Our curator Rama:

Rama Tiwari, collector, publisher and owner of the iconic, Pilgrims Book Store of Kathmandu, Delhi and Varanasi, joins forces with two local residents, Pam Bell and Jim Wills, to present “The Nand Collection” in Healdsburg this Summer and Fall. Opening July 1st and showing through October 31th, the show and sale highlight an extensive collection of Himalayan art and antiquities.

Collector Rama, in constant search of antique books in his native India and in Nepal found more than just the printed word in his search for old books. Often, sources of rare books were also sources for fine art and antiquities. Over the years he has also collected the best of a wide variety of Thanka paintings, original devotional art, tribal artifacts, as well as antique, tribal and contemporary devotional textiles.

The iconic Pilgrims Bookstore in Kathmandu, Nepal is known around the world for it’s extensive collection of spiritual, religious, philosophical and Himalayan books. The store had humble begings with Rama, eight books and blanket on the ground. His love for books and the truth behind all things helped Rama grow his small enterprise into a successful publishing company with over 2,000 titles printed, the current Pilgrims Books in Kathmandu with the “Feed and Read” cafe, a shop in Patan, Nepal and locations in both Varanasi and Delhi, India.

Included in this exhibit and sale are a selection of statues and images of Gods and Godesses, contemporary fine art, collectable coins – some dating back to the third century BC, ritual crowns and ceremonial dresses. The current collection is the result of Rama’s efforts and journey’s over the past 35 years.

Two local residents, Pam Bell and Jim Wills are organizing the show and sale. Wills met Rama in the Early 90s’ in Kathmandu between treks. He worked as a guide for 20 years. Bell and Wills joined forces seven years ago with shared passion for travel and interest in Eastern philosophies. Her organizational prowess brings the vision into reality with her past experience with retailing in San Francisco.

The overall philosophy of event organizer Pam Bell, expresses: “We want to share this exquisite, meaningful collection with others. Much of it is rare and beyond anything people in this country have ever seen. The magnitude of this collection is impressive and is sure to inspire anyone who has the chance to view it. Beyond the antiques and artifacts on display however, there are many contemporary Himalayan items available for sale such as Buddhist prayer flags, silk scarves, books and more!”

Co-organizer Jim Wills says, “The Thanka paintings should be a show by themselves. Rarely if ever would you get to see such a collection in one place. I don’t know how we are going to display them all.”

This is exhibit to visit more than once. Organizer Pam Bell says “To opportunity to be able show so many items that people here have never seen is one that could be passed up. A number of events and talks will be held during the show and a schedule will be posted on the web site. We look forward to seeing all the visitors to the exhibit.