What is a Pichwai painting?

A Pichwai painting is a traditional Indian art form that originated over 400 years ago in Nathdwara, Rajasthan. The word Pichwai means fabric wall hanging (pich = back, wai = cloth). These paintings were created as large devotional backdrops for the idol of Shrinathji, a form of Lord Krishna, in the Nathdwara temple. Today, Pichwai paintings (also spelled pichhwai, pichvai, or pichhavai) are prized as wall art for homes, offices, and spiritual spaces.

Is Pichhwai Painting GI-tagged?

Yes. Nathdwara Pichhwai Painting is a registered Geographical Indication (GI) for handicrafts from Rajasthan. The GI was registered under Application No. 748, with the registration certificate issued on 31 July 2023. The registration recognises the geographical identity and traditional heritage associated with Nathdwara Pichhwai painting.

Where can I buy authentic handmade Pichwai paintings online?

You can buy 100% authentic, handmade Pichwai paintings online at Rupasya (rupasya.com/pichwai-paintings). All our Pichwai artworks are made by master artisans from Nathdwara and Udaipur, Rajasthan, using traditional natural stone pigments and gold foil. We ship free across India and deliver worldwide, including to the US, UK, UAE, Australia, and Singapore.

Do you ship Pichwai paintings internationally?

Yes. Rupasya ships handmade Pichwai paintings worldwide, with prior deliveries to collectors in the US, UK, UAE, Australia, and Singapore. International orders are packed in archival-safe materials to protect the pigments and gold foil in transit. Contact us via WhatsApp for a shipping quote to your country.

Can I order a custom Pichwai painting?

Yes. We create custom Pichwai paintings in your choice of size, theme, and base material (cloth, canvas, or wall panel). Custom orders typically take 20–60 days depending on size and detail. Contact us via WhatsApp or our Custom Order page to start a commission.

How much does a Pichwai painting cost?

Pichwai painting prices at Rupasya start from around Rs 6,700 for smaller lotus and cow motif pieces on cloth, and go up to Rs 40,000 or more for large, elaborate hand-painted works with gold foil and multi-figure compositions. The price depends primarily on size, the amount of gold foil detailing, and base material — cloth, canvas, or wall panel. Custom sizes and themes are available on request.

What is the difference between a Pichwai and a Nathdwara painting?

Pichwai paintings are large devotional cloth backdrops originally designed to hang behind the Shrinathji deity in the Nathdwara temple. Nathdwara paintings include smaller, highly detailed works directly depicting the face or swaroop of Shrinathji. All Pichwai art is Nathdwara art, but not all Nathdwara art is Pichwai.

What materials are used in making Pichwai paintings?

Traditional Pichwai paintings are made on handspun starched cotton cloth or handmade paper. Artists use natural stone pigments from minerals and plants — indigo, saffron, zinc white, and charcoal black. Fine squirrel-hair brushes are used for detailing. Many works include 24K pure gold foil for a divine luminous effect.