Repoussé art
Summary
Rabindra Shakya has spent more than 35 years practicing repoussé, a traditional metalworking technique passed down through generations of his family. His large handcrafted statues take nearly two years to complete and are now displayed in private collections and exhibitions in countries including Germany, China and the Netherlands.
Key Points
- Rabindra Shakya has practiced repoussé for more than 35 years, using a centuries-old metalworking technique that shapes designs from the back of metal sheets.
- Each major piece from his studio takes almost two years to finish, with five to six craftsmen working by hand on hammering, chasing and tracing.
- His statues are kept in private collections and cultural institutions and have been exhibited internationally in Germany, China and the Netherlands.
- Shakya says the work demands patience and skill, and helps keep Nepal's metalwork tradition alive.
