Bhaktapur, Nepal

2017

About

Bhaktapur is the smallest city in Nepal, and its most densely populated. But despite its small size, the city overflows with artisan talent. It has been home to a community of traditional potters for generations, and to this day pottery remains an important part of life for many families.

Before joining hands with Noonday’s Artisan Business Partner, the Artisans of Bhaktapur were solely crafting terracotta pottery for the local market. But without a growing customer base for their products, they often struggled to earn enough to live on. Today, things look very different at the workshop, and the Artisans have access to a growing marketplace. Plus, through production and design training, they have elevated their products into high-quality works of art that customers on the other side of the globe love showcasing in their homes

  • Bhaktapur, Nepal

    Nestled in the Himalayan Mountains, Nepal is bordered to the north by Tibet and to the south, east and west by India. It is home to some of the most challenging mountains in the world, including Mount Everest, the world's tallest peak. The people of Nepal are highly diverse in terms of language, ethnicity, and culture, but are largely united in the irreligion. In fact, Nepal is the country with the highest percentage of Hindus in the world, at 81%

Artisan Story

  • Binu
    While Binu’s Artisan journey was an unconventional one, it was a path she always dreamed of following. Binu initially found work managing the workshop’s finances, but she always wanted to work with ceramics. So after receiving Artisan training, Binu became a valuable part of the ceramic team – and today even manages the workshop’s quality control. She feels satisfied knowing that each product meets the highest standards. Being an Artisan has allowed Binu to connect with diverse people, grow her communication skills, and improve her family’s financial status.
  • Shyam
    Shyam has been working with ceramics for over a decade – but his family’s history with pottery goes back generations. After struggling to find his vocational path, Shyam enrolled in pottery training with our Artisan Business Partner. His family continued to produce for the local market, but sales were slow. With his earnings, Shyam has been able to ease his family’s financial burden and save for his future. In 2021, he even started his own workshop – and says that his work has given him a new self - confidence.