Shreenathji Wall Art – 20x16 Jharokha Panel with Mirror Work

About the image

Shreenathji is the presiding form of the Pushtimarg tradition, and his depiction is fixed by centuries of practice: the raised arm, the wide unblinking eyes, the ornaments layered heavily over a dark face. Artisans painting him are working inside a set of conventions rather than inventing, which is why panels from different hands still read unmistakably as the same deity. The jewellery here is where individual skill shows — the crown, the necklaces and the ear ornaments are all raised and beaded by hand.

How it is made

The relief is cut and layered in MDF, then painted freehand, with mirror pieces set in by hand. We call it Lippan art, and it is fair to be precise about why: traditional Lippan kaam from Kutch builds its relief in clay. This is a modern reading of that craft — the mirror inlay is the real thing, in glass, set by hand; the raised work underneath is wood board rather than mud.

Where it goes

Pooja rooms, prayer corners, and entryways — many Vaishnav households place Shreenathji facing the door. It also holds an ordinary living-room wall well, because the composition is strong enough at a distance to work as a graphic image before you read it as a deity.

Hanging it

Fittings are on the back. At 1.73 kg use a screw into a drywall anchor rather than a bare nail. Screws and anchors are not supplied.

Care

Dust with a dry, soft brush, working around the raised crown and jewellery. Do not spray liquid at the surface — the mirror and bead work is set into relief.