Newa art[1] is the art form practiced over

centuries by Newa people. The pictorial art

consists of:
• Paubha[2]
• Wall paintings (murals)
• Paintings on the walls of temples
• Paintings in manuscripts (books)

Vasudhara Mandala, by Jasaraja Jirili, Nepal,

dated 1365.
The Newars are the creators of most examples
of art and architecture in Nepal.[3] Traditional
Newar art is basically religious art. Newar
devotional paubha painting, sculpture and metal
craftsmanship are world-renowned for their
exquisite beauty.[4] The earliest dated paubha
discovered so far is Vasudhara Mandala which
was painted in 1365 AD (Nepal Sambat 485).[5]
The murals on the walls of two 15th-century
monasteries in the former kingdom of Mustang
in the Nepal Himalaya provide illustrations of
Newar works outside the Kathmandu Valley.[6]
Stone sculpture, wood carving, repoussé art and
metal statues of Buddhist and Hindu deities
made by the lost-wax casting process[7] are
specimens of Newar artistry.[8] The Peacock
Window of Bhaktapur and Desay Madu Jhya of
Kathmandu are known for their wood carving.
Building elements like the carved Newar
window, roof struts on temples and the
tympanum of temples and shrine houses exhibit
traditional creativity. From as early as the
seventh century, visitors have noted the skill of
Newar artists and craftsmen who left their
influence on the art of Tibet and China.[9] Newars
introduced the lost-wax technique into Bhutan
and they were commissioned to paint murals on
the walls of monasteries there.[10][11]
Sandpainting of mandala made during festivals
and death rituals is another specialty of Newar
art.
Besides exhibiting a high level of skill in
traditional religious art, Newar artists have been
at the forefront in introducing Western art styles
in Nepal. Raj Man Singh Chitrakar (1797-1865)
is credited with starting watercolor painting in the
country. Bhaju Man Chitrakar (1817–1874), Tej
Bahadur Chitrakar (1898-1971) and Chandra
Man Singh Maskey were other pioneer artists
who introduced modern style paintings
incorporating concepts of lighting and
perspective