VOTIVE HANGING (PICCHVAI) FROM THE ANNAKUT FESTIVAL Nathdwara, Rajasthan, late 19th - early 20th century Pigments on cotton canvas, Krishna in the form of Shri Nathji depicted in the centre of the composition surrounded by worshippers, under a starry sky, the edges decorated with vignettes of Shri Nathji. Wear and restorations. Size: 174 x 140 cm This hanging is typical of the productions associated with the Nathdwara temple south of Jaipur, founded in 1672 by the followers of the saint Vallabhacharya (1479-1531). The cult of Shri Nathji, a form of Krishna, is punctuated by a complex ritual calendar. Here, the autumn Annakut festival can be identified with the offering of rice placed in a mountain at the feet of the deity. This is an evocation of the sacred mountain Govardhan, which Krishna raised to protect the villagers from the flood. The idol's hand is raised, evoking the famous scene. A similar picchvai was sold at Artcurial, 15 November 2022, no. 217. A Picchvai for the Annakut Festival, Nathdwara, Rajasthan, late 19th - early 20th century This hanging is typical of the productions associated with the Nathdwara temple south of Jaipur, founded in 1672 by the followers of the saint Vallabhacharya (1479-1531). The cult of Shri Nathji, a form of Krishna, is punctuated by a complex ritual calendar. Here, the autumn Annakut festival can be identified with the offering of rice placed in a mountain at the feet of the deity. This is an evocation of the sacred mountain Govardhan, which Krishna raised to protect the villagers from the flood. The idol's hand is raised, evoking the famous scene. A similar picchvai was sold at Artcurial, 15 November 2022, no. 217.