Our History
It is no surprise as to where Rupa Maker gets its inspiration from. It’s all around us. Coming from one of the most artistic cities in the world; we only had to look around our hometown ‘Patan’ to draw inspiration.
A centuries old city; Patan is renowned for the art it represents and the craftsmen it has groomed. Many Buddhists artists from around the world have showered opportunities to craftsmen here, trusting in their skills. The artistic culture of Patan is evident in the temples, in the chowk, in the old gallies and in homes.
Rabi Shakya and Rajesh Shakya; the founders of Rupa Maker were driven by the art they saw in the nooks and crannies of Patan. Both brothers were involved in statue making from a budding age to support their families. The passion was strong early on. And it gave roots to Rupa Maker.
Rabi Raj Shakya with H.H Kyabje Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche.
Rabi Raj Shakya and Rajesh Shakya with H.H Kyabje Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche.
What truly gave Rupa Maker the form of what was a mere idea is H H Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche. During a visit, he came across the brothers’ work. H H Dungse Thinley Norbu Rhinpoche gave the brothers the belief and the push they needed. The brothers were trusted with making special statues for him which boosted their skills and their confidence to go ahead with their own business. Rupa Maker was established in 1991 and that opened the door to connect with many more practitioners.
With the establishment of Rupa Maker in a city that we can only suppose is an ocean of art and artists; we had to prove ourselves. Younger brother Saroj Shakya committed to find practitioners and have Rupa Maker stand out whilst the founding brothers made sure that we have the best statues to offer.
Rabi Raj Shakya and Rajesh Shakya with Lama Tsedrup Tharchin Rinpoche.
For three decades now, Rupa Maker has embraced every practitioner that have visited us and portrayed their beliefs. Inspiration and passion for craft is what makes Rupa Maker what it is today. But more than that we are the stories of our practitioners and their trust in us. We have been more than delighted to serve practitioners from all around the world.
Saroj Shakya with Richard Gere.
About Our Statues
All our statues use copper metal and are finished either in gold-plating, silver-plating or copper oxidation.
Gold-plating
The gold plating statues are either Full gold plating (FGP) or Part-gold plating (PGP). FGP covers the entire statue with gold. PGP covers only certain areas of the statue with gold.
Silver-plating
Silver-plating also consists of Full and part silver (FSP and PSP). FSP covers the entire statue while PSP covers certain areas of the statue.
Copper-Oxidation
The copper-oxidation does not include any other metal plated to it. The statue is finished in a dark chocolate color.
Two-toned finish
The two toned finish includes a mixture of dark chocolate finish and a lighter brownish finish. This Finish usually has a dark finish on the clothes of the statue, whereas the visible skin area is given a lighter brownish finish. This finish usually comes in just copper oxidized (CCT), Partly-gold plated (PTA) and Partly-silver plated (PST).
Your Dharma practice is our inspiration
Our Story
From foothills of the Himalayas, we craft authentic Newa: Nepali works of art. Over the decades we’ve had the privilege to be in service of many Dharma Practitioners through our Statues and other ritual items.
The dedication of the practitioners inspires us to continue our work and be a part of your wonderful journey.
About Our Craft
A centuries old tradition and a beautiful process creating millions of stories.
Latest Products
Latest Blogs
Over the years, we’ve come across so many stories and we still do. Read the latest stories from our experiences from the world around us.
October 12, 2026
The First Stage of Statue Making: Creating the Wax Figure
Every Buddhist statue begins long before the metal is cast, the surface is carved, or the face is painted. Before a statue takes shape in copper, there is first a…
July 31, 2026
Reading the Sacred Image of Guru Padmasambhava
Walk into almost any Buddhist monastery or shrine in the Himalayan world and you are likely to encounter the image of Guru Padmasambhava. Seated gracefully upon a lotus throne, wearing…
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