14/11/2025
Masters of Devotion: Paubha Art from Bhaktapur remains open to the public at Kathmandu Art Gallery, Babar Mahal Revisited.
Historical Context and Contemporary Relevance
Paubha painting stands as one of Nepal’s most significant artistic achievements. Painted with pigments on cotton canvas, Paubhas are deeply rooted in religious tradition and philosophical symbolism. Their history is ancient—evidence suggests their existence as early as the 7th century, with mature examples such as the Amitabha Buddha Paubha (13th century) now housed in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Scholars trace the word Paubha to the Sanskrit Patra Bhattaraka, meaning a scroll or image of the divine.
The creation of a Paubha follows strict religious and iconographic principles (Pratimalakshana), ensuring harmony in proportion, posture, color, and expression. Artists are guided by four key elements: Doctrine (Vidhana), Tradition (Parampara), Purpose (Uddeshya), and Result (Phal). Every Paubha is made for a spiritual purpose—whether for ritual use, meditation, merit, longevity, or salvation.
The golden age of Paubha painting spanned the 12th to 14th centuries, when Newa artists were invited to Tibet and beyond to paint monasteries, spreading what became known as the Newa School of Art or Ber-ri Style. Tibetan Thangka painting later evolved from this very tradition. Over the centuries, however, the style experienced transformations—simplifications in form, shifts in color, and influences from Tibetan, Rajasthani, and Mughal painting traditions.
By the 19th century, Western realism began to alter its aesthetic, and as art historian Lain Singh Bangdel observed, “the Nepali Paubha art was hanging by its final breath.”By the 19th century, Western realism began to alter its aesthetic, and as art historian Lain Singh Bangdel observed, “the Nepali Paubha art was hanging by its final breath.”Let the tradition never disappeared.
Paubha has persisted as a living heritage, adapting to changing times. Today, natural pigments have largely been replaced by synthetic paints, and artists experiment with size, composition, and depth to appeal to contemporary tastes. What was once made solely for ritual purposes now also serves as a means of livelihood and creative expression. Even so, the core iconography—its subjects, meanings, and spiritual foundations—remains intact.
In the present day, Paubha continues to evolve while remaining faithful to its sacred origins. Its balance between devotion and innovation symbolizes the resilience of Nepali art. The artists of Bhaktapur, in particular, continue to uphold this lineage, refining their skills and carrying forward the spiritual and aesthetic ideals of their ancestors.Through this exhibition, we aim to honor the enduring legacy of Paubha art—its sacred beauty, philosophical depth, and artistic mastery. Paubha has not only brought Nepal recognition on the global stage but has also contributed profoundly to the world’s spiritual and cultural wealth. Preserving and promoting this tradition is both a national responsibility and a collective act of devotion.
We extend a warm welcome to all visitors. Your presence, encouragement, and reflections will inspire our artists and strengthen their commitment to keeping this living heritage alive.
Originally written in Nepali by Khwopa Paubha Chowmi Pucha.
October 17, 2025 to November 22, 2025.
