Shakya
The Collector's Guide
"Collecting fine art is a journey of emotion, taste, and legacy. Here is how to navigate the acquisition process with confidence."
Essential points for acquiring original fine art from Kathmandu with zero friction
All artworks are acquired directly from living master artists in the Kathmandu Valley, accompanied by hand-signed physical provenance documentation.
Every piece clearly indicates base starting price upfront (e.g. starts at $240). Final personalized quotes include crating, insurance, and international shipping.
We personally handle non-antiquity clearance for every international order to guarantee smooth customs passage with 0% risk of detention.
Shipped via DHL Express or FedEx in moisture-sealed heavy-duty tubes or museum wooden crates. Complimentary worldwide delivery for orders over $1,500.
Begin by exploring our digital collection. Every painting displays its dimensions, artist biography, year, and “Price on request – starts at $XXX” (e.g. starts at $240).
This gives you the base acquisition price upfront. In your personalized quote, we confirm the exact final cost including destination-specific crating, export documentation, and combined international shipping.
When a piece speaks to you — whether an expressive abstract or a serene landscape — read its story. Art is personal; trust your instinct.
Browse our curated collection of paintings.As you find pieces that resonate, click “Add to Inquiry Selection”. You can curate multiple artworks into your personal gallery cart.
When you are ready, review your selection in the side drawer and submit a single, comprehensive inquiry in under 20 seconds.
Our curation team will review your complete selection and reply within 24 hours (often the same day) with high-resolution details, natural daylight video footage, exact pricing, and a personalized, combined shipping quote.
Once you decide to proceed, we issue an itemized digital invoice. Upon payment, the artwork is marked “Sold” and reserved exclusively for you.
We issue an itemized digital invoice with clear step-by-step payment instructions. Most collectors complete payment within 48 hours.
| Destination | Cost Example (35×40 in) | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu Valley | Free | 1–2 days | Door delivery |
| International | $220 – $320 | 7–14 days | Crating + Insurance included |
| Orders over $1,500 | FREE | 7–14 days | Worldwide |
Paintings are professionally packed (moisture-sealed heavy-duty tubes or museum-grade wooden crates). Every international parcel is 100% insured via DHL Express / FedEx, and we handle all export permits and Department of Archaeology non-antiquity clearance.
If you prefer your artwork to arrive pre-framed, our curators can arrange custom museum-grade framing for an additional fee.
Authoritative Standards
Our 5-Point Quality, Provenance & Conservation Framework. 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.
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.
Target Use-Cases
Clear categorization of our collector communities and the exact challenges our gallery solves. 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
Every artwork from SHAKYA Gallery is an original creation. We work directly with Nepal’s most established fine artists to ensure absolute provenance.
Every piece is hand-signed by the master artist, accompanied by formal provenance documentation detailing the artist, medium, and year — verifying that the work was acquired directly from the artist's studio in Kathmandu.
Unsure where to start? Our curators offer complimentary advisory services to help you build a cohesive collection that fits your space and budget.
Direct: +977 9843320342
Available for video calls & virtual gallery tours.