From using them as utensils to eat dinner to showing off your artistic unlimited uses, copperwares have potentially unlimited uses.

From household to religious uses, copperware has had a long presence in Nepalese culture.  Let’s start with cultural history.  In the past the caste system in Kathmandu was branched out into different sub-castes based on people’s vocational background. Hence, Tamrakars or 'Tamos/Tamot,' as referred to in Newari were often associated with copperwares. The word 'tama' means copper, and the word 'aakar' means giving shape to it.  

Metal crafting is a skill that requires many years of training, and hence art pieces created long time ago are still being appreciated in our modern society. If you take a stroll around the residential areas of Patan, you will notice many metal craft workshops and outlets, which are evidences of the value of copperware in the society. In terms of availability, the most common copper ores found in Nepal are chalcopyrite, malachite, azurite, covellite, cuprites, bornite, and chalcocite. However, at present, there are no copper mining operations running within the country. It is also said that copper is the world's most reusable metal. Due to its reusability, copper's recycling value is quite high and top grade scratch can fetch about 95% of the value of a newly mined ore. Apart from being recyclable, copper is also said to have many health benefits.

  • Copper is a vital element for normal growth and well being of plants and animals.
  • Many believe that copper bangles and bracelets help people lower their blood pressure and prevent rheumatic pain.
  • There is a belief among locals that drinking water that has been stored in copper vessels overnight helps people maintain their health.  This belief is probably based on the fact that copper hinders growth of harmful microbial germs.

In terms of its domestic use, copperwares can be a great addition in your kitchen as well as your living room. What differentiates copperwares from ceramic products that are increasingly being used nowadays is cultural reflection. Copperwares have been in use in our society for many generations; in fact it is mandatory to use copper utensils during certain religious ceremonies. Copperwares, as decorative items, give an enchanting flavor to your surrounding with their rough plated finishing, which shows the detailed work that went in during their construction. They also give the Nepali vibe because of their continual use in these areas since time immemorial.

Indrachowk is one of the cultural hubs of Kathmandu city and you can find a couple of copperware shops on the streets as you stroll around the area. One such store is Prakash Baniya Bhada Pasal. It is within the vicinity of Aakashbhairav temple, and it has been in operation for more than 4 years now. The store sells copperwares such as - taulo, panas, karuwa, ghyampo, ghagri, sukunda, etc.

All the copperwares mentioned below can also be found at this store.

Khadkulo

Usually used during marriage ceremonies, Khadkulo can also used as a fancy water pot for decorative purposes. The price for these khadkulos (depending upon size) ranges from Rs. 3,500 to 8,000.

Palpali Karuwa

Large-sized water pots, these Karuwas cost about Rs. 600,000 a pair. It can be used as a decorative item signifying its traditional use in the Newari culture. With authentic designs carved on its surface, this set of Karuwa is the most expensive item in the store.

Food Bowl

Usually used in Muslim communities, the copper plated food bowls can be used as a decorative bowl to hold fruits and other edibles in the dining table.

Statues and Artifacts

Various hand-crafted statues and artifacts are widely being used as decorative items in hotels, households, and restaurants, etc. Varying in size and shape, there are plenty of artifacts available in the store. Their prices go up to Rs. 280,000 for statues of gods and goddesses, such as Garud Narayan, Natraj, Buddha, etc.