Art

Nepalese or Nepali painting begins with religious paintings with Hindu and Buddhist subjects, which are almost entirely Newari art by the Kathmandu valley's Newari people. These traditional paintings can be found as wall paintings, cloth paintings known as paubha, or manuscripts. For centuries, they used conservative technique, style, and iconography in their works. Manuscript illustrations found on palm leaves inspired Nepalese art painting. The earliest known illustrated manuscript in Nepal is the Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita (1015 AD). Religion has a huge influence on such manuscripts, which are typically decorated with mythical figures of divinities.

All illustrations depict gods and goddesses, whether Buddhist or Hindu in origin. They can be found in monasteries or temples. As a result, the painting quality is preserved for a long time, and the painting style remains relatively consistent. As a result, older Nepali art paintings are valued more than more recent manuscripts.

Thangka paintings are traditional Nepalese paintings. These religious paintings, also known as Thangka in Tibetan and Paubha in Newari, were commonly used as icons in worship. The illuminated wall paintings were in high demand, so skilled artisans painted them on cloth before rolling them up and transporting them.

After 1850, Nepalese paintings are thought to have embraced western influences through the work of Bhajuman, a traditional artist who became acquainted with western Realism after visiting Europe. Bhajuman, also known as Bhajumacha Chitrakar, was a court painter for Jung Bahadur Rana after he became Prime Minister of Nepal in 1850.