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 inThangkas.
Thangka initially started as a teaching tool depicting the life of the Buddha, various influential lamas and other deities andbodhisattvas.
One of the subjects is TheWheel of Life, which is a visual representation of theAbhidharmateachings (Art of Enlightenment).The Thangka is not a flat creation like anoil paintingoracrylic paintingbut consists of a picture panel which is painted or embroidered over which atextileis 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,Jainismand Hinduism, often represents firmness of spirit and spiritual power.
Manjushree: Scholars have identified Mañjuśrī as the oldest and most significant bodhisattva in Mahāyāna literature. Manjusri is taken as the symbol of great wisdom in Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.
Pashmina: Pashminarefers to a type of finecashmere wooland thetextilesmade 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 sailcanvas, and the wordcanvasderives fromcannabis.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: Feltis anon-woventextile 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.