FEATURED BOOK

Jewelry of Nepal by Hannelore Gabriel In many parts of Asia, folk jewelry, the most dazzling expression of material culture has disappeared in the wake of modernization. In Nepal, however, where the Himalayas have formed a barrier to outsiders for centuries, native jewelry traditions have endured. Jewelry in Nepal is worn for decorative, talismanic and investment purposes, with lavish pieces donned to celebrate marriage or promote fertility and amulets worn to ward off negative influences. God and silver is freely used, as are beads of glass, coral, turquoise, amber and agate. Illustrated with hundreds of beautiful color photographs, this is the most comprehensive study of the subject available. In sixteen trips to Nepal's most inaccessible areas, goldsmith and jewelry designer Hannelore Gabriel has documented the local jewelry worn for both daily and ceremonial use. She discusses the function and history of jewelry in Nepal, its materials, symbolism and connection with religion. The central portion of the book introduces, item by item, the important jewelry of the shamans. A comprehensive reference section includes important tips on collecting and preserving both new and antique pieces, as well as a glossary and extensive bibliography. Hardback. 210 pages. Colour and B&W photographs and line drawings (360 illustrations, 320 in colour). Map; bibliography; notes; index. Weight: 960 g (33.6 oz). Item No: 0-500-01920-7. Price: $US85.95. . Convert Currency ADD TO SHOPPING CART

Art and Meditation

by Anagarika Govinda

In Art and Meditation Lama Anagarika Govinda has shared his profound insights into an artist's creative process and has explored the similarities between true art and true religion. His main interest is in the artist who works from the basis of his enlightenment and sees the world around him with changed eyes. For the author mediation is an art while art is a kind of meditation which transcends purely aesthetic values and points to lofty moral and religious ideals. "Complete ending of the self," says the author, "is the ultimate aim of both art and meditation."
"Anagorika Govinda has profound insights into the workings of the human soul--its beauty and significance."--J R Santiago
Lama Anagorika B Govinda was an artist, monk, traveller and writer, whose works include The Way of the White Clouds, Foundations of Tibetan Mysticism and Insights of a Himalayan Pilgrim. Born in Germany, he described himself as "an Indian national of European descent and Buddhist faith belonging to a Tibetan Order and believing in the Brotherhood of Man." His search for spiritual knowledge began at an early age. He spent years in study and meditation at his Himalayan ashram and is widely recognised as a great spiritual teacher.

Paperback. 74 pages. B&W drawings.
Weight: 70 g (2.5 oz).
Item No: 81-7303-166-5.
Price: $US 4.00. . Convert Currency

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Art of Mithila

by Kamal Shankar Srivastava

Of all the art styles of the Indian subcontinent, the art of Mithila (indigenous to the cross border area of Bihar, India and Nepal) is one of the most popular and endearing -- with its distinctive and individualised cartoonish figures. The art of Mithila has enjoyed a recent revival and many Maithili women have been encouraged to express in this medium which traditionally adorns their stucco homes. The Art of Mithila by Dr Srivastava is a comprehensive study on the Mithila art from the earliest times from a historic and cultural perspective. The book is devoted exclusively to the analysis in detail of different aspects of the art of Mithila and its position in Indian art. There is also a selected bibliography and a useful index.
The Art of Mithila should be of interest to anyone -- layman or art student -- who appreciates Maithili art and would like to gain a further insight.

Paperback. 164 pages. B&W photographs.
Weight: 230 g (8.1 oz).
Item No: 81-7303-117-7.
Price: $US 7.00. . Convert Currency

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A Day in Kashi

Photographs: Severine Dabadie. Text: Christiane Etchezaharreta & Severine Dabdie.

Well travelled and well versed in the ways of the world, Severine Dabadie and her long-time friend Christiane Etchezaharreta finally discovered a new reality in Varanasi, or Kashi, as they so lovingly dub it. Inspired by the antiquity they decided to produce a book that would make Varanasi available to all. Coming from the Basque Country, both have travelled widely together, Severine with her ever-ready camera and Christiane with her flowing pen. This is their first attempt at a full-scale book, but they assure us that there may be more to come. Severine Dabadie, though, has over the past ten years displayed her photographs in many exhibitions.

