19/04/2026
This April, we have added these watercolour artworks inspired by Pichwai paintings to the Purathanam collection, a traditional art form that emerged in the 17th century in Nathdwara, Rajasthan. It is known for its detailed depictions of cows, lotuses, and quiet, devotional landscapes.
The word Pichwai itself comes from Sanskrit: pichh meaning “back” and wai meaning “hanging.” These were large, intricate cloth paintings created to be hung behind the idol of Shrinathji, a form of Krishna, inside temple sanctums.
The most beautiful thing about Pichwai is that it was never created as “art for walls” in the way we think of it today. The tradition grew after the idol of Shrinathji was moved from Mathura to Nathdwara to protect it during Mughal invasions.
These were not just “artworks” originally, they were functional temple backdrops. It was deeply devotional, functional, and alive. These paintings would change with seasons, festivals, and even times of day, monsoon scenes, lotus-filled waters, cows in abundance, and celebrations like Annakut or Janmashtami. The backdrop itself became a way of transforming the mood and environment around the deity.
Within all of this, certain elements kept returning.. cows, lotuses, water bodies, peacocks, trees, symmetry, and an almost meditative sense of balance. Everything held meaning; everything was intentional.
Over time, what began as a temple tradition slowly moved into homes, collections, and galleries. These are not antique. They are not temple backdrops. But they carry echoes of that visual language.
They bring a sense of calm without asking for too much attention. These are meant to be lived with, placed in a corner, above a console, near a window, where they become part of your everyday rhythm rather than something distant.
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Please do check the dimensions before you buy.
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