The short answer
For thangka, visit workshops in Bhaktapur or near Boudhanath where you can see painters at work; fine work takes weeks or months, so very cheap pieces are usually printed or rushed. For pashmina, many products are blends, so check the label, ask for the fibre content and touch several. Genuine, pure pashmina is costly.
Singing bowls, masks, wood carvings and Mithila art from Janakpur are other good buys. A seller who explains how the item is made is usually more reliable than one who only quotes a price.
Key facts
- Thangka
- Bhaktapur, Boudhanath workshops
- Pashmina
- Check fibre content
- Other crafts
- Singing bowls, masks, Mithila art
- Sign of quality
- Seller explains the making
How it works
- Visit a workshopSee the work being made.
- Ask about materialsFibre, pigment, metal.
- Compare piecesAt least three.
- NegotiatePolitely.
- Pack carefullyRoll thangka in a tube.
Insider tip
Ask to see an unfinished piece; it shows how real work is made.
Avoid this
Do not believe any claim of antique age without paperwork.
Related questions
How do I spot a printed thangka?
Printed ones look flat and uniform; hand-painted lines vary.
Is pashmina cheap?
Pure pashmina is not; low prices usually mean blends.
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