Phad Art — Living Narrative Scrolls from Rajasthan
Phad art is not created to decorate.
It is created to remember.
Hand-painted on cloth in Rajasthan, Phad artworks belong to a centuries-old storytelling tradition where long scrolls were unrolled and sung by traveling priest-storytellers. Each composition carries epic folk narratives—rendered through symbolic figures, rhythmic repetition, and a continuous visual flow.
Traditionally made using natural pigments and hand-prepared cloth, Phad art was designed to travel, endure, and be passed on. What you see is not a static image, but a living archive of cultural memory.
At House of Saaj, we curate Phad pieces as heirloom objects—chosen for their narrative depth, material honesty, and ability to hold meaning across generations.
Why Phad Belongs in the Contemporary Home
Phad art does not ask to blend in.
It asks to be held with intention.
- Placed in a modern space, a Phad becomes a quiet anchor—bringing warmth, story, and continuity into the home. Its layered imagery invites slow looking, while its handmade nature resists perfection in favor of presence.
This is not trend-driven décor.
This is art that gains value with time.
Materials & Making
- Hand-painted on cotton cloth/handmade paper
- Prepared using traditional surface treatments
- Natural, mineral-based pigments
- Painted entirely by hand
Slight variations in line, tone, and scale are natural and celebrated. They are signs of the hand and the history behind each piece.
How to Live With a Phad
- Display as a focal artwork where its narrative can breathe
- Pair with neutral or minimal surroundings
- Frame with care or allow it to exist as textile art
- Avoid visual clutter around the piece
A Phad does not need explanation.
It needs space.
Care and Handling
- Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent pigment fading
- Avoid moisture and high humidity
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Do not clean with water or chemicals
- If framed, use UV-protective glass and acid-free backing
Phad art ages gracefully when allowed to breathe.
Imperfections in handmade and handcrafted products highlight their authenticity and the artisan’s personal touch.
