special because of:
- Spiritual Significance: It predominantly depicts Lord Krishna’s life, making it spiritually meaningful in Hindu culture.
- Intricate Detailing: Pichwai paintings are known for their meticulous and detailed designs, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.
- Vibrant Colours: The use of vibrant and rich colours adds to their visual appeal, making them visually stunning.
- Cultural Heritage: Pichwai art is a part of India’s cultural heritage, preserving traditions and stories through beautiful artwork.
Festivals in Pichwai Art
Janmashtami
Sharad Purnima
Raas Leela
Annakut
Gopashtami
Holi
Best 5 Pichwai Painting Artists
Here are five renowned Pichwai painting artists:
- Kalyan Joshi: Known for his intricate detailing and vibrant colour palette, Kalyan Joshi’s Pichwai paintings capture the essence of Lord Krishna’s divine presence and are highly sought after by art collectors.
- Rajendra Sharma: Rajendra Sharma is celebrated for his mastery in depicting the intricate jewellery and clothing of Lord Krishna in his Pichwai artworks, which adds a sense of opulence and grandeur to his pieces.
- Lalit Sharma: Lalit Sharma is recognized for his ability to infuse spirituality and devotion into his Pichwai paintings. His works often depict the serene and divine aspects of Lord Krishna’s life.
- Vijay Sharma: Vijay Sharma is famous for his advancement in Pichwai painting, mixing traditional procedures with contemporary interpretations. His exceptional style has earned fame both in India and abroad.
- Laxman Sharma: Laxman Sharma’s Pichwai paintings are characterised by their intricate nature and vivid colour schemes. His artworks are known for their attention to detail and skillful portrayal of Lord Krishna’s stories.
Where to Buy Pichwai Paintings
You can purchase Pichwai paintings from various sources, including:-
Buy Pichwai Paintings Online:
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like Etsy, Amazon, and eBay often feature Pichwai paintings from artists and sellers around the world. You can browse a wide range of options and read reviews before making a purchase.
Buying Reference Links:
| Website | Product Link |
| Amazon.com | https://www.amazon.in/pichwai-paintings/s?k=pichwai+paintings |
| Flipkart.com | https://www.flipkart.com/search?q=pichwai%20paintings& |
| etsy.com/in-en | https://www.etsy.com/in-en/market/pichwai_painting |
| Trulyearthy.com | https://www.trulyearthy.com/collections/pichwai-paintings |
| thebimba.com | https://thebimba.com/collections/pichwai?gad=1 |
| artudaipur.com | https://www.artudaipur.com/collections/buy-pichwai-paintings-collection |
Buy Pichwai Paintings from Galleries (Stores/ Shops)
- Art Galleries: Many art galleries, especially in India, showcase and sell Pichwai paintings. Visiting these galleries allows you to see the artwork in person and interact with knowledgeable staff.
Buying Reference Links:
| Website | Path |
| archerindia.com | https://maps.app.goo.gl/sbzNdVoQrY8sNQxa9 |
| tulikaartsgallery.com | https://maps.app.goo.gl/KeuCx67ZFFmENjRr5 |
| artisera.com | https://maps.app.goo.gl/HtmwdNhQJFPoUur99 |
| studio3india.com | https://maps.app.goo.gl/HKXibesLadwmpgJC6 |
- Artisan Fairs and Exhibitions: Attending local art fairs, craft exhibitions, or cultural festivals in India can provide opportunities to buy Pichwai paintings directly from artists or artisans.
Buying Reference Links:
| Website | Path |
| delhievents.com | https://maps.app.goo.gl/NfxeP85e8WpbWkWy8 |
| rooftopapp.com | https://maps.app.goo.gl/dPskb96p8NmTTq1J7 |
| artcanvasdesignstudios.com | https://maps.app.goo.gl/PmpA2w2Xeq8vZkGWA |
| gaatha.org | https://maps.app.goo.gl/zo3FLmXwCGdZTP8HA |
- Art Auctions: Some prestigious art auction houses occasionally feature Pichwai paintings. Participating in such auctions may be an option if you are looking for collectible or high-end pieces.