Hardback. 277 pages. Colour photographs. Maps. Bibliography.
Weight: 2000 g (70 oz).
Item No: 8177693883.
Price: $US 40.00. . Convert Currency

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Dictionary of Buddhist Iconography (Volumes 1 & 2) by Lokesh Chandra The Dictionary of Buddhist Iconography is an endeavor of half a century to identify, classify, describe and delineate the bewildering variation in Buddhist icons. It spans the last twenty centuries, and it is a comparative study of unprecedented geographic variations, besides the ever-evolving visualizations of great masters who introduced extraordinary plurality of diving forms in the dharanis and sadhanas. The Dictionary details the characteristic attributes, chronology and symbolism of over twelve thousand main and minor deities. It reflects the extraordinary cultural literary, aesthetic and spiritual achievements of several nations of Asia over two millennia. It will help to identify the masterpieces along with the profusion of masters and divine beings around them. The last few decades have seen an exuberant flourishing of the study and the popularization of the patrimony of Buddhist art for its aesthetic magnificence. This dictionary will add a dimension of precision and dept of perception to the visual tradition of paintings and sculptures. Hardback. 323 pages (Vol 1); 679 pages (Vol 2). B&W drawings. Weight: 3000 g (105 oz). Item No: 8186471936. Price: $US 80.00 (for set of 2 volumes). . Convert Currency ADD TO SHOPPING CART

Erotic Art of the Kathmandu Valley by Bob Gibbons and Sian Pritchard-Jones This is a book about the erotic art of Nepal in its various forms. It is also a book about the Kathmandu valley, its strange, mysterious, magical and enchanting powers. Whether we speak of the odd-looking, carved stone representations at Pashupatinath, or the colourful wooden imagery that is found on many of the temples of the valley, you are sure to be completely surprised in more ways than one. * What do these exotic and erotic art forms really represent? * Why have such images been placed on the external structure of so many sacred temples? * Who do these erotic depictions serve? This book goes a long way to providing an insight into these questions. It gives us glimpses of life depicted as explicitly as it may without hurting the sentiments of more conservative societies. "This 'naughtiness' of Nepalese art may send blushes to the furthest periphery of your senses. If you like your art to be saucy, sexy and straight to the point, read on. Please remember, this is a serous book!" Paperback. 116 pages. Colour photographs. Weight: 250 g (8.8 oz). Item No: 8177691902. Price: $US 7.00. . Convert Currency ADD TO SHOPPING CART

Himalayas in Indian Art

by E B Havell

The most vital and all-important attribute of Indian art -- its livingness -- has been often regarded either with bigoted cynicism or with indifference as an inconvenient and rather irritating subject.
Himalayas in Indian Art offers a new approach to the study of Indian art, by way of the Himalayas -- certainly the surest and most direct path for arriving at the pivotal ideas of the Indian artist and craftsman. It presents succinctly the leading ideas of the Indian temple builder, sculptor and painter, and connects the artistic traditions of India with Indian daily life and work. This book boldly proclaims Indian influence upon most West Asian and Asian art forms and asserts that it has a far greater influence on Western art than we are inclined to acknowledge.
Himalayas in Indian Art is one of the first books to recognise India as a centre of dynamic aesthetic impulse.
"A book which art lovers all over the world will enjoy reading." -- Sasya, Indian artist

Paperback. 83 pages. B&W photographs and drawings.
Weight: 120 g (4.2 oz).
Item No: 81-7303-228-9.
Price: $US 3.50. . Convert Currency

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Un Jour à Kashi

Photographies: Severine Dabadie. Texte: Christiane Etchezaharreta et Severine Dabdie.

Voyageuses passionnées depuis longtemps, Severine Dabadie et son amie Christiane Etchezaharreta ont decouvert une nouvelle réalité à Varanasi, ou Kashi, comme les gens l'appellent affectueusement. Inspirées par l'antiquité, elles ont décidé à produire un livre qui rendrait Varanasi disponible à tous. Nées toutes deux dans le pays basque, elles ont voyagé ensemble dans beaucoup de pays, Severine avec son appareil photographique toujours prêt et Christiane avec son stylo florissant. Un Jour à Kashi est leur premier essai à créer un livre complet, mais elles nous assurent que beaucoup plus de livres peuvent apparaître plus tard. De son part, Severine Dabadie a montré ses photographies dans beaucoup d'expositions au cours des dix dernières années.

Hardback. 277 pages. Colour photographs. Maps; bibliography.
Weight: 2100 g (73.5 oz).
Item No: 8177693875.
Price: $US 40.00. . Convert Currency

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The Mahabodhi Temple: A World Heritage Site

by Suresh Bhatia

This comprehensive guide to the temple complex at Bodhgaya describes:

-- the history of the present temple complex
-- the present state of the complex
-- the facilities available to the tourist
-- other places of interest to pilgrims.

This book is well-illustrated and will serve as your complete guide to the Mahabodhi Temple.

