Artwork Page for Pichvai of Shri Nathji

Details / Information for Pichvai of Shri Nathji

Pichvai of Shri Nathji

1825–50

Northwestern India, Rajasthan, Nathdwara

Medium
Gum tempera, silver, and gold on cotton
Measurements
Overall: 257 x 169.5 cm (101 3/16 x 66 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1937.454
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Painted-cloth devotional wall hangings (pichvai) form the backdrop to the worship of Krishna as Shri Nathji. As a result of long-term exposure, these textiles are usually faded and worn.

The icon of Krishna as Shri Nathji is the central figure. On either side of him, milkmaids with arms entwined join him in a state of ecstasy. Experiencing the bliss of divine play (lila) with Krishna is the main religious goal for followers of the Pushti Marg sect of Hinduism to which this work belongs. Episodes from the life of Krishna and a border of adoring cows frame the central scene.
A vertically oriented gum tempera and silver painting on cotton depicts a central dark-skinned figure with a raised arm and red tiered skirt, flanked by six light-skinned companions. Below them, a landscape shows white buildings and additional figures. Twenty-four small rectangular vignettes showing various figures and buildings frame this main scene. A repeating border of small white cows on a red ground encircles the entire vertical composition.

Pichvai of Shri Nathji

1825–50

Northwestern India, Rajasthan, Nathdwara

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