Kaila and Deepak Lama, brothers from Timal, Kavre, are master Thangka artists whose combined artistry and dedication have elevated Nepal’s spiritual heritage through their partnership with LunziArt. Rooted in a family legacy of Thangka painting, they learned the sacred craft from relatives, mastering the intricate techniques of Buddhist iconography.
Their work, characterized by vibrant mineral pigments and 24K gold, transforms canvas into meditative masterpieces, embodying the spiritual essence of Nepal’s cultural traditions. From their bustling store in Sighal, Thamel, to international markets, the Lama brothers have woven a story of resilience, artistry, and global outreach, ensuring their sacred creations reach devotees and collectors worldwide.
Kaila Lama’s Journey: Kaila Lama, born in 2028, brings 36 years of expertise to the art of Thangka painting, a skill he honed under the mentorship of his family elders. Specializing in deity-centric Thangkas, such as depictions of Green Tara and Medicine Buddha, his creations are highly sought after at his store in Thamel, celebrated for their spiritual depth and meticulous craftsmanship. Kaila’s dedication transformed his shop into a vibrant cultural hub, drawing tourists and Buddhist devotees eager for authentic, hand-painted artworks. Despite facing economic challenges, with declining profits over the past four years, he remains committed to preserving this sacred tradition. Kaila is concerned about the growing trend of young artists, including his son who is learning Japanese, leaving Nepal for better prospects abroad, highlighting the economic pressures endangering the local art industry.
Deepak Lama’s Journey: Deepak, with 26 years of experience, specializes in traditional Tibetan-style Thangkas, excelling in mandalas and deity figures that captivate with their symmetry and spiritual depth. Trained by family, he has sustained their legacy by employing 60–70 artisans, fostering economic empowerment in his community. His entrepreneurial drive led him to travel to China and Bhutan at personal expense, promoting their art and securing exports to Germany, France, and the USA. Deepak’s Thangkas grace Gumbas for Gurung, Sherpa, Tamang, and Thakali communities, often donated during rituals like Ghewa, while his innovative Thangka lockets make their art accessible to a broader audience. His global outreach reflects a relentless commitment to sustaining their craft in a competitive market.
The brothers’ journey to prominence was fraught with challenges, from rising material costs to competition from mass-produced replicas. Kaila’s Thamel store became a beacon for authentic Thangkas, while Deepak’s international ventures expanded their reach, ensuring their art adorned sacred spaces worldwide. Their collaboration with LunziArt has been transformative, leveraging the platform’s e-commerce capabilities to bring their work to a global audience. Each Thangka, whether a luminous mandala or a consecrated deity painting, reflects their dedication to tradition and spirituality, as seen in their intricate use of natural pigments and gold leaf, techniques that echo Nepal’s ancient artistry.
Kaila and Deepak’s partnership with LunziArt ensures their legacy endures, bridging tradition with modernity. Their Thangkas serve as spiritual tools, their vibrant blues, fiery reds, and golden accents inviting contemplation and reverence. Despite industry struggles, their commitment to employing artisans, promoting cultural heritage, and reaching global markets underscores their resilience. Visit LunziArt.com to explore Kaila and Deepak’s divine creations, each a testament to their lifelong hustle to sustain Nepal’s Thangka tradition.






