Handpainted – Pichwai – Shrinathji on the Lotus Among the Cows

Provenance

'Shrinathji on the Lotus Among the Cows' is a Pichwai painting in which a dense mass of white cows rises in rows to a central deity standing on a pink lotus. It follows the Nathdwara tradition of a central picture within a border of small niches, with an outer ring of cows on navy, and it gives the herd a tall, tree-like shape.

Shrinathji stands at the top of the herd with a halo and a flute raised at his side, framed by dark trees and a starry sky with moon discs. Women carry bowls of red offerings among the cows, while a smaller calf and a cowherd appear at the foot. Peacocks and small birds stand on a green hillside, and a lotus pond with fish and ripples runs along the base. Small niches hold standing figures of Shrinathji against coloured grounds, and an outer navy border carries rows of white cows beneath a yellow edge.

White, navy, green and gold give the painting an orderly rhythm, with the red of the offerings and the pink of the lotus as small bright notes. The colour of the niches changes from one to the next, creating a steady, patterned border. It is calm and ceremonial, and suits a prayer room or a large entrance wall.