Art contains authenticity and creativity of a person, reflecting the magical beauty of itself like a blooming white lily on unseen valley. Art always has its own value even though it has not been admired. Throughout the foundation of art, it has been a way to reflect the imagination.

iMartNepal has been always preserving art and craft, thus we help indigenous artist to expose their artwork throughout the globe. In this post we’ve taken best artwork from bulk of our product to help you selecting the best artwork.

1. This beautiful artwork represents a peaceful village. Canvas in the top of this contemporary artwork is the fountain of beauty. At the middle of society, beautiful yellow colored pilgrims has been added. This art completely manifest the culture of traditional Nepalese society.

2. This artwork visualizes women’s making beaten rice in traditional way. The artist had successfully demonstrated the lifestyle of Nepalese women at early age. The canvas itself represents the way of making rice. This artwork has been made through Eco friendly lokta paper and wooden craft.

3. This artwork represents the society of Tharu in nepal. This handmade art mainly demonstrate the architecture of the home and living structure of indigenous society. The perfect blend of green and yellow color has made this artwork magnificent.

4. This artwork is about Sherpa Caravan. In this art the Sherpa is going somewhere with his belonging which are taken by mules. It expresses the way of traditional transport of goods from the country yard to the village and vice versa.

All these artwok are handmade and itself  represents the passion of Nepalese artist. These are the beautiful eco friendly arwork which are currenlty available at ImartNepal. Don’t be late these products are limited. Pick up your own today!!

Nepal Arts And Crafts

With the long history of crafting and carving, Nepalese crafters have kissed the summit of crafting. Even before starting of 17th Nepalese wood craft was popular. The magnificent wooden decors and frame that we can see throughout Nepal  is the graceful artwork of ancestor. You may have admired if you’ve ever visited the cities of Nepal where thousands of splendid statue seems as if they can talk with you. The modern form of art and craft is the outcome of craft tradition that has been following by generation to generation.

Tradition represents the transmission of customs from generation to generation and Craft tradition has profound modern stage through the contribution of generation on artwork. With the diversity of culture indigenous communities have their own crafting tradition. Following the tradition Nepal has gathered master experience on wood carving and sculpting statues.

Woodwork has been part of traditional architecture of Nepal and wood carvings have graced monasteries, temples, palaces and residential homes since the twelfth century, although the earliest surviving dated temple decorated with wood carving. Sculpture or Wooden decors in Nepal have been flourishing since the early years of the   Lichchhavi period. Wood has been an integral part of the Nepalese traditional, culture and architecture which is exploring form the thirteenth century during Malla Period. Wood carving is popular in the city like Kathmandu, Patan & Bhaktapur and from where different types of statue, windows and door mythological figures, Wooden Frames and ethnic wooden decors are being produced.

Metal craft is also the traditional craft business of Nepal. Indeed, there is no dearth of beautiful metal craft works being made day in and day out in the busy lanes of the ‘City of the Arts’. The traditional metal artwork includes making of Buddha Statue and his different incarnations as well as of other Buddhist deities using the lost wax method. Popular Statue of different gods and goddess is the artworks of Nepalese sculptors on which they have spend their valuable time.  How they suppose their work is like their culture and tradition rather than their business. You may wonder if you got a chance to visit the city of Nepal as how magnificently decorated the whole city through traditional metal craft.

Diverse is the nature of Nepali Arts and Craft and diverse too are the raw materials used. What is similar however is the skill of Nepali artist no matter what handicraft they are involved in and their tradition of crafting and creating the artwork.

You can visit our online store to find wide range of traditional craft and admire the traditional artwork even in this modern age.

Reasons To Buy HandMade Items

In this era of mediocrity, handmade items still reflects natural love. With the uniqueness in appearance handmade items helps us to save our environment too. There must be some definite reason that one should purchase handmade items rather than going to fancy shopping mall which offers all the rich collection of trending fashion. In quick word the reason one should buy handmade is that what difference one can see between handmade and machine made. Here’re the main reasons that one should choose handmade instead of factory grown product.

