SPACES feb issue 2017

Architecture
Tarhibabu
A Lucky Artist in Metalcraft
TEXT & Photo: Sukrasagar
He hails from Patan but now lives out of the city at the left bank of Nakhu
River in a place called Fulbari. Born in1976, initially he started working as an
apprentice, but his skilled work demonstrated as gifted by the god. Very few
people can develop in such a level just learning from someone and few are
lucky enough to recognize one’s own skill. Tarihbabu is the one who could
arrest luck on his skill. He is officially known as Babu Ratna Maharjan.
T
arihbabu, a young metallurgic
worker born under a lucky star
is to be considered an artist,
not just craftsman in the metal craft of
21st century that led him by his instinct.
He loves not only daan (money and
happiness) but also naan (name and
fame) that led him to be enlisted in
the history for future. Anybody having
skill on this profession can earn good
money but will not remain in the list of
future account. We have so many nice
pieces of art but not names of their
authors. Who were the artists of Golden
Gate of Bhaktapur Durbar, who carved
the torana of Chhusyabaha and who did
the work of Ukubaha and Bhelaachhen
struts are all unknown. Very few
Nepalese artists from the history are
known today. First of all Araniko enlisted
in China, then Tejram in Mustang who did
metal book cover in Mustang, Rupatej of
manuscript painting of Lhasa and stone
carver of Taras from Chilancho chaitya
of Kirtipur. Very few get the chance to be
enlisted like that in the history. But fame
does not bring good money. Sacrificing
the opportunity of being rich Taribahu
stepped in to this field of less lucrative
side of the profession, but I am sure,
he will have his name cherished in long
future.
Though Patan city has produced many
skilled metallurgist, Tarihbabu could
be counted in the finger. His specialty
can be seen in both the art of lost wax
process (cire-perdu) and hammer
beaten method (repousse). On top of
that he has the sharp eye in ratio and
proportions in his art creation. He has
produced charm and beauty that very
few artists can offer.
Beginning at early adulthood he has
done few works in other temples
60 / SPACES February 2017