Nepal's Online Advertising Directory

The history of Nepalese handicraft can be traced back to the stone age when human beings were devoid of tools of any kind. However, the history of artistic handicraft only began during the 5th Century A.D., when different religions began to form their bases among the people of Nepal. We thus see a lot of religious influence on Nepalese handicrafts.

Introduced by the Nordic Aryans, blended with different groups of Mongolians, nurtured by Buddhist and Hindu concepts and adapted to the taste of markets. The historical development of Nepalese handicraft industry, though very old, is full of ups and down. A reference is found in Kautilya's Economics about various production and export from Nepal. During the time of Chandra Gupta Mouriya, in fourth century, Nepal was mentioned as a source of good quality woolen blankets. It was rainproof blanket made of eight pieces joined together and of black color known as "bhiringisi" as well as "apasaraka". In the same way, it was mentioned in the epics of Jain religion "Brihatakalpasutra Vhashya" that good quality of woolen blanket were available in Nepal. Various famous Chinese travelers (Wanghunshe and Huansang 648 A.D.) had highly appreciated many skills of Nepalese craftsmen and artisans in their travelogues. Right from the very beginning up to the mid nineteenth century, the rulers of the country to promote national industries and trade adopted various measures of production, promotion and encouragement. To save national industries, only those commodities were imported which were not produced locally. Towards the end of the nineteenth century Nepalese arts and crafts in particular and the entire home based industries in general suffered a lot due to the general liberal import policy of the government. Before British could establish their regime over India and entered in to peace treaty with Tibet in 1904 A.D. Nepal was interpreted as the main route to Tibet for external trade with other countries. But the treaty of 1904 A.D. facilitated the British to open a new route between India and Tibet through Chumbic Valley and the trade route treaty of 1923 A.D. between Nepal and British India, which was not in favor of Nepal and had very unfavorable effects both on industries and on flourishing trade of the country.

In Nepal, the production of handicraft is an age-old occupation. Novel handicraft is also developed in harmony with changing market taste. In the last 25 years, export of handicraft has been growing. Thus, the development of handicraft, in one hand, helps the conservation of national heritage of country; and on the other hand, it also contributes to alleviate poverty by creating job opportunities. These Nepalese handicrafts has been produced in an traditional way generation and to generations leading foot path of craftsmen’s ancestors or from forefather to grandfather to father and to son and this continuity is given for their survival, preserving their heritage, cultural values, aspects and tradition. Now in this modern age, Nepalese handicraft has a separate identity in the international arena luring millions of admirals and crafts lovers. This is because its a work of art and genuine craftsmanship. Nowadays, these arts and crafts from Nepal is one of the major exporting products earning huge foreign currencies and giving employment to thousands of Nepalese craftsmen’s, artisans, promoters and businessman and definitely generating revenue to government.

Types of Handicraft:

conventional Handicrafts : It include the products such as metal statues, ethnic costumes, traditional silver jewelries, wood carving, religious and ritual objects, stone sculpture, metal utensil, paubha painting, ceramics, Handmade Paper, Hand Knitwear,filigree products and so on.

Modern Handicrafts : It includes home furnishing material, floor covering, modern painting, patina products, puzzle toys, macramé's (knot crafts), leather products, gift ware, decorative items, Dolls & Puppets, crazy hats,Batik, Bead Craft, Bone/Horn Products, natural buttons and so on

Major Nepalese Handicrafts: Bags & Accessories Purses, hand bag, travel bag and the like made from cloth and Leather, Basketry Products Various types of products made from bamboo and cane split, stem or root. Ceramics Glazed and non glazed, Earthenware, Christmas Decorations,

Ornaments products meant for decorating Christmas tree made from textile, metal and clay.

Contemporary Paintings using sketch and colors on canvas and other materials

Craft Painting using wheat/ rice bran/ stem, waste thread and other materials.
Crazy/ Fancy Hats with symbolic impression like flags, animals and other specially meant for big sporting events.
Ethnic Dolls & Puppets of Nepalese culture made of cloth, clay and wood.

For the further informations, Click Here