Buying Reference Links:
| Website | Path |
| saffronart.com | https://maps.app.goo.gl/p1zM2HFuQyTRjVrz8 |
| christies.com | https://maps.app.goo.gl/xNvMW9e84s9btEZY9 |
Cost of Pichwai Paintings in India
The cost of Pichwai paintings in India can vary widely depending on factors such as the size, delicacy of design, the craftsman reputation, and the materials used. On average, a small to medium-sized Pichwai painting may range from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of Indian Rupees. Larger and more detailed pieces, especially those made by famous artists, can demand significantly higher prices, often reaching lakhs or even crores of Indian Rupees. It’s necessary to consider these factors when determining the cost of Pichwai paintings in India.
| Type of Painting | Cost Starting From | Size in inches | Type |
| Lotus Pichwai Painting | Rs 300 | 12×12 | Wooden Plates |
| Cow Pichwai Painting | Rs 399 | 12×12 | Wooden Plates |
| Cow Pichwai Painting | Rs 199 | 12×17 | Paper |
| Sharad Purnima Pichwai Painting | Rs 199 | 12×12 | Paper |
| Shrinathji Pichwai Painting | Rs 700 | 13.5×19.5 | Wood |
| Peacock Pichwai Painting | Rs 199 | 12×17 | Paper |
| Radha Krishna pichwai painting | Rs 700 | 13.5×19.5 | Wood |
| Raas Leela Pichwai Painting | Rs 700 | 13.5×19.5 | Wood |
| Janmashtami Pichwai Painting | Rs 700 | 12×17 | Paper |
Note: Costing can be differ and goes above 5 Lakhs in respect to change in Size, Material and Artist.
Cost Source: Amazon.com
Download PPT On Pichwai Paintings
Video On Pichwai Paintings
FAQs on Pichwai Painting
1. Who is the creator of Pichwai?
Ans: Pichwai painting as an art form does not have a single identified creator. Pichwai paintings have been made by numerous craftsmans over the centuries, and the art form has evolved and been passed through ages within the Nathdwara community. While specific artists may be celebrated for their contributions to Pichwai art, it is a collective and traditional heritage rather than the creation of a single individual.
2. What are the rules of Pichwai Painting?
Ans: There are no strict “rules” in Pichwai painting, but there are traditional guidelines and techniques followed by artists, such as using vibrant colours, intricate detailing, and depicting themes related to Lord Krishna’s life and devotion. The exact approach may vary among artists and regions, allowing for creativity within the traditional framework.
3. How are Pichwai paintings made?
Ans: Pichwai paintings are typically made on cloth canvases. Pichwai painting artists use a specific process that involves preparing the canvas, sketching the design, using vibrant colours mixed with gum Arabic for painting, adding intricate details, and often incorporating gold or silver embellishments. The final step includes any necessary adjustments to ensure the artwork is complete and ready for display.
4. What brushes are used in Pichwai painting?
Ans: In Pichwai painting, artists typically use brushes made from animal hair, such as squirrel or goat hair, to create intricate and detailed designs. These brushes allow for precise and delicate brushwork, essential for the fine detailing characteristic of Pichwai art.
5. What tools are used in Pichwai painting?
Ans: In Pichwai painting, artists mostly use brushes made from animal hair, such as hairs of goat or squirrel, along with other basic art supplies like charcoal or pencils for sketching, dyes for colours, and gum arabic for binding dyes. Also, they may use silver or gold leaf or paint for embellishments, adding a touch of richness to the painting.
6. How to identify Pichwai paintings?
Ans: Pichwai paintings are typically large, intricate, and highly detailed artworks that depict various scenes from the life of Lord Krishna, particularly his childhood and his interactions with the Gopis (cowherd girls). Pichwai paintings are characterised by their vibrant and bold use of colours, intricate detailing, and the use of traditional techniques like tempera or watercolour on cloth or paper.
