Shakya
A simple, practical guide to help you choose between original paintings from artists in Kathmandu, online print stores, and auction houses.
Key differences to consider before choosing where to buy artwork
Every piece in our gallery is an authentic hand-painted canvas created by an artist in Nepal, not an inkjet reproduction or print.
We source directly from artists in Patan and Kathmandu with transparent starting prices. You pay no 25%–30% auction house buyer premiums.
We take every international shipment to Nepal's Department of Archaeology to get official clearance before shipping abroad.
You can view paintings in our 3D room to check scale, or reach out to us on WhatsApp for daylight photos and videos before deciding.
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.
Authoritative Standards
Our 5-step process for confirming artist provenance, checking materials, and arranging export clearance. How Shakya Gallery evaluates, certifies, and validates every fine art acquisition before it enters our permanent collection.
Standard: Acquired directly from local artist studios in Nepal.
We visit artists in Patan, Kathmandu, and Bhaktapur in person. We know the creators, understand their background, and verify that each painting is an authentic, original work.
✓ Signed certificate of authenticity with artist details.
Standard: Accurate material descriptions for every painting.
We check each piece carefully. Traditional Paubha and Thangka works are inspected for genuine stone pigments and gold leaf where specified. Contemporary pieces are checked for artist-grade canvas, acrylics, and oils.
✓ Clear listing of dimensions, medium, and canvas type.
Standard: Legal export clearance for all international orders.
Nepal has clear laws protecting ancient relics. Before shipping abroad, we present each original painting to the Department of Archaeology in Kathmandu to obtain official non-antiquity clearance.
✓ Department of Archaeology non-antiquity clearance stamp.
Standard: Secure packing designed for long-distance travel.
Paintings ship securely rolled in moisture-sealed, heavy-duty tubes to protect the canvas. If you prefer custom framing, we arrange solid wood frames with archival mounts upon request.
✓ Heavy-duty shipping tube or custom wooden crate.
Standard: Fair compensation for artists with no hidden buyer fees.
Artwork prices reflect the artist's experience, canvas dimensions, and the detailed time spent on each work. You pay the price listed without auction-style buyer premiums.
✓ Itemized invoice with clear artwork and shipping costs.
Target Use-Cases
How our gallery assists individual buyers, interior designers, and hospitality projects. Finding the right artwork requires solving distinct provenance, spatial, and logistical requirements.
Art lovers looking for an authentic original painting from Nepal
Every piece is an original painting created by an artist in Nepal. We provide a signed certificate with artist background and arrange insured courier shipping with government clearance.
Designers sourcing original artwork for residential and client spaces
We help you source or commission paintings to fit specific measurements, offer 3D room views and high-res photos, and arrange safe courier delivery to your project.
Hotels, resorts, and businesses looking for genuine Himalayan art
We help curate cohesive collections (mountain landscapes, Buddha art, cultural themes), provide itemized business invoices, and handle crating and export permits end-to-end.
Individuals seeking authentic Paubha, Thangka, and Buddhist art
We represent traditional artists in Patan and the valley who practice classical Buddhist and Hindu iconography, clearly listing the stone pigments and gold leaf used.
Practical Gallery Notes
Practical observations on materials, canvas care, and export requirements gathered from over 28 years of gallery experience in Lalitpur, Nepal.
Decades of Durability
Natural stone minerals & gold
Having worked with artists in Patan since 1998, we see how well natural stone pigments (like lapis lazuli and malachite) maintain their vibrancy over decades when kept away from moisture and direct sun.
Hand-Prepared Canvas
Traditional chalk sizing
Cotton canvases primed using traditional methods stay supple. This allows paintings to be safely rolled into heavy-duty tubes for overseas transit without cracking.
Direct Studio Sourcing
No middleman broker cuts
We source directly from living artists and their studios in the Kathmandu Valley, ensuring they receive the full benefit of their work and fair compensation.
Official Inspection
Department of Archaeology
We personally present each painting to Nepal's Department of Archaeology before shipping to verify it is contemporary artwork and clears customs legally.
"Buying a painting from Nepal should feel straightforward and personal. You are supporting artists who spend weeks or months on a single canvas. Our job is to connect you directly with genuine works, make sure the materials are clearly described, and ensure the piece arrives safely at your home."
Shakya Gallery Team
Patan, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
An original painting has natural texture, depth, and brushwork that flat printed ink cannot duplicate. You are also supporting the living artist directly and owning a unique piece that has personal meaning.
Large marketplaces have thousands of listings, but most are mass-produced posters or dropshipped prints. SHAKYA is a local gallery based in Kathmandu. We visit artist studios in person, know the painters, inspect each canvas, and pack it with care.
No. Auction houses usually add a 25% to 30% buyer's premium to the final hammer price. With us, there are no buyer premiums. Base starting prices are shown clearly, and we confirm exact shipping and packing costs upfront.
Nepal has clear laws to protect historical antiquities. Before shipping abroad, we physically present each painting to Nepal's Department of Archaeology to obtain an official non-antiquity clearance stamp. We then pack it securely in a heavy-duty tube or crate and ship via DHL Express or FedEx with insurance and tracking.
Take your time browsing our collection. If you have questions about a piece, materials, or shipping to your country, our team in Kathmandu is happy to help.