OUR STORY

In hopes of preserving the culture and heritage of Newar wood carving, we are here to leave a legacy for our future generation. We are sure that our products stand the test of time and are testament to the beauty in the art and architecture of our forefathers. When people try to find their way back to their roots, they will find what we have left behind for them.

OUR STORY

Himalayan Wood Carving Masterpieces is a generational family-run business based in Bhaktapur, Nepal. Run by entrepreneur and restauranteur, Arunodaya Prajapati, it is an endeavour that was started by his uncle, the late Rameshwor Prajapati some 38 years ago. After his early demise and the loss of his only son, Arunodaya took on the responsibility to continue the family business with gifted Newar artisans.

Today, Himalayan Wood Carving Masterpieces produces exquisite, one-of-a-kind pieces reflecting both Hindu and Buddhist influences, as well as traditional Newar motifs. Their approach to the design-to-delivery process is immaculate and hassle-free.

The woodcarving showroom and workshop is located within Arunodaya’s boutique hotel, Peacock Guest House. The sounds of the chisel and hammer rings throughout the property, creating a delightful, authentic ambience that compliments the experience everyday.

A Living Newar Tradition

Wood carvings of Nepal are created by the Newar, the “old people” of Kathmandu Valley who grace traditional architecture of Nepal since the 2nd century. The oldest wood craft can be found at Changu Narayan temple in Bhaktapur, believing that the craft was already applied during the Licchavi period (300-879 AD).

Heritage sites, which were built during the Malla period (13th to 18th century), bare witness of the beautiful, old wood carvings and can still be admired today thanks to conservation efforts. Through the involvement of the youth, Newars are successful in passing the craft to younger generations, ensuring this age old tradition live on.

The Artisan's Dilemma

The Newari language has a rich vocabulary that includes wood carving terms, giving each detail of the craft a specific name. The carving has to be very precise in order for the details and patterns to fit together as the craftsmanship uses neither nails nor glue.

The craft is passed down in family businesses, taking the younger generation more than 10 years to perfect their carving skills. Using mostly traditional tools, the process of creating wood carvings stayed almost unchanged.

However, most family businesses need to turn to commercial pieces, creating Newar-art-inspired furniture and souvenirs for paying customers. The majority of these products go overseas, making wood carvings one of the biggest export trades of Nepal. In many of these new items the true symbolism of the ancient Newar art is lost or even mixed with symbols of other Asian cultures. The conservation of old and existing wood carvings is not lucrative enough.

The purpose and process in creating these masterpieces are filled with devotion, artisans plant a piece of themselves in them. Most of the time it is hard for them to part with it, creating a dilemma between passion and profession.