Nepalese Casted Vessels, Decanters and Bowls

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Introduction:

Perched just below the heights of the mighty Himalayan mountain range, Nepal represents an ancient land filled with a vast array o fascinating cultures, diverse people, spectacular scenery and some of the most elaborate metal artistry created anywhere is Asia.

For generations, Nepali craftsmen have been making beautiful metal objects ranging from ornate religious statues and temple decorations, to household vessels, pitches, cups and bowls. While countless volumes have been written focusing of Nepal's rich tradition of producing bronze statues depicting figures such as Buddha, Krishna, Tara and an innumerable assortment of other gods and goddesses, there has been comparatively little information documenting Nepal's production of simple domestic brass and bronze casted items used in everyday life.

This book, the first in a series, will explore some of the mysteries behind Nepal's renowned metal Industry, focusing specifically on casted household vessels, pitchers and bowls created using the lost wax method. In addition to highlighting a selection of antique goods still readily available throughout Nepal, the book will explore each item's cultural and religious significance in an effort to provide the reader with a sense of perspective.

Over the past twenty years, many of the craftsmen who had plied this ancient trade have begun to die off. With stiff competition from inexpensive, machine made products coming in from India and other countries in the region, families that had once passed on these skills to their offspring are now switching to other, less work intensive professions. Thus, the tradition of making these household products by hand is gradually fading away. The purpose of this book is to keep the memory of this legacy alive in hopes that future generations in Nepal will come to appreciate the beauty of this unique art form.

About the Book:

Nepalese Casted Vessels, Decanters and Bowls is one of the most important books ever written on the renowned metal industry in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal. For the first time, author Mathew Friedman has brilliantly recorded the "Lost Wax Method" of metal work. Fast becoming a lost art, this book helps to keep the memory of this art from alive in hopes that future generations in Nepal and elsewhere will come to appreciate the splendor of these unique and beautiful objects.

What is the "Lost Wax Method?

What is the process of casting?

Who are the craftsmen?

Why is it important to save this ancient art?

Friedman intelligently answers these and other important questions. A Selection of antique goods still readily available throughout Nepal is also highlighted with an insightful explanation of the cultural and religious significance of each.

MATHEW S. FRIEDMEN, as a professional in the field of international health, has traveled to over 35 countries around the world. For the past 8 year, he has been living and working in Kathmandu, Nepal as a technical advisor. During this time, Friedman has spent years examining and studying all aspects of Nepal's unique metal casting industry. He is also the author of two other popular books. The Gorkha Urn and Tara; A Fleshtrade Odyssey