1541 SOLD Old Jain Pichvai Silk Mochi Embroidery Art - Lord Mahavir

Old Jain Pichvai with Lord Mahavir at the centre, surrounded by Jain symbols and icons

Silk embroidered in Mochi work

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 perfectly exceuted chain 'Mochi' stitch artwork  is a very good example of Jain Art that is still practiced.

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 meticulous precision that has gone into the creation of the perfect stitches is a mark of the devotion and honor granted to the subject.

Age unknown but likely from the late 1900s

Good condition but will probably have some traces of age and wear such as, stains, discoloration and color fading

123 x 129 cm

Has a silk backing and a piping made of silk with some brocade.

***

This item has spent a lifetime being used for the purpose of its creation with the original artist/user. Signs of this life lived heartily may be present on the piece in the form of stains, thread loss, loose threads, holes, tears, color run and other imperfections. Therefore the condition must be assumed to be “not” perfect. More photos of such imperfections will be provided on request.

***