Pichvai of Shri Nathji
Unknown Artist
1825–50
Medium
Gum tempera, silver, and gold on cotton
Dimensions
257 × 169.5 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Accession Number
1937.454
About this artwork
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...