The author, Suresh Bhatia, better known as the Peace Pilgrim has been involved in the exploration of ancient Buddhist sites since 1987. He is also the Editor/Director of the Buddhist Heritage, an organisation involved in the identification and exploration of forgotten sites which the Buddha visited and the later -developed viharas at locations all over India.

As a Peace Pilgrim, he has plans to restore a number of forgotten Buddhist sites to the status of 'Peace Pilgrimage' points.

Paperback. 92 pages. Colour & B&W photos. Drawings. Maps. Bibliography.
Weight: 170 g (6 oz).
Item No: 8177694758.
Price: $US 7.00. . Convert Currency

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Nepal: Valley of Gods Photographs by Suzanne Held. Text by Gilles Béguin Bringing together major pieces of Nepalese art and reproducing most of them in colour had, paradoxically, never before been attempted on such a large scale. Thanks to two complementary talents, one a professional photographer and the other an historian of Himalayan art, we can today do justice in the most beautiful creations of the Newar artists of the Kathmandu Valley. Their creations are here collected in a work which is destined for those who admire beautiful books and for those who wish to improve their knowledge without falling into the trap of sensational pictures or a dry textbook. Choosing the treasures which are concealed in the Kathmandu Valley -- and only those -- is not an easy thing for those who know the wealth and abundance of the Newar heritage. Even so, certain photographs are the result of an impulse (why deny it?). On the other hand, several important works today are spoiled by mediocre surroundings which make them unsuitable for a work of this category. In the interest of quality, chronological limits were imposed. The downfall of the Newar kingdoms in 1768 put an end to the Golden Age of Ancient Nepal. Except for certain exceptions, this work does not treat the Gurkha period. Suzanne Held is well-known for her sumptuous photography on architecture and art in such works as Majestic India and The Monasteries of the Himalayas. Gilles Béguin was for 23 years in charge of the Nepalese and Tibetan Art section of the Museum of Asiatic Arts, Nice, France. Hardback. 253 pages. Colour and B&W photographs; maps. Glossary; chronological listing; bibliography. Weight: 2100 g (73.5 oz). Item No: - Price: $US67.00. . Convert Currency ADD TO SHOPPING CART

Nepalese Casted Vessels, Decanters and Bowls

by Matthew S Friedman

Nepalese Casted Vessels, Decanters and Bowls is one of the most important books ever written on the renowned metalwork industry in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal. Author Matthew Friedman has for the first time recorded the "Lost Wax Method" of metal work. Fast becoming a lost art, this art form is lovingly and brilliantly portrayed in this book in the hope that future generations in Nepal and elsewhere will come to appreciate the splendour of these unique and beautiful objects.

Topics in this book include:
- 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.

Paperback. 92 pages. B&W photographs.
Weight: 155 g (5.4 oz).
Item No 81-7769-049-1.
Price: $US 5.50. . Convert Currency

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Nepalese Cast Religious and Cultural Lamps. Vol. 2.

by Matthew Friedman

Nepal, though till recently secluded and isolated from the world at large, was the home to many exquisite crafts and craftsmen. The quality of the art they produced had to be seen to be believed. There was in fact a time when these were in great demand in the Indian subcontinent. In this modem age the fact that modem technology has not yet been able to take over these crafts is in itself a miracle of kinds.

Thanks to people like the author Matthew S. Friedman and his associate Binod Khambu who assisted the author in his research, many of these crafts have been brought to the notice of the common man and so stand a greater chance of survival in this fast developing world.

Many of the skills employed by these craftsmen -- for example, the "Lost Wax Method" -- are discussed in great detail in this book.

In addition, a wide variety of traditional lamps used by the Nepali people in their religious rites and rituals are described and discussed.

Matthew S Friedman, a seasoned traveller and scholar, has spent more than eight years in Nepal, working as a technical advisor. It was during this period that he spent many profitable hours studying the traditional art of lamp casting. His first book on the subject, Nepalese Casted Vessels, Decanters and Bowls (Pilgrims Publishing, 2000), dealt with many other aspects of the craft. He has also another popular book on metal casting: Bangladesh Metal Casting: Five Techniques (University Press Limited, Dhaka, 2001).

