Pichvai of Shri Nathji
1838
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1838
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Pichvai of Shri Nathji is a 1838 unspecified by Unknown, a Mughal Painting work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
You see a large cloth hanging, once bright, now softly faded. Krishna stands in the center, lifting a mountain with one finger. Around him, milkmaids dance, arms linked, lost in joy. This cloth isn’t just art—it’s part of worship. Called a *pichvai*, it hangs behind Krishna’s statue in temples. Over time, smoke and touch wear it down, making each mark a sign of devotion. To see more of these devotional hangings, look up nathdwara.
Painted-cloth devotional wall hangings ( pichvai ) form the backdrop to the worship of Krishna as Shri Nathji. As a result of long-term exposure, these textiles are usually faded and worn. The icon of Krishna as Shri Nathji is the central figure. On either side of him, milkmaids with arms entwined join him in a state of ecstasy. Experiencing the bliss of divine play ( lila ) with Krishna is the main religious goal for followers of the Pushti Marg sect of Hinduism to which this work belongs. Episodes from the life of Krishna and a border of adoring cows frame the central scene.
Read the full account in the museum source.