1. Preserve and support Art: Handmade is a kind of art and creativity. You can admire different types of style which gives its own unique message in each. A sole craft person’s artwork is from where handmade items emerge from. Buying handmade refers your support to the art of sculptors and artists. Your support simultaneously helps preserving the art and craft. In the country like Nepal, crafting is like culture and tradition rather than business. So buying such artwork will definitely help to yield preservation of craft and art.

2. Environment friendly: Mostly handmade items are home grown and made using recyclable product available locally. We buy product to use them, while you buy handmade items you not just only buy it but also the eco friendly nature of the good helps preserve our environment at the same time. Read our article on how to make your home and office eco friendly through handmade craft for further ideas on how you’ll be environment responsive by using handmade craft.

3. Authenticity and Creativity: Handmade items are mostly made by a sole craftsperson, so the product portrays the unique idea for unique items that comes in his/her mind. That’s the reason handmade items are always unique in look, features authenticity of maker and creativity of crafter soul. People sometime get wondered seeing some products and those triggers on their mind a question, “If it really exists?” That’s why you should choosing a handmade gift instead of other alternative, pleases your receiver as it’s uniquely made just for the one.

4. Customization: Since it is handmade it is possible to customize the product you want to buy. Hand grown product are made by joining different fragments and styled through sewing and knitting effect. If you want a custom product with message, else just a simple gift to another person or just for your own, you can always order one. It is always worthwhile to give a gift with custom message rather than buying one product that are available in every shopping mart. Buying handmade can have easy customization on the product you wish.

5. To support small business and Individual entrepreneur: By going sophisticated shopping mall, you’re not only paying for the product that you buy but also paying charges for their operational cost,  maintenance cost and other associated cost. Buying handmade means no added commission, no agent and no spare expenses. By purchasing home grown product you support indigenous crafter and artist and help them to live . As we’re facing crushing unemployment problems, we have to support those who are doing something on their own through purchasing handmade items.

6. Quality and Durability:  Because the maker or crafter plays with every single composition, the careful integration and handmade items always features excellence.

This post gives the logical reason why one should buy handmade products. If you’re going to shop for next weekend than think twice before buying because handmade are always warm and lovely.

Buddha “An Awakened one” also admired as profounder of Buddhism, is a legendary religious leader who have enlightened this world through his light of knowledge and self realization. He had developed compassion on human heart through his teaching, taught us the value of peace and human existence. He had spread the four noble truths through his inspiration, humanity and compassion which still exist in the world.

Nepal has been a top country to make Buddha statue. As Buddha was born in Nepal, it has been a tradition of Nepalese craftsman to make Buddha’s statue which reflects the life of Buddha and Buddhist religion. These types of statues are made from different material. We can find wide range of statues like gold plated, silver made, wooden carved, bronze crafted and clay made. Here is the list of Buddha statue which have been made using different material in Nepal:

1. Gold plated Buddha Statue: The most trafficked cities of Nepal especially Kathmandu and Patan are popular for making gold plated statue of Buddha. They treat crafting these types of sculpture as their culture and tradition instead of their business. What you can admire in their work is that they’ve sculpted Buddha passionately and with love. Even in the birth place of buddha as well as Soyambhu, gold plated statue have been used.

2. Clay Made Statue: Indigenous potter crafting different types of clay made items also sculpt statue through their magic hands. Buddha statue here features the lord sitting in blissful meditation with folded legs. The right hand is raised facing outward while the left hand rests in lap holding the alms bowl. The curled hair Buddha wears a red colored flowing robe with intricate golden border around it. Although the contribution of potter on making these types of statue of more than other, clay made statue are supposed to be cheaper than other metal made statue because of the cost associated with material. follow the link to see more about clay made buddha statue.