Paperback. 61 pages. Colour photographs.
Weight: 175 g (6.1 oz).
Item No 8177692046.
Price: $US 6.00. . Convert Currency

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Portrait of Nepal by Kevin Bubriski These portraits, taken with a 3x5 view camera, evoke both the formal, reflective dignity of their subjects portraiture; indeed the mutual awareness and respect between the photographer and his subjects make these portraits among the most revealing to emerge from a changing, yet still deeply mystical, Nepal. Burbriski's detailed captions tell the stories of the individuals in each portrait, while his introduction to each region depicts the historic traditions, as well as the modern realities of their daily lives. A moving introduction by Arthur Ollman, Director of the Museum of Photographic Arts and a leading voice in the study of contemporary photography, provides further insight into the cultural and spiritual wealth of Nepal. Vivid and passionate, Portrait of Nepal will delight photographers and armchair travelers as well as those who wish not only to discover the heart of this fascinating country but to cherish the enduring spirit of its people. "An extraordinary collection of large-format photographs that does for Nepal's indigenous peoples what E S Curtis's photography did for Native Americans. With great subtlety and dignity, Bubriski has documented cultures and lifestyles that are passing within our generation. A truly important book." -- David Reed, Nepal (Rough Guides) "Haunting black and white portraits of Nepali villagers at work, play and prayer, photographed with extraordinary intimacy and respect." -- Kerry Moran, Nepal Handbook (Moon Publications) HURRY! THIS CLASSIC BOOK IS NOW OUT OF PRINT AND WE HAVE ONLY A FEW COPIES LEFT Paperback. B&W photographs. Maps. Weight: 960 g (33.6 oz). Item No: 0-8118-0205-1. Price: $US99.00. . Convert Currency ADD TO SHOPPING CART

Picturesque Nepal

by Percy Brown

Percy Smith, of the Indian Educational Service and an art specialist, created this extensive photographic record of the then little-known state of Nepal during his extended visit there in about 1910. He documents the wonderful art and craft of the Newars, the inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley. An interesting period piece!

"Quaint by now, but some pertinent observations on Valley culture" - Kerry Moran, Nepal Handbook (Moon Publications).

"The book remains of interest for its descriptive writing and, in particular, its depiction of crowds at festivals and of women's costumes." - John Whelpton, Nepal (Clio Press)

Paperback. 199 pages. B&W photos & colour inkwash drawings; B&W map.
Weight: 445 g (15.6 oz).
Item No: 81-7624-012-5.
Price: $US 14.50. . Convert Currency

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Sacred Art of Nepal: Nepalese Paubha Painting Past and Present

by Min Bahadur Shakya

This book is one of the several projects of Handicraft Association of Nepal
for the promotion of Nepalese arts and crafts of Nepal. The sacred arts
such as paubha painting, scroll painting, and miniature ritual paintings
have occupied a significant place in the religious life of Nepal. The
purpose of this monograph is to arouse a global awareness of the fact that
the Newar paubha is the precursor of Tibetan thanka painting. The Nepalese
paubha presented in this collection are, along with the Tibetan tankas, an
inseparable part of Nepalese life. This book is believed to satisfy the
long felt need of the exporter community dealing in paubha paintings and to
enable them to describe it effectively and precisely. This book is
dedicated to His Majesty the King of Nepal, Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev,
on the occasion of His Majesty's Fifty Fifth Anniversary.

Paperback. 162 pages. Profusely illustrated with B&W and colour photographs. Index and bibliography.
Weight: 830 g or 29.1 oz.
Item No: N000024311.
Price $19.95. . Convert Currency

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Thangka: The Sacred Painting of Tibet by J R Santiago Tibetan thangka painting is one of the great arts of Asia and anyone examining even a small number of thangka paintings cannot help being impressed by the exquisite materials and consummate skills that go into their creation. This book introduces the reader to a most unique form of Eastern art. Paperback. 40 pages. B&W line drawings. Weight: 70 g (2.5 oz). Item No: 81-7303-186-X. Price: $US 3.00. . Convert Currency ADD TO SHOPPING CART

Traditional Arts and Crafts of Japan and Nepal

by Chhabi Lal Gajural

Though Nepal and Japan are quite far apart, there are a number of similarities in the traditional arts and crafts of both countries - handmade rice paper, pottery, dyeing and printing, bambooware, metalware, woodwork and textiles.
This comparative study of the income-generating traditional arts and crafts of Japan and Nepal studies each of these arts and crafts in detail.
It finds that these arts and crafts have traditionally provided great job opportunities in both countries but that their survival is now threatened by cheaper machine-made goods. In Japan the public and private sector has responded with incentives for artisans and craftsmen to remain active and preserve the glory of the past, whereas in Nepal no such incentives are found.
The Japanese have adapted the traditional arts and crafts without deforming their character; the Nepalese, however, are still practising their arts and crafts with only minor modifications.
For those interested in the survival of the wonderful traditional arts and crafts in modern Nepal, there are some important practical lessons to be learnt from reading this book.

Paperback. 237 pages. Colour photographs.
Weight: 440 g (15.4 oz).
Item No: 81-7303-057-X.
Price: $US 15.50. . Convert Currency

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