Shakya
Comparative Art Intelligence
Make informed art acquisitions. Compare verified fine art originals, commercial print stores, auction houses, and collector channels.
Essential insights for buyers navigating original paintings versus market alternatives
Direct artist representation provides complete provenance, eliminating counterfeits common in unvetted online marketplaces.
Hand-ground stone pigments and 24K gold offer over 25+ years of verified archival stability compared to industrial print inks.
Avoid 25%–30% buyer fees charged by international auction houses while supporting master artists directly.
Nepal Department of Archaeology non-antiquity clearance guarantees safe international transit with zero customs confiscation risk.
A line-by-line quantitative analysis of original masterworks vs mass giclée prints, dropshippers, and auction house premiums.
Read Detailed Comparison →Step-by-step acquisition methodology, payment methods (SWIFT/Wise), crating protocols, and Department of Archaeology compliance.
Explore Buying Guide →Quick Comparison
A straightforward look at how our gallery compares with other art buying options.
| Feature | SHAKYA Gallery | Online Marketplaces | Auction Houses | Tourist Street Shops |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% Original Hand-Painted MasterworksAuthenticity | Original paintings signed by the artist | Mostly prints or posters (originals vary by seller) | Yes (Originals) | Mix of originals and workshop copies |
| Direct Studio Provenance from NepalProvenance | Sourced directly from artists in Kathmandu Valley | Varies; often resellers or print-on-demand | Consigned from private collections or estates | Sourced through local trade middlemen |
| Department of Archaeology Export PermitLegal & Compliance | Arranged for every international shipment | Usually not provided | Arranged for high-value lots (often extra fees) | Rarely provided; buyer must arrange |
| Clear Information on Materials UsedMaterial Quality | Clearly noted (stone pigments/gold or fine acrylics/oils) | Often digital print ink on paper or canvas | Detailed in catalog description | Variable; depends on the individual shop |
| Interactive 3D Virtual Gallery PreviewCollector Experience | Walk through our 3D room to see true scale | Standard photo gallery | Catalog photos; in-person viewing during sales | In-store viewing only |
| Clear Pricing & No Buyer PremiumsPricing | Direct pricing with 0% buyer premium | Set prices plus shipping and platform fees | Hammer price plus 25%–30% buyer's premium | Negotiated on the spot |
| Insured International DeliveryShipping | Tracked shipping via DHL/FedEx with insurance | Standard postal or courier shipping | Specialist art freight (billed separately) | Buyer carries home or uses local post |
| Certificate of AuthenticityDocumentation | Signed certificate detailing artist, medium, and year | Rarely included | Invoice and catalog record | Basic receipt |
* Based on standard practices across international online art platforms and local galleries in Nepal.