3. Mix of 5 different metals:  This type of statue is made through the combination of five different metals. Traditionally known as “Panch Dhatu Buddha” this statue is popular for its unique looks. It gives the glimpse of golden spark, shadowy view of bronze and copper and brightness of silver. With the spectacle of different color, it looks absolutely beautiful. “Dhatu” implies for metal and in Nepalese culture there is the belief that using different types of metal we can reduce the effect of planet in human life. To have more information please see our pancha dhatu buddha statue product page

4: Wooden Crafted Buddha Statue: Everybody talks about dedication that people should have dedication on their work. Now what we can see in such hand crafted wooden statue is the dedication, passion and love on art of crafter. Wooden Buddha Statue seen here in his meditative lotus pose raised in a platform and embodied in his radiance to highlight his holy enlightenment position. One can feel serenity and calmness in his solemn aura and face. Each moment that the crafter has spend while sculpting this statue have made the Buddha’s soul alive in this statue.

5: Copper Crafted Statue: As copper has its own traditional value, copper made statue gives antique glimpse. The statue made of cooper has a dark brown tinge with beautiful traditional designs. Copper made craft are supposed to be used more in the home of Buddhist monk and copper crafted statue are popular for small sized statue where as golden statue are popular in both small and large size.

To have an information on the significane of each types of buddha statue please read this post here

You can view more Buddha Statue 

A country with geographical and cultural diversity followed by unique unity in diversity represents the rare identity of Nepal. But natural human gender diversity is still not shadowed under a common umbrella of equality.
The contradiction to maintain the status of women in Nepal and the balance between the reliable modern culture of gender equality and provocative ancient masculine tradition gives a transparent vision creating an inhabitable issue of today’s Nepalese society. Modern Nepalese society reflecting conflicting socio-economic status has focused on the concept of women empowerment for development which is resisted by the traditional belief of the masculine society.

In this scenario, rising women’s empowerment maintained by education and awareness has not gained a sustainable position yet. The approach of governmental and various private sector lighting lamps of women empowerment has shown some fruitful improving outcomes.  But it seems not enough; the rising critical contradiction is visualized by a prominent gap in women’s status between urban and rural areas of Nepal. There are a lot of things to be improved from each and every member of the Nepalese society. After all, women’s empowerment is not only a burning issue representing women’s rights but also a duty of every man which should be radiated as a heat of inspiration; respect, and love from their soul.

Empowerment doesn’t only include an efficient approach to education and employment but also a natural right to decide, equality, and understanding.  Withdrawing any of these factors can lower women’s status in human society.

Urban areas having effective education and awareness have maintained a good slandered of women’s potential in the socio-economic aspect but it still seems unserviceable in the field. Although there is an easy reach to legal activity, communication, awareness, and other additional support still the women empowerment is not accelerating in urban areas. Activities like; indoor gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and assault in a public place, illegal polygamy, etc. are still prevalent in city areas.

The women illiteracy is also a key drawback of Nepalese society resisting women empowerment in Nepal.

Literacy rates of Nepal 2011 AD:

This huge difference in male and female literacy rate is the result of gender discrimination prevalent in Nepalese society. Nepalese family gives educational priority to boys, as a result, many young girls are deprived of school education and forced to engage in household works.

The condition of women in rural areas is even more critical due to lack of education, awareness, and income source. The traditional masculine social concept followed by a lack of education and awareness is still prevalent in many villages of Nepal. Hard labor for gathering livestock and struggle to join their hand to mouth has resisted women to explore from their limited source. The early marriage and socially deprived of the right to decide pregnancy; women in the remote village have caused frequent maternal and infant death. The maternal death rate of Nepal is 170 death/100,000 lives. (2010AD)

The lack of knowledge about family planning in rural areas has resulted in frequent pregnancy resulting in population growth. The prevalent dowry system and early marriage in many parts of Terai have resulted in serious women’s rights violations and even death. Trafficking is an integral part of the social and economic fabric of Nepal, as in other parts of the world. The practice causes intolerable degradation and suffering for the girls and young women involved, who are treated as a commodity. It presents a risk to their physical and mental health, and in particular to their sexual health.

