Tibetan rugs continue to grow inside popularity -even as the traditional Oriental rug companies are suffering - exactly why And why are they mainly made in Nepal and India - can they really be Tibetan rugs if they're not given in Tibet

Tibetan rug producing is an ancient, traditional craft that extends back hundreds, otherwise thousands, of many years. In their nomadic tradition, these rugs primarily offered practical purposes -such as horse saddles, seating carpets, and wall hangings to help keep out the harsh Tibetan winter seasons. Therefore, by necessity, they are made to become extremely durable and warm.

Tibetan rugs are usually unique in two techniques. First, the traditional weaving substance -wool from Tibetan highland sheep -is some of the best wool in the world. The actual Tibetan highland sheep live with high altitudes and create wool that is stretchy and strong, with high lanolin content which generates a "soft hand". Second, Tibetan rugs are created with the unique "Tibetan Knot" which increases the density for every knot over the traditional knot used in all other countries. The combination of those two factors leads to durable rugs that are both soft and flexible, providing optimum warmth.

Tibetan culture developed within a number of factors, which includes its remoteness and also the strong Buddhist influence that pervades every aspect of existence. Tibetan rugs made in standard designs are often produced in abstract form incorporating Buddhist symbols such as the lotus flower and crane. Standard colors are derived from vegetation, so are often more muted.

Tibet features a long history being a sovereign nation and was a fully independent condition until the Chinese invaded it in 1949. Ever since then, there has been much argument about the political and also social issues encircling this occupation, however we won't go into that here!

When the Dalai Lama left from Tibet in 1959 and was granted asylum inside India, he had been joined by over 70,000 Tibetan refugees. rugs online Today concerning 130,000 Tibetan refugees are over the world, but the vast majority of them live in Of india, Nepal, and Bhutan - typically accommodated in huge agricultural or craft-working facilities.

Although most fled with very little more than the clothes on their back, over the past 50 years, the Tibetan refugees have managed to sustain their culture and identity. When the initial refugees left Tibet , they introduced with them their knowledge of rug making, and eventually opened weaving centers to be able to both keep their particular heritage alive, also to manufacture products that would certainly help them to be self-sufficient and not reliant on their host countries. Today, these types of centers are often hubs of social interaction where medical treatment can be acquired, schools have been setup, and many made-to-order Tibetan rugs are hand made in the conventional Tibetan style for export across the world.

Many of the Tibetan weaving facilities in Nepal and India that produce most of the Tibetan rugs for export often now give attention to contemporary styles which can be popular in the West. This really is unique in that you can obtain a traditional, hand-made rug that will last for generations, in the present styles and colors. These rugs appeal to people who would like quality, but are not partial to the "granny" look of traditional oriental carpets. Since they often have simple repeat patterns with out borders, they may be placed directly under, adjacent, or away from a sofa without anxiety about creating an imbalance in the room.

Confusingly, you may also come across "Tibetan rugs" that are actually made in Tibet . Whilst there may be a few conventional, high quality rug suppliers still left in Tibet , more frequently, the rugs now made in Tibet are made together with imported (cheaper top quality) wool, cheap chemical dyes, and are often made by machine! They are mainly made for the tourist market or for visiting Chinese delegations.

So, the reasons for Tibetan rugs' popularity ought to be obvious - good quality, beautiful designs -- made by dedicated Tibetan refugees making use of ancient methods. Keep in mind, "Made in Tibet ", doesn't invariably mean a traditional Tibetan Carpet, and a beautiful, high quality, durable Tibetan Rug generally is NOT made in Tibet!

Susan Richardson writes for 1000s of Rugs.com, an organization that supplies a wide array of high quality hand knotted rugs at great value prices : including a large selection of unique Tibetan Rugs..