The Nepalese sculpture is best known for small religious figures and ritual objects in bronze or copper alloy, but also has other strengths. The Newar people of Nepal had a long-lasting specialism in casting small bronze figures, mostly religious and especially Buddhist, considerable numbers of which were exported to India and Tibet over many centuries.
The art of sculpture began in the Lichchhavi period and reached the apex during the Malla period. In fact, Malla period is the golden period for sculpture. The images inside Changunarayan Temple and around it, image of Palanchowk Bhagawati, image of Budhanilkantha and some images of stone taps are few examples of sculptures made during the Lichchhavi period. These sculptures are characterized by religious theme, neutrality, and little use of costume, simplicity and tantrism.