The women’s education and awareness work as a key to improving the living standard of women in rural areas. Moreover, filtering and polishing the social concept of masculine society as well as enhancing gender equality by establishing women’s right to decide from mutual intersexual respect helps to maintain women empowerment in Nepal.

To maintain women’s empowerment in Nepal; women’s participation in economic activities like making handicraft products, handmade gifts, eco-friendly products, and household decision-making plays a prominent role.  The relationship between women’s economic participation and their input into household decision making can improve family quality of life. Hence, women’s empowerment is essential for the development of our country. One of the social women entrepreneurs, Sabita Maharjan has been providing employment to hundreds of women with her own knitting business and also has been the best example of women’s inspiration and women empowerment. Women in rural areas need education, awareness, and skill training to increase their personal income and this economic input in the family helps to initiate women empowerment. Skill training of any handicraft product, rising agricultural productivity can be an efficient way to increase women’s income in a family.

“Spark of education creates gender equality.” Women’s rights and empowerment are associated with each other. If women’s right are established in society properly, it helps to create a natural uplifting of empowerment resulting in gender equality.

Data source: “Central Bureau Statistics Nepal”

Paper Craft | Fun With Paper

As a child, we all were craftsmen. Making all kinds of images, shapes, objects using paper, clay, fabrics etc. Psychologist can probably tell better, but I think there is an innate craftsmen in all of us, that over the age, has become dormant or have remained undeveloped in most of us. That’s the reason, when we grow up, we hardly remember how to make even a paper boat (do you still remember? lol).

Arts and Crafts thus is at the center of our being – many of us travel places just to see the immense creativity scattered all across the globe! Museums are the popular tourists hotspots. Major big cities are designed to bring out the best of artists and craftsmen of that area. We naturally appreciate arts and crafts!

I, therefore have thought of trying out my old hobby of origami. And I have found a nice website that will teach me re-cultivate the hobby – hopefully 😉 !  Origami Instructions . I will post my creations in comments one by one. 

What hobby that you had once abandoned as child want to re-take? Please share in comments!

Nepalese Pashmina

Pashmina is considered to be the softest, highly delicate and fluffy fibre. Being the most finest natural insulating fibre it is also recognized as the Diamond fibre. Pashmina is the fibre made up with the extract from the Himalayan goat also recognize as Chyangra which live in the himalayan belt at the altitude above 14,000 feet above sea level. This unique coat of hair is about 1/6 th of the diameter of any other types of hair.

With proper care, Pashminas can be used life long and we have encountered that this unique piece of fibre has been hand overed from generation to generation even in Royal and wealthy families. It is found to be most durable and cozy fibre suitable for human skin providing warmth and comfort.Pashmina is also known as Cashmere but is found to be thicker in diameter and less fine as compared to Pashmina.

Since thousands of years Cashmere and Pashmina shawls have been manufactured in Nepal  as well as in  Kashmir. The pashmina’s history was allied with ancient civilization. During those days it was considered as the Fibre for Royals & Emperors only. People living in the high Himalayas discovered the essence and wonder of Pashmina.

It takes the entire annual growth of three of these three goats to make just one pashmina shawl. But the fur combing process is done every spring without harming the goat. Thus processed pashmina is found in different forms like  shawls, blankets, sweaters, stoles, puncho, scarves as well as pullovers, cardigans, etc.

This exquisite “Pashmina” has been supplied by dexterity of Nepalese. In ancient times “Pashmina” was found in unblended form but it was advent with the combination of silk, cotton etc. In the long run with the varied experience and Pashmina yarn and silk yarn were combined. This result to produce better fibre-strength, durability, colour-pleasantness and well finishing touch which become most prevalent all over world and recognized as “Nepalese Pashmina“.

