A Pichwai for Rasleela

A lace-net pichwai of rasleela for Sharad Purnima (or the autumnal full moon dance). Lace-net Pichwais were made in Europe and popular among the merchant families belonging to Pushti Marg sect.

This square panel pichwai made on a curtain lace machine depicts the episode of rasleela with multiple Krishnas dancing with numerous gopis in a circle, trees in the background and two groups of female musicians accompany them on either side at the bottom. The eight repeated images of Krishna in the circle symbolise the ashtkon (octogonal platform), which has great significance in the Pushti Marg sect with the number eight holding special sacred significance. At the centre of the circle, Krishna is shown dancing with Radha, and at the bottom centre, a dancing peacock struts besides two peahens. The entire scene is set within a triplicate border of vines, cows and peacock motifs respectively. The pichwai is backed with a plain maroon cotton fabric, with the top secured with a white cotton panel for hanging.