Pastels and Grace: The Subtle Beauty of Kota Painting

Nathdwara Pichvais beautifully reflect an amalgamation of artistic styles from various Rajasthani regions, with Kota Painting exerting a particularly strong influence. Kota, known for having the largest number of Pushtimarg havelis outside Nathdwara, played a vital role in shaping the aesthetic of these devotional works. By the 19th century, Nathdwara Pichvais adopted the graceful postures, pastel-toned palettes, and delicate detailing typical of Kota Painting. Notably, the depiction of Shrinathji transitioned from a dark indigo hue to a softer ultramarine blue, with a short, rounded figure and broad, expressive eyes, symbolising his identity as a seven-year-old deity. PTB Atelier honours this legacy by reinterpreting the minimalistic elegance of Kota-inspired Pichvais, presenting them in a refined, contemporary visual language.