Page 23 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (107)

SOUTHERN MESSENGERS
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Art chiseled from stones
凿出来的石雕艺术
Dhrama Raj Shakya is a renowned Nep- AD) and the Malla Dynasty (1200 AD -
alese stone sculptor. With his exceptional 1768 AD) in Nepal,” Dhrama explained.
skill and creativity, he transforms hard The statues often depict the Hindu god
stones into lifelike deity statues and sculp- Shiva and possess not only significant ar-
tures, providing audiences with both aes- tistic value but also deep religious mean-
thetic pleasure and spiritual nourishment. ing. Additionally, Dhrama crafts stone li-
“Stone carving is a tradition passed ons, reliefs, and other decorative elements
down through generations in my family,” for temples, canals, and various everyday
Dhrama said proudly. His father was a spaces. “Creating a stone carving requires
teacher at the Lalit Kala Campus of Trib- immense patience and care,” Dhrama
huvan University in Nepal, where Dhrama remarked. “From material selection to
learned the art of stone carving under his cutting, carving, and polishing, every step
father’s guidance from a young age. demands precision and attention. A purely
Dhrama’s workshop is filled with stones handmade piece can take weeks or even
of various shapes and sizes. He sources the months to complete.”
raw stones from the mountainous region of “The stone carvings I create are now
Pharping, located near Kathmandu. Using a found in many places across Nepal. My
cutting machine, he first shapes the stones work has been highly recognized by gov-
to the desired dimensions. Next, he sketch- ernment agencies and various organiza-
es the general outline of the carving on the tions, earning me numerous honors. The
stone, carves out the intricate details by recognition from the outside world provides
hand, and concludes the process with pol- me with a profound sense of achievement,
ishing and painting. and I take great joy in pursuing this craft,”
“Our primary work focuses on creating Dhrama said. Looking ahead, he intends to
deity statues, drawing inspiration from the continue honing his stone carving skills and
Licchavi Dynasty (around 400 AD - 750 preserving this invaluable cultural heritage.