The word Pichwai has its roots in the Sanskrit pich (behind) and wai (hanging). A traditional art form that emerged in the 17th Century at the Nathdwara temple in Rajasthan, Pichwais are intricate paintings dedicated to Shrinathji. Pichwai paintings is one of the oldest and famous form of paintings of Rajasthan.

Originally Pichwai was painted on the handspun starched cotton fabric. The artisans would then sketch the art on that starched cloth. Then the decorative and beautiful images were created. The images were then ready to be painted with completely organic and natural colors, paints and even natural brushes.

The purpose of pichwais, other than artistic appeal, is to narrate tales of Krishna to the illiterate. Temples have sets with different images, which are changed according to the calendar of festivals celebrating the deity.

The central theme of Pichwai painting is Lord Krishna. Lord Shrinathji is the central figure of the Pichwai painting. The artists carefully paint every other motif in the backdrop. Though these paintings are depictions of Krishna but His other companions such as Radhika, other gopikas i.e. the milkmaids, Krishna’s friends, the cowherd's men, and the plants and animals such as lotuses, peeple trees, cows and peacocks form an important part of these exquisite paintings.

Saffron, gold, silver, zinc, coal, indigo, natural colors and dyes were used to color the artwork. Starched cotton cloth chosen as the base for the Pichwai painting. Artists previously used goat, horses and squirrel hair to make paint brushes. Specifically, the motifs of cow reminds us of cow Chandravalli who took the devotees to lord.

Makemycraft in Udaipur has a very experienced team of pichwai artists and they are making masterpieces of pichwais on various subjects like Raas leela, Rajbhog Darshan, Chappan Bhog Festival, Holi etc.