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“In Adoration of Krishna; Pichhwais of Srinathji” from the TAPI Collection
Exhibition soon to be opened in Mumbai at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalya (formerly The Prince of Wales Museum), from 08 February to 02 March, 2008.
Was held for public viewing at the National Museum, New Delhi from December 08, 2007 to January 20, 2008.
The exhibition was a 'public-private' collaborative effort between the TAPI Collection, Surat, and India's premier official museum, the National Museum, New Delhi, India.
Pichhwais are decorative cloth hangings hung behind the idol of Shrinathji at Nathdwara and other shrines of the Pushti Marg. Pichhwais play a key role in aiding the devotee during darshana when he gets a fleeting glimpse of the Lord. A different pichhwai is placed behind the swarupa, the idol, on different occasion as suited to a particular festival or season. It is no mere backdrop, having been created by the artist craftsmen steeped in Krishna mythology, and designed to evoke a specific mood or emotion at each viewing.
In a first-ever Exhibition on this theme, "In Adoration of Krishna" presents Pichhwais that form a distinct addition to the vast repertoire of textile arts of India. The exhibits tap into India’s rich spectrum of textiles and techniques. and the vast range of mediums and techniques involved in pichhwai production, from the painted pichhwais of Nathdwara and North India, through the artistic gilded prints of the Deccan and the complex kalamkari dye-patterned pieces of the Coromandel Coast, examples of embroidery in silk, pichhwais in brocade, tinsel-prints and, finally, machine-printed fabrics and lace from foreign shores — the Tapi Collection boasts of some of the finest specimens in an all encompassing range.
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The Nathdwara pigment painted pichhwais depict Krishna as Shrinathji, the child god. Scenes from Krishna’s life- his childhood pranks, trysts with the gopis, the raas lila- are favorite subjects. Portraits of the goswamijis(priests) and historical events connected with the Pushti Marg sect are also popular. Characterised by the use of strong color, and careful detailing or animated by lively action, these are based on the Mewari/Marwari tradition of miniature painting, specially the formal style of the Jaipur school.
Deccani Pichhwais show Krishna being represented by the Kadamba tree, an interesting variant characteristic of South Indian pichhwais, with a group of adoring gopis standing alongside, holding offerings. Rich in gold leaf, these images radiate an opulence that not only lavishes sewa upon Shrinathji but reveals the affluence of the patron.
The world of pichhwais is enigmatic, a visual and sensory experience of delight.
An observer has compared the effect of the viewing of the Pichhwais to that of a living picture into which the spectator is completely absorbed.
Come, delight in this aesthetic treat, and take your chance to be a player in the reenactment of the Krishna myth.
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