Nepal is also known for the hand woven Pashminas. This  Pashmina products has found to be third largest overseas export in the country along with readymade garment and hand knitted woolen carpet. Nepali Pashmina is a form of handicraft which can be regarded as high quality handmade woolen product with multipurpose usage. The warmth , softness, durability , lightness, finess are the beautiful byproducts of any Pashmina products. The warmth and softiness  are the basic  qualities on which the  pashmina is judged.

The production process of pashmina product generally includes weaving, dyeing, processing, fringing, tassels, embroidery, beadwork, printing etc.

The Pashminas have very high demand in International market. The business of Pashminas are basically concerntrated in Kathmandu. Export quality are produced here and among the produced approximately 5%  consumed within the country and rest 95% are considered for exportation. Pashmina products account for more than 50% of the total export figure of the handicraft products. And also it is the major export component under the handicraft goods category. The Nepali Pashminas are exported via Tribhuwan International Airport by air cargo.

Due to the high quality and veracity of Nepali Pashminas, the demand of Pashminas have exceeded in International market exceeding 40 different countries like Canada ,USA, Italy, , UK, France, Japan, Germany ,India.

Under latest technicalities with new experiments and proper market this product can be found in more and more sophisticated form providing the new prospect for this Pashmina handicraft Industry.The Pashminas have long way to go ahead.

Export Figure of Pashmina Products:

(The data is downloaded from internet below)

Source: Trade and Export Promotion Centre

Nepal- A country where a virtuous education and a proper opportunity have always been a hard-hitting challenge, people have always found it difficult to meet their hands to mouth. In such a critical situation handmade handicrafts have been a great source of income to Nepalese.

Handicraft is any of a wide variety of types of work where useful and decorative objects are made completely by hand or by using only simple tools. With the blend of spirit and mystery of Nepalese cultures and traditions, handcrafted products have their own significant norms and values.

In our country many people are illiterate or semi-literate; hence they always find several challenges in their life. They hardly get decent job. Also they lack enough money to start up with some worthy business. In such critical context, they can upgrade their life style by getting involved in handicraft sector. Also, in the patriarchal society like us, woman can start the handicraft business of their own. Many disabled, widowed, divorced, or abused woman seem to be get involved in this sector.

Nepalese handmade handicrafts have their own aesthetic value. They provide the road map and guidelines of Nepalese ethos and stories. They help to utilize labor’s intensive specialized skills along with the mobilization of indigenous raw materials and resources. They have helped to raise the income source to the people.Upon proper utilization of spare time, dedication and skill, handicraft business people can start their own business and earn quite handsome money

Even in the 21^st century, women are deprived of well education and opportunity. Their primary job is considered as child care and domestic work. They are often neglected, discriminated and deprived in society. They are bound to get discriminated at every step of their lives like at home, at office and at work. They are given less opportunity and paid less too.

Due to lack of financial condition Nepali woman have been victim of physical and mental violence in domestic aura. They are forced to get married with big age differences or forceful marriage. Many girls are compelled to opt to work as sex workers and many get involved in prostitute business just to earn their daily bread.

But THANKS to the wonderful opportunity of handicraft business that is picking up its amplitude demand in foreign market too.

The handicrafts made by Nepalese like wooden masks, bags, canvas work, wood cravings, jewelery designs, statues are adored not just in Nepali society but also have high demand in foreign countries.Due to high demand of handicrafts supplied by Nepali market, Nepalese are more attracted to get involved into this handicraft business. Also families are encouraging woman in their family to utilize their skill and their leisure time.

Similarly, many NGO/ INGO or even Government are gradually providing the job trainings of handicrafts like ecofriendly crafts, wooden decors, etc. and helping people to be independent and live their dignified lifestyle. By getting involved in this field, it help them to better life style, children will get better food, education and shelter. The way of people looking down to the woman is gradually decreased and help woman to be the important aspect of the society as the men.

In nuts shell, Nepali handicrafts have helped many people to get happy family life and show cast their talent in a proper way. Hence Handicrafts have been really a blessing for the Nepali Society.