Pichhwai is art on cloth that is usually used as a backdrop to the idol of Lord Krishna. The art form is particularly famous in Nathdwara. Vaishnavite artists painted these for pilgrims visiting Shrinathji temple at Nathdwara, to take back as mementoes of their pilgrimage. Pichhwai paintings depict Krishna’s life vividly – with cows, jasmine and marigold flowers, kadam trees and dancing gopis.

Pichhwai paintings depict the spirit of the season or the theme of festivals related to Lord Krishna. During summer months, paintings with lotus ponds and mythical Vrindavan groves are hung behind the idol to depict cool and green pastures. Monsoon paintings depict dancing peacocks and stormy scenes of rain and lightning, the palette mainly shades of green. Of all paintings, the Raasleela theme is perhaps the most popular. Each painting alludes to the presence of Lord Krishna and depicts the cow in some form.

National-award winning artist Ajit Kumar Das, a kalamkari master, is renowned for painting on fabrics. His most memorable creation is called Gabbi (cows). Das draws from the Pichhwai tradition, painting the cows with natural dyes. They tell a story of their own with eyes that speak eloquently.