Pichawai is a 400-year-old art form that originated in the holy town of Nathdwara near Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. Pichawais have delighted art connoisseurs for centuries. Intricately painted and visually stunning, they narrate tales from Lord Krishna’s life.  The style of painting was born when the Pushti Marg sect, founded in the 16th century, started creating pictorial illustrations on cloth and hung them behind the idol of Lord Krishna at the Temple of Shrinathji in Nathdwara, as part of their elaborate rituals of temple decoration. The name ‘Pichawai’ literally defines its meaning, with ‘pichh’ meaning back and ‘wai’ meaning textile hanging.  Although lesser known than some other Indian art forms, there has been a renewed interest in these exquisite paintings, actually murals, which have found a way beyond the walls of the temple, into galleries and homes across the world.  This large, soft, late19th/early 20th C example measures 51” x 75”, and shows signs of use.