Anant Ambani’s Bundi jacket was painted by ‘3 pichwai artists in 110 hours using 100 real gold leaves’

The Ambani wedding has been a lesson for fashion enthusiasts worldwide in terms of Indian artisanry and craftsmanship. From Bandhani to Kasheeda, Pichwai to Zardosi, the women of the Ambani family have left no stone unturned when it comes to donning embroidery techniques, not so surreptitiously throwing light on the rich heritage and handiwork of Indian weavers.

Having said that, the Ambani men weren’t any less spectacular. For his wedding ceremony, Anant Ambani looked regal in a red bespoke, hand-painted Bundi jacket by Manish Malhotra.

Adorned with gold vark and inspired by age-old pichwai paintings from the Nathdwara temple in Rajasthan, it depicted themes from Lord Krishna’s life, featuring motifs like lotuses, trees, cows, and peacocks.

 

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Taking to Instagram, the designer shared, “Created by Bhilwara artisans over 600 hours and painted by three expert pichwai artists in 110 hours using 100 gold leaves, our exquisite sartorial ensemble serves as a profound testament to the skill and dedication inherent in traditional artistry.”

The mother of the groom Nita Ambani opted for a beautiful pink charbagh sari, adorned with intricate meena work in various colors and making use of rangkaat techniques.

However, what stood out for us was her purple blouse decorated with real gold varak work, specially made by Pichwai artist Shehzad Ali from Kishangarh in Rajasthan.

 

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A post shared by Manish Malhotra (@manishmalhotra05)

Intrigued, indianexpress.com spoke to Prof. Rajan Shripad Fulari, Dean, School of Visual Arts, World University of Design (WUD) to learn more about this exquisite art form.

What’s Pichwai artwork?

“Pichwai painting is a traditional Indian art form originating from Nathdwara in Rajasthan, primarily associated with the worship of Lord Krishna, particularly in his manifestation as Shrinathji. These intricate paintings are usually done on cloth and are used as temple hangings,” shared Prof. Fulari.

The history of Pichwai paintings dates back to the 17th century when the tradition began in Nathdwara, a prominent pilgrimage site for followers of the Pushtimarg sect of Hinduism. he explained.

The paintings were initially created by temple artists to depict tales from the life of Krishna, aiming to narrate these stories visually for devotees. “Over time, the tradition evolved, with artists passing their skills down through generations, each adding their unique touch while preserving the core elements,” shared the professor.

But, what makes Pichwai so special?

According to Prof. Fulari, what makes Pichwai paintings unique is their intricate detailing and vibrant colours.

“The art form involves meticulous brushwork to create elaborate scenes featuring Krishna, often surrounded by gopis, cows, lotuses, and other symbols of his divine play (leelas). The use of natural colours, derived from minerals and vegetables, adds to their distinctiveness,” he said.

He shared that gold is also often used to highlight certain features, giving the paintings a rich and opulent look.

The themes are deeply rooted in religious symbolism, making each piece not just a visual delight but also a spiritual experience, he added.

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