Phad Art

History & Origin:
 

Phad painting is a 700-year-old traditional Indian scroll painting that originated in Rajasthan, particularly in the Bhilwara and Shahpura regions. The word Phad means "fold" in Hindi, referring to the long, horizontal cloth scrolls used for storytelling.
 

Historically, Phad paintings were created by the Joshi community of Rajasthan and were used as mobile temples by Bhopas (priest-singers of Rajasthan), who carried these scrolls while travelling from village to village, narrating folk stories, epics, and religious tales through songs and performances. The most common subjects of Phad paintings are Pabuji and Devnarayan, two Rajasthani folk deities known for their legendary bravery and divine powers.
 

Over time, Phad paintings gained recognition beyond Rajasthan, evolving into a treasured form of Indian folk art. Today, artisans and art lovers have adapted Phad painting for wall murals, home decor, and commercial art, keeping the tradition alive while giving it a modern appeal.
 

How It Is Made:
 

Creating a Phad painting is a labour-intensive process that involves multiple steps:
 

1. Surface Preparation – The base is traditionally a cotton cloth that is soaked in water, coated with wheat starch and tamarind seed powder, and then rubbed with a stone to achieve smoothness and durability.

2. Sketching – The outline is drawn using fine squirrel hair brushes and black dye.

3. Colour Application – The artist applies natural colours, following a traditional order:

   • Orange for the background

   • Yellow for ornaments and clothing

   • Green for trees and vegetation

   • Brown for architectural elements

   • Red for royal costumes and important figures

   • Blue for water bodies and Lord Krishna

4. Final Detailing – Artists add white highlights and intricate patterns to give depth and character to the painting.
    

Each Phad painting can take weeks or even months, depending on its size and level of detailing.
 

Materials Used:
 

• Base Material: Handmade cotton cloth

• Natural Colors: Vegetable dyes and minerals (turmeric for yellow, indigo for blue, red stone for red)

• Brushes: Made from squirrel and goat hair

• Binder: Gum and water for colour permanence
   

Unique Features:
 

• Horizontal Scroll Format – Unlike other Indian paintings, Phad art is always created in a long scroll format, meant for storytelling performances.

• Religious and Folkloric Themes – The subjects are always Rajasthani folk deities, warriors, and epic tales, with a distinct emphasis on Devnarayan and Pabuji.

• Highly Symbolic Colors – Each colour in Phad painting has a specific meaning and use, strictly followed in traditional works.

• Bold & Expressive Figures – Characters in Phad paintings are large-eyed, dynamic, and highly stylized, often interacting with elements like animals, trees, and temples.

• Lack of Perspective – Traditional Phad paintings do not follow Western-style perspectives; instead, all elements are arranged to fit the narrative flow rather than realism.

Products:
 

Phad art has expanded beyond scroll paintings into various modern applications:
 

• Wall Art & Canvases – Framed Phad paintings for interior decor

• Textile Art – Hand-painted Phad sarees, dupattas, and cushion covers

• Home Decor – Phad-themed lamps, table runners, and murals

• Jewelry & Accessories – Earrings, handbags, and clutches with Phad motifs

• Luxury Stationery – Phad-inspired notebooks, greeting cards, and bookmarks
   

Artisans from Rajasthan continue to keep Phad painting alive, selling authentic works through art festivals, museums, and curated online platforms.