Wooden Crafts

Hand-Carved Treasures from the Workshops of Bhaktapur

Nepal's wood carving tradition is centered in Bhaktapur, the ancient Newari city renowned for its extraordinary wooden temples, palace windows, and strut carvings. The same techniques used to carve the 15th-century Nyatapola Temple are still practiced today by Bhaktapur's wood carvers. Artisans work primarily with sal wood (Shorea robusta), a dense tropical hardwood native to Nepal's Terai region, and with lighter timbers like chiuri wood for decorative items. Products range from intricately carved masks and window frames to decorative boxes, walking sticks, and furniture. Every piece is carved entirely by hand using traditional chisels and mallets.

Wholesale MOQ 20 pieces for small items, 10 pieces for furniture
Lead Time 3-6 weeks for standard items, 6-10 weeks for custom or large pieces
500+ Artisan PartnersDirect from NepalFair Trade Certified

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How It's Made

Understanding the production process helps you appreciate the craftsmanship and communicate the product story to your customers.

The carver selects and seasons the wood — sal wood is typically air-dried for 6-12 months to prevent cracking. The rough shape is cut with hand saws, then the detailed carving begins with an array of chisels, gouges, and mallets. A single mask or decorative panel can require 1-5 days of continuous carving work. After carving, the piece is sanded smooth, any paint or stain is applied by hand, and a final finish of lacquer or beeswax is applied to protect the wood and enhance the grain. For traditional painted masks, a base coat of natural clay is applied before painting with mineral pigments.

Materials Used

✓ Sal wood (Shorea robusta) — dense, termite-resistant
✓ Chiuri wood — lighter, fine-grained for detailed carving
✓ Rosewood for premium products
✓ Walnut wood for smaller items
✓ Natural lacquer and beeswax finishes
✓ Mineral and vegetable-based paints for colored pieces

Varieties & Sizes

Traditional masks (Lakhey, Bhairav, Kumari, animal masks)
Decorative window frames (jharokha-style)
Carved storage boxes and jewelry boxes
Walking sticks and canes
Wooden Buddha and deity statues
Furniture (chairs, tables, shelving)
Chess sets with hand-carved pieces
Kitchen items (bowls, spoons, cutting boards)

Pricing

Transparent pricing for wholesale and retail buyers. All prices are FOB Kathmandu in US dollars.

Wholesale

MOQ: 20 pieces for small items, 10 pieces for furniture

$5-$300 per piece depending on size and complexity

Retail / Sample

No minimum for sample orders

$15-$800 per piece

Lead time: 3-6 weeks for standard items, 6-10 weeks for custom or large pieces. Prices vary based on specifications, quantity, and customization. Contact us for an exact quote.

Quality & Certifications

Fumigation certificate for international wood product shipping
ISPM-15 compliant packaging
Non-endangered timber certification

Wooden Crafts — Frequently Asked Questions

What type of wood do you use?
Our primary wood is sal (Shorea robusta), a dense, termite-resistant hardwood native to Nepal. For fine detailed work, we use chiuri wood. Premium items may use rosewood or walnut. All timber is legally sourced from managed forests with proper documentation for export.
Will wooden products crack or warp during shipping?
Our wood is properly seasoned (air-dried for 6-12 months) before carving to minimize movement. Products are finished with lacquer or wax to seal the wood against moisture changes. We ship in moisture-resistant packaging. In very dry climates, we recommend occasional light oiling with tung oil to maintain the wood.
Do you need fumigation certificates for wood export?
Yes, many countries require fumigation or heat treatment certificates for imported wood products. We provide ISPM-15 compliant fumigation documentation with all shipments. The fumigation is done using approved methods that do not damage the products.
Can you make custom carved designs?
Yes, our carvers can work from photographs, drawings, or 3D models to create custom pieces. This is popular for corporate gifts, architectural restoration projects, and interior design commissions. Custom orders require detailed specifications, a prototype approval stage, and 6-10 weeks for production.
What finishes are available?
We offer natural beeswax finish (preserves raw wood appearance), clear lacquer (adds sheen and protection), dark walnut stain, mahogany stain, and traditional painted finishes using mineral pigments. Custom color matching is available for bulk orders.

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