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Vriksha (Tree) Pichhwai

18th century
Artist/maker unknown, Indian

A pichhwai is a painted textile that hangs behind a sculptural icon of the Hindu god Krishna in Pushtimarg shrines. Devotees of the Pushtimarg (Path of Grace) sect offer service and tender veneration to their icons as if they are the living embodiments of the god.

In this pichhwai, the central tree probably represents Krishna; he is adored by gopis (village milkmaids) who are willing to abandon everything in their love for him. The scene encourages worshipers to envision themselves as one of these gopis as they pay homage to the god.


Object Details

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