About Us

History behind Dev Handicraft

For three generations the Shakya family has transformed copper, bronze, and silver into sacred representations of Buddhist deities and the ritual implements that accompany their practice.

What began in the courtyard workshops of Patan, the cradle of Newari metal-craft, now spans two studios and a welcoming showroom beside the great Boudhanath Stupa in Boudha.

Every piece is carved, chased, and finished by skilled artisans who apprentice for years under master sculptors and follow the precise canons of Traditional Shakya Art. We refuse shortcuts: only premium-grade alloys, ethically sourced gemstones, and hand-mixed mineral pigments make it onto our benches. Today Dev Handicraft carries that heritage forward—offering collectors worldwide the museum-level quality long cherished by Himalayan monasteries.

Dev Handicraft

How Our Statue Is Made

Step

What happens

Where

Wax Modelling

An artist sculpts the deity entirely in beeswax, perfecting posture and proportion.

Patan studio

Lost-Wax Casting

The wax model goes to a casting house to create a heat-proof mold; molten copper alloy is poured in, replacing the wax.

Local casting house

Hand Carving

The raw cast returns to the artist, who chisels fine details—robes, lotus petals, facial features.

Patan studio

Finishing Options

The statue is 24 K gold-plated, oxidised, or colour-painted according to the design.

Specialist finishing workshop

Gem Setting

Turquoise, coral, or lapis stones are inlaid by a stone-setting artisan.

Patan studio

Sacred Face Painting

The face receives a final layer of pure gold-powder paint, bringing the deity to life for consecration.

Patan studio

 

Made in Patan, showcased in Boudha, shipped worldwide.

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