history

Carpet weaving has been one of the age-old tradition activities of Nepal. For generations Nepalese Tibetan carpets have been woven in variety processes almost all manual. These processes though look simple, demanded expertise.  It is believed that the art of rug weaving in this Himalayan region is part of an ages old tradition practiced primarily for use in the home. Originally rugs were produced for mats, door covers, bed covers and pillar rugs which were placed around columns in Buddhist temples. Traditional Tibetan weavings generally reflect the influence of the Buddhist religion in Tibetan culture and art.

Following China's suppression of Tibetan nationals in 1959, thousands of Tibetans fled Tibet as refugees and settled in neighboring countries. Rug production began again in Tibetan refugee camps primarily in Pokhara and the Kathmandu valley of Nepal. By the mid 1970's rugs woven by Tibetans in exile were being exported to Europe in small quantities. During the 1980's Tibetan/Nepalese rugs began to receive increasing attention in the United States. First limited to art collectors and interior decorators, Tibetan/Nepalese rugs have now caught the interest of many Americans who recognize the exceptional value and durability of these rugs. Due to their handcrafted appearance, characterized by highly stylized patterns and beautifully orchestrated color schemes, American consumers have come to appreciate the timeless beauty of these rugs.

One mystery for scholars of Tibetan history is the origin of the basic knotting technique used to create Tibetan carpets. In most of Asia, one of two knots is used to create the pile, or depth, of a carpet: the Turkish knot or the Persian knot. Tibetan artisans utilize an elongated knot called a Senna loop. Researchers have found 1500-year-old carpet remnants in Egypt made with the Senna loop, and rug makers in Scandinavia still use a version of that knot. No other cultures are known to use the Senna loop. Whether the Senna loop developed independently in Tibet or was adopted from another culture is unknown: despite its geographic isolation, Tibet has always maintained outside ties by trade routes through the mountains.

The influence of other cultures is reflected in the motifs and colors employed by Tibetan artisans. The oldest elements are rooted in Tibet's ancient shamanstic culture. The introduction of Buddhism from India in the 8th century had an enormous impact on imagery in Tibetan carpets, as did close ties between Tibet and China and Mongolia that developed during that period. Echoes of textile design from Bhutan and Nepal are apparent, and there is a striking similarity between some Tibetan and Turkistani motifs. These influences have been assimilated into a distinct style. Bold colors, vibrant geometric patterns, and sophisticated use of abstract and naturalistic images and symbols combine in a wholly unique art form.

The "weavers-in-exile" have begun to expand their artistic horizons. Chinese design elements such as the dragon, phoenix, and lotus symbols can now be found in Tibetan/Nepalese rugs. Patterns from other non Tibetan traditions such as Persian, Turkish, French, and Native American Southwestern motifs are now used by Tibetan artisans. In addition weavers have begun to work closely with consumers to bring to life individual designs and color schemes.

Whatever their ethnic origins, Tibetan/Nepalese rugs have a compelling simplicity enhanced by a color spectrum spanning the rainbow from rich reds and blues to the softer lavenders and grays. Both natural vegetable and synthetic dyes are used to enrich the artisans palette of colors.