There are four main faiths in the Himalayas, each immensely rich and valuable - Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Bon/Animist - and all of them living side by side in complete harmony and respect for the others.

For years Alain Rouveure has witnessed the worshipping by people of different backgrounds but with the same fascination: at the homes of his friends and suppliers, in the temples and the isolated monasteries of Nepal and Tibet, with Lamas and monks and with "witch doctors"and faith healers. All have their own panoply of ritual implements and symbols and their own way to access fulfilment and grace.

Whether new or old, the artifacts that Alain buys must fulfill three criteria - first he must personally like it, second it has
to feel right to him and third, it has to come from or be made by people he trusts and respects.