Pichwai
literally means ‘at the back’. These paintings are lyrical creations on cloth
which hangs in form of a background to Srinathji’s idol in the sanctum
sanctorum at Nathdwara as well as in other temples of Krishna. Pichwai
paintings are forms of traditional artworks, having roots in Rajasthan. As
compared to Phads that are another form of paintings of Rajasthan, Pichwais are
known to have more detail and are refined more. As you scroll down, the account
will present you with more information about these religiously beautiful
paintings.
Origin
and Development
Pichwai
paintings came into light when the sect Vallabhaichari fashioned 24
iconographic for Krishna’s image backdrop at Nathdwara. Every image of this work
has connection to a specific celebration or festival. Initially, the Pichwai
art consisted of cloth which was starched and handspun. It was dipped in colors
made from minerals and vegetables like indigo, orpiment, cochineal and lapis.
The colors underwent changes with the course of time as the art received a dash
of contemporary taste. Today, fabric colors are also used for these paintings.
Subjects
Chiefly,
Shrinathji along with his exploits form the subject of the paintings. Rooted
deeply in religion, these artworks are carried out with the greatest dedication
of artists. Subjects or themes such as Holi, Govardhan Puja or Annakut and Raas
Leela are also visible on relevant occasions. Themes or subjects vary as per
the season and its dispositions. For instance, paintings of summers have pink
lotuses; Sharad Purnima illustrates a night scene having a shining full moon.
Style
The
painting style springs from the Nathdwara School. Big eyes, wide nose and heavy
body characterize the works. The Pichwai format is static. Even the natural
components seem frozen here. Elements such as moon, lighting, stars and sun
also get prominent place in painting. Deceptive simplicity of these paintings,
veils sheets of symbolism and significance.
Colors,
Tools and Techniques
Pichwai
works are printed, painted using hand blocks, embroidered or adorned, woven in
appliqué. Created in rich dark colors, they are done on rough cloth which is
hand spun. They employ flamboyant embroidery and silhouettes are usually dark
colored. Stitching incorporates colors such as green, cream, yellow and black
while red is the most used color for backdrop. Gold thread is also used by a
number of painters when they design their creativity. Pure gold makes the
paintings shine with enhanced charm and value. White color is employed for
highlighting the outline.
The
painter roughly sketches on a starched piece of cloth and fills it with colors
then. A painting may take a few weeks to few months to be prepared.
Conventionally, colors from natural sources and brushes made of goat, squirrel
or horse hair were employed. But, today less pricey and quick materials are
used. Scores of paintings are dipped in natural colors today even. The
traditional fashion has not vanished.
Artists
A
few artists among the prominent ones of Pichwai paintings include Shyam
Sunderji Sharma, Shivji Ram Mali and Yug Deepak Soni.
Artworks
Out
of many captivating Pichwais, some include artworks illustrating pageant of the
life of Krishna. Several of them are purely poetry in paints whereas some are
flamboyant Ras Leela vignettes. A small number of Pichwai artworks showcase
moments of philosophy in story of Krishna like Vishvaroopam.
Rajasthan
has great pride for its grand history and rich culture. Through its artworks,
its esteem towards its heritage is easily reflected. Such legacy pride and
delight can be seen in Pichwai paintings. They are now available in smaller
versions also, so that you can take them home as souvenirs.
कोई टिप्पणी नहीं:
एक टिप्पणी भेजें