Pichwai paintings are a traditional art form that originated in Rajasthan, India. It depicts the scenes and stories of Lord Krishna, the Hindu deity of love and compassion. Pichwai means ‘at the back’ in Hindi, as these paintings were originally used as backdrops for the idols of Krishna in temples. The artists use natural colors and fine brushes to create intricate details on silk fabric. The colors are vibrant and symbolic, representing different aspects of Krishna’s personality and mood.

Painting on this wafer-thin silk cloth requires special skill by craftsmen/women in India who have acquired the skill to paint on the cloth without the paint seeping through to the back of the cloth. When finished the cloth can appear to feel like paper with a little stiffness to it although still pliable.

The art of Pichwai silk painting in India dates back to the time when India was under Moghul’s rule from the 17th – 19th Century. This form of art was at its height when the Moghul rulers promoted literature and art. Many of these silk-painted cloths come from Rajasthan where the artisans are highly skilled in the method of painting on this fine silk.