Why Care Matters
Traditional Nepalese paintings ā whether thangkas on cotton, Mithila works on handmade paper, or oil paintings on canvas ā are made with natural materials that respond to their environment. Proper care is not complicated, but it is consequential: the difference between a painting that deteriorates in a decade and one that remains vibrant for a century often comes down to a few consistent habits.
Environmental Conditions
The single most important factor in preserving traditional paintings is stable environment. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity cause materials to expand and contract, leading to cracking, flaking, and warping over time.
- Avoid: exterior walls (temperature fluctuation), bathrooms (humidity spikes), above radiators or fireplaces (heat and dryness), and air conditioning vents (cold drafts)
In particularly dry climates or during winter heating season, a room humidifier near your collection area can make a meaningful difference.
Thangkas: Specific Care
Thangkas are traditionally stored rolled around a wooden dowel and wrapped in silk or cotton cloth when not displayed. If you display your thangka hung from a rod:
- Ensure the hanging rod distributes weight evenly across the full width of the work
- Do not hang thangkas in kitchens or near cooking areas ā grease and smoke accumulate on the surface over time
- Dust lightly with a very soft, dry brush (a wide watercolor brush works well) moving from top to bottom; never use damp cloths or cleaning products
- If the thangka has a silk brocade border, store it flat or rolled ā never folded, as fold lines in silk are permanent
Works on Paper (Mithila, Watercolor, Gouache)
Paper-based works are the most environmentally sensitive. Key practices:
- Frame with acid-free mat board and backing ā standard cardboard is acidic and will cause yellowing and brittleness over time
- Use UV-filtering glass or museum-grade acrylic glazing
- Never use pressure-sensitive tape (Scotch tape, masking tape) on or near works on paper ā the adhesive migrates and causes irreversible staining
- Store unframed works flat in acid-free folders or portfolios, interleaved with glassine paper
Oil Paintings on Canvas
Oil paintings are the most durable of the traditional formats but still require attention:
- Dust the surface gently with a soft, dry brush; never use water or solvents
- If the canvas becomes slack (loses tension), a conservator can re-tension it ā do not attempt to re-stretch yourself
- Varnishing protects the surface and saturates colors; if a painting looks dull or uneven, consult a conservator about revarnishing rather than attempting it yourself
- Transport oil paintings face-to-face or back-to-back, never face-to-back, to avoid surface damage
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