SHRINATHJI'S HANGING (PICHHVAI) FOR THE ANNAKUT FESTIVAL - Lot 139

SHRINATHJI'S HANGING (PICHHVAI) FOR THE ANNAKUT FESTIVAL Nathdwara, Rajasthan, North India, late 19th century Pigments on cotton canvas, the Krishna icon surrounded by priests and donors, mounted on a frame. Missing, discoloration and wetness, brittleness. Size: 123 x 86 cm A picchvai is a painted fabric panel hung on religious festivals to celebrate Krishna through episodes from his life. This large hanging is typical of the productions associated with the Nathdwara temple south of Jaipur, founded in 1672 by the followers of the saint Vallabhacharya (1479-1531). The worship of Shri Nathji, a form of Krishna, is punctuated by a complex ritual calendar. Here, the autumn Annakut festival can be identified with the offering of rice placed in a mountain at the feet of the deity. This is an evocation of the sacred Govardhan mountain, which Krishna raises to protect villagers from the flood. The idol's hand is raised, evoking the famous scene.