The Gerald Moore Gallery is pleased to present Indian Art form of Pichwai: A Sacred Timeless Journey presented by Nirvana Fine Arts in our Paul Henderson Gallery from 5th – 28th March 2026.
Nirvana Fine Arts brings together over 20 Pichwai paintings that trace a sacred, centuries‑long journey from the temple town of Nathdwara, Rajasthan to the living canvas of our contemporary moment. Rooted in a 400‑year‑old devotional tradition, these paintings once adorned the inner sanctums of Shreenathji temples, narrating the sacred tales of Krishna to their worshippers through the unfolding cycles of his divine celebrations.
The private view will be on Thursday 5th March from 6 to 8pm.
The Gerald Moore Gallery is open to the public on Saturdays 10am - 4pm and by appointment for other days.
Revered for its exquisite balance of devotion, detail and visual storytelling, Pichwai painting stands as one of the most significant artistic traditions of Rajasthan. Originating in the temple town of Nathdwara, these paintings, created by intergenerational artisans working in established workshops are deeply symbolic, often depicting festivals, seasonal changes, and moments from Krishna’s life. The natural world, including trees, flowers, and animals, is frequently depicted symbolising the divine beauty and harmony of the universe.
Pichwai paintings, though originally created for temple sanctums, have gracefully found their way into contemporary homes, carrying their sacred legacy into modern spaces. These works are created using age‑old techniques passed down through generations, following a structured approach rooted in method, symmetry and purpose, reflecting deep devotion rather than free‑style expression. Artists train for years to master the precision of fine linework, the use of natural pigments and the intricate ornamentation that defines this tradition.
Known for their vibrant palettes, Pichwais traditionally draw colour from natural stones and plant extracts: deep reds from Hansaraaj, lush greens from malachite, bright yellows from locally sourced Pevdi, and blues from indigo or lapis lazuli. Each hue carries spiritual significance—red symbolising passion and devotion, blue evoking tranquillity and divine presence. Brushes crafted from goat’s tail, rabbit and squirrel hair allow artists to achieve the delicate detailing and rhythmic patterns that bring every composition to life.
Pichwai paintings offer a vivid window into India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, capturing the depth of devotion revealing the richness of Hindu mythology and the spiritual sensibilities that define this sacred art form. Engaging with these works allows us to connect more deeply with a sacred, timeless journey—one that carries the devotion of centuries into the present moment and keeps the cultural spirit alive.
The artisans:
The collection finds its roots in a workshop established in the early 1950s under the guidance of the Late Shri Radhamohan Bansal, who brought together traditional Rajasthani artisans trained in the sacred and highly skilled practices of Pichwai and miniature painting. His vision was to preserve and nurture these time‑honoured traditions at a moment when they risked fading from view. Since the mid‑20th century, the Bansal family has remained deeply engaged in collecting and commissioning both miniature and Pichwai works, sustaining a legacy of patronage across generations in their Jaipur based workshop, Darshanam.
Now in its third generation, the Pichwai tradition continues to flourish under the stewardship of Vijendra Bansal and his son, Abhinav Bansal. Within their atelier, artisans of the same distinguished lineage—masters of the rare craft of hand‑grinding pigments from stone—carry forward the enduring artistry of their predecessors.
Nirvana Fine Arts was founded in 2024 by Vijay & Veena Anand in London. They are a passionate team dedicated to celebrating the beauty and depth of Hindu culture through exquisite Pichwai paintings and their journey began with a shared vision: to bring the enchanting stories of devotion and spirituality to life through art.
To book your visit, including for the private view, please click the link below: