Red Buddha Folk Art - Traditional Crafts for Contemporary Living

About Research & Development

As a social entrepreneurial venture, Red Buddha Folk Art is aware of the current status of traditional craftsmen in the Kathmandu Valley. We are addressing the rising cost of materials, technical advances, buyer concern for the environment, political complications and, in particular, the need to increase employment for skilled producers. We are also aware of the need to expose local craftsmen, not only to a wider market, but also to current trends in international design taste and color appreciation without compromising the unique attractiveness of the traditional Nepali aesthetic. Here is a brief overview of our current focus.

	Salt Glaze Ceramics Pottery in Nepal was traditionally wood fired. With the introduction of ceramics in 1984 pressurized kerosene was developed to increase temperatures and make use of a cheap and readily available fuel. Since then the price of kerosene has more than doubled and other technologies have become available. Ceramic competition with several countries in the region (India, China, Thailand, Vietnam) has also become formidable. Nepali potters, working under studio limitations, are learning to capitalize on their uniqueness instead of reproducing commercial ceramics for inspiration. Red Buddha Folk Art has introduced additional glazing techniques to select potters as a demonstration of new possibilities available to the potter community. Results are good. Down draft kilns, cheaper gas burners, one time firing, less damage during firing and new color ranges has increased the design potential.

	Nepali Architectural Features Nepalis are excellent wood carvers. For generations they adorned temples with wonderful pillars, intricate window designs, brackets, struts, doors and deities. The days of temple patrons who financed elaborate temple constructions are long gone however. Over the years the wood carvers (Shilpakars) have maintained the tradition and also moved on to producing other items but the full potential of their skill has not been developed. The wood carvers have been steadily losing business and growing numbers of their children no longer see a future in keeping the family tradition. The possibilities for hand crafted wood carving in a world of plastics and high technologies are however very optimistic. Red Buddha Folk Art has developed several furniture pieces to demonstrate how wood carvers (and painters) can transfer their skills to a range of products that maintain traditional motifs and go beyond architectural features. Plywood has replaced hardwoods. Finish, color range and traditional styles adapted for contemporary use are presented to local craftsmen for their consideration. Wood carvings and compo/resins are also demonstrated to embellish furniture and other products.

	Thangka (Scroll) Painters Many tourists who visit Nepal are impressed with the scroll paintings (Thangkas) that depict the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. The growing number of painters is increasing competition for export and the tourist trade. To satisfy growing requests Red Buddha is developing drawings that are forwarded to painters that also depict the Hindu deities and Christian points of interest. A product range for students to practice on is also available.