Pichwai for Jal Vihar

A lace-net pichwai for Jal Vihar. Lace-net Pichwais were made in Europe and popular among the merchant families belonging to Pushti Marg sect.

This square, laced pichwai made on a curtain lace machine features a central panel depicting an altar with Mughal style arches and two gopis standing on either side, its exterior flanked by trees and peacocks to the sides and top. The panel is bordered by repeating motifs of cows to the top and sides, while the bottom panel depicts two of the most important swaminis—Radhaji and Yamunaji (two patranis of Shrinathji)—with their head circled by haloes, each holding a lotus stalk offering, and sailing in a boat on the river Yamuna heading towards the altar. The entire scene is set within broad floral borders, backed and trimmed with plain black cotton fabric.