Cleveland Museum of Art

Pichvai of Shri Nathji

Date

1825–50

Medium

Gum tempera, silver, and gold on cotton

Culture

Northwestern India, Rajasthan, Nathdwara

Department

Indian and Southeast Asian Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

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.

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