GREAT PICCHVAI OF SHRI NATHJI Probably Deccan, late 19th or early 20th century Textile hanging in three strips sewn together, painted in gold and polychrome on a black background. In the central field, a procession of gopis converging on Krishna in the child form of Shri Nathji, depicted in the centre of the composition in luxuriant vegetation. Krishna and Balarama are also depicted among the gopis in the lower part, on the banks of the Yamuna, in floral borders. Size: 243.5 x 328 cm A picchvai is a painted fabric panel that is hung during religious festivals to celebrate Krishna through episodes from his life. They are painted with scenes depicting Krishna's childhood in the forest of Vrindavan, on the banks of the Yamuna. Other examples of picchvais were sold at Artcurial, 16 May 2022, no. 276, 15 November 2002, no. 217 and 24 May 2023, no. 178. See also no. 176 in this catalogue. Our example stands out, however, for its large size and the extensive use of gold contrasting with the dark background of the textile, a typical feature of Deccan production. A Large Picchvai of Shri Nathji, Probably Deccan, late 19th or early 20th century A picchvai is a painted cloth panel hung during religious festivals to celebrate Krishna through episodes from his life. They are painted with scenes depicting Krishna's childhood in the forest of Vrindavan, on the banks of the Yamuna. Other examples of picchvais were sold at Artcurial, 16 May 2022, no. 276, 15 November 2002, no. 217 and 24 May 2023, no. 178. See also no. 176 in this catalogue. Our example stands out, however, for its large size and the extensive use of gold contrasting with the dark background of the textile, a typical feature of Deccan production.