Tibetan Rugs

Apr 12
18:01

2009

Lily Sarmiento

Lily Sarmiento

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Rug making has been a part of Tibet's art and culture for generations. After reading this article, one would have an idea of what a Tibetan rug is and how it differs from other rug styles and motifs.

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Say for instance you are redecorating your room,Tibetan Rugs Articles and you want it to have additional flavor to spice it up a little bit; and so you decided to buy an area rug. If you are looking for a unique elegant design with a touch of antiquity, Tibetan rugs are the rugs to choose. What are Tibetan rugs? What makes Tibetan rugsdistinct and unique from the other styles of rugs?

Over the years rug making has played a very huge role in Tibetan culture. It is considered as one of the ancient arts and crafts of Tibet. Tibetans use rugs in almost anything in the household; from a simple floor covering to a horse saddle, and even as a wall décor and for beddings. They are also used for ceremonial purposes in monasteries. In the modern days, because of their intricate and stylish exquisiteness, Tibetan rugs act as additional décor to grand hallways and also as tapestries and other design-collection purposes.

The process of making Tibetan rugs is rather exceptional since almost everything is made only by hand. Every rug is delicately and meticulously hand knotted or hand woven. And because Tibet is known for their high appreciation of Buddhism, rug making is greatly influenced by their spirituality and holy vigor. Nonetheless, because of the modern technological intervention now-a-days, a few parts of the process like the touch ups are done with machines.

Tibetan patterns are either geometric or curvilinear; it includes floral designs, medallion styles, and animalistic motifs, the most popular design, which are most usually based on tigers. However, the modern Tibetan rug motifs may have a little bit Chinese touch to it. This is because in the early 1950’s Tibet was occupied by Chinese communists. And so with that, Tibetan expatriates started a voyage to migrate in Nepal and India; and brought with them the art and culture of rug making.

The vibrant and dramatic colors, immense but minority of design, and rather noticeable background make the Tibetan rugs distinctive. Colors for the rug’s pattern and motif are usually beige, red, orange, yellow, green, blue and white. While on the other hand, colors used for the rug’s border or background are commonly ivory, black, red, blue and orange. Tibetan rugs are made entirely of Sheep’s wool or the most superb natural silk fibers. Nepalese wool is known for its elastic, durable, strong, radiant, and gleaming characteristic. While on the other hand, silk fibers are famous for their natural luster quality.

Tibetan rugs are known for their bright colors and stunning designs. Tibetans have manufactured rugs for years and years, using them in almost any aspect domestically. And because the entire process involves purely hand knotting and or weaving, this makes rugs unique and special. The intricate diverse patterns and shadings boost a Tibetan rug’s sophisticated and archaic feel. And because these rugs are made of pure natural fibers, Tibetan rugs offer a comfortable and luxurious feel. Thus, offering warmth and glamour to any room where it is placed.