1370 SOLD Old Jain Pichvai Gold Warak Painting Art Masterpiece - Lord Mahavir

Gold painting Pichvai of Lord Mahavir

Silk brocade backing with real silver zari.

Jain saints - sadhus and sadhvis begin their life of asceticism renouncing all material ownership and all forms of attachment. They travel from home to home on invitation and rely on the generosity of the community for their means of sustaining life. However during the harsh Indian monsoons, they are invited by the community to remain in one place. During this period they deliver lectures and teachings to the community congregation. At such gatherings, Pichvais are hung up behind the saint -sadhu speakers and contain depictions of Lord Mahavir and his teachings.

This Gold-Warak painted Pichvai is a superbly executed example of Jain Art.

Having spent considerable time in a pious & spiritual environment Pichvais have special value and are the most prized sub-category of Jain Art

Further, the Jain community is among the wealthiest groups in India and the financial commitments made towards spiritual endeavors are substantial.

The warak used in such paintings in the olden days had a high percentage of pure gold content making such pieces heavy. This painting weighs 343 grams which is 40% more than a comparable double-layered cloth of the same size.

Age unknown

Good condition with usual traces of age and wear such as, stains, discoloration and color fading

125 x 90cm

Acquired from an old Austrian private collection