Design is modern but the roots are still Indian
PICHWAI PAINTINGS
Pichwai is a Sanskrit word, where pich stands for ‘back’ and wai for ‘hanging’.
They are the devotional pictures used to portray the tales of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna’s childhood is a motivation for thousands of people on this Earth.
The Pichwai Paintings are one of the major art form and most popular in Rajasthan which has been used widely for over 400 years by the artists.
It is one of the best ways for the devotees to experience ‘the colours of Krishna’ by just one glimpse of beautiful Pichwai Paintings.
When in Rajasthan whats better than picking one of their art forms as source of inspiration for embroidery motifs.
On the left are few boards which has few Pichwai paintings which inspired me during the motif development process. While going through the motif development images you will the connection between the both. These motifs were developed as part of special collection for Designer Pallavi Kandoi based in Jaipur.
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The dominant figure that usually you will find in Pichwai Paintings is of Lord Shrinathji. He is considered as an evidence of 7-year-old child form of Lord Krishna. Everyone is known to the story of when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan parvat on his little finger to safeguard the people of Vrindavan from the devastating thunderstorm attack of Lord Indra.
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Different seasons and events in Lord Krishna’s life are depicted in Pichwais. The radiant pink colour was used to show summer, whereas illustration of peacocks was used at the temple to divulge the rainy season.
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The creation of pichwai paintings takes long months and immense skills and experience. Now, there is no way to learn the art of creating pichwai paintings. These paintings are also an example of ‘Guru-shishya’ tradition; the intricacies of the art have been passed down through the generations. This is a sacred art form dedicated to the god.
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Unlike other art forms, it is impossible to touch-up the artwork because of their fine detailing. Natural colours made by using coal, gold, silver, indigo, zinc, are saffron are only used in these paintings.