Thangka: History of Thangka Paintings in Nepal began in 11th century A.D. when
Buddhists and Hindus began to make illustration of the deities and natural
scenes. Historically, Tibetan and Chinese influence in Nepalese paintings is quite
evident in Thangkas.
Thangka initially started as a teaching tool depicting the life of the Buddha,
various influential lamas and other deities and bodhisattvas.
One of the subjects is The Wheel of Life, which is a visual representation of
the Abhidharma teachings (Art of Enlightenment).The Thangka is not a flat
creation like an oil painting or acrylic painting but consists of a picture panel
which is painted or embroidered over which a textile is mounted.
Nepali Masks:Masks have always been famous in Nepal, mainly the valley of Kathmandu
where the Newar Community are into hand carving and hand sculpturing of masks and
other sculptures. Masks are worn in different festivals like Indre Jatra where the Lakhey
Dance is performed wearing them.
Bhairav: Bhairav is known to be the god of Terror. Keeping the Bhairav close to the door or
window is believed to keep bad omen away.
Wood Carving: The wood carvings of the Newar
families are passed on from centuries. The neatness
of carvings and sculpturing is known to be scared
and known to be a tribute to god in some of the
families. The sculptures are worked upon for hours using nothing but a pick and a
hammer.
Vajra: The vajra is a symbol used in Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism,
often represents firmness of spirit and spiritual power.
Manjushree: Scholars have identified
Mañjuśrī as the oldest and
Mahāyāna literature. Manjusri
in Buddhism, Hinduism and
most significant bodhisattva in
is taken as the symbol of great wisdom
Jainism.
Pashmina: Pashmina refers to a type of fine cashmere wool and
the textiles made from it which was first found in the Himalayas. The
wool comes from the Chyangra (sheep) the Himalayan sheep which
are spun and handloomed for purity.
Hemp: Hemp fiber was widely used throughout history. Items ranging from rope, to
fabrics, to industrial materials were made from hemp fiber. Hemp was often used to make
sail canvas, and the word canvas derives from cannabis. Today, a modest hemp fabric
industry exists in Nepal, and hemp fibers are used to make garments, shoes, bags and so
on. Pure hemp has a texture similar to linen and is 100% organic.
Lokta Paper: Rice paper is the national Paper
of Nepal. It is prepared using tree bark, and
rice waste. It is boiled at a certain temperature
till it forms a pulp and then beaten and spread
to form a flat surface and dried at a certain
temperature. It is harder to tear than normal papers and is a lot more durable than the usual papers.
Singing Bowl: Singing bowls were historically made throughout Nepal. The
singing bowl used to serve the purpose of a standing bell that was used rather
than hanging. The tradition of making sound with bronze bowls could go back
3,000 or more years to the Bronze Age. Singing bowls are used worldwide for
meditation, music, relaxation, and personal well-being. It is also used to treat
cancer and post traumatic stress disorder.
Harit Tara: She is known to be the symbol of protection against all dangers. She is also
taken as the symbol of safety.
Swet Tara: She is known as the preserver. She has her palms and sole open along with
seven eyes as the symbol of openness to preserve anyone who is in need. Swet
Tara is known for a sense of wellness.
Lakhey Mask: Lakhey is the term used to denote carnivorous demons. So,
here the Lakhey literally means the carnivorous demon of the city of
Manjushree. Lakhey symbolizes safety and security of children.
Prayer Wheel: The prayer wheel is used by the Buddhist
community in Nepal while chanting prayers. The wheel is
engraved with Tibetan prayers Ohm maney pemey ohm. Keeping the prayer wheel
is known to bring good luck and Nirvana.
Nepali Buttons: The buttons which are made in Nepal
are either made of small tree branches, stones, bones or
horns.
Felt: Felt is a non-woven textile that is produced by matting, condensing and
pressing fibers together. Felt can be made of natural fibers such as wool or
synthetic fibers such as acrylic. There are many different types of felts for
industrial, technical, designer and craft applications. While some types of felt
are very soft, some are tough enough to form construction materials. Felt can
vary in terms of fiber content, color, size, thickness, density and more factors
depending on the use of the felt.
OTHER PRODUCTS:
Necklaces: Made of carbon glass, graphite, hemp, stones, silver, various precious stones and
metals like gold and so on, according to the desire of the customers.
Bamboo Crafts: Articles like deck chair, trays, tables, lamp shed, box,
cutlery holders and so on are the types of bamboo articles famous and
well demanded from Nepal. The craftsmen spend days to complete
just an article. The crafts, when complete and given good time to dry, do not only
look good but are also proven to be durable.