Carpets and Rugs from Tibet

Although most surviving Tibetan carpets date from the late 19th century to the first half of the 20th century, there is evidence of a long history of rug making. From the earliest written accounts in the seventh century to the present day, Tibet's economy has been largely pastoral, with the products of its herds used for survival and trade.

 The wool and hair of sheep, goats and yaks are used for the production of tents, rope, blankets, garments and rugs. Until the late nineteenth century, these items were produced on a small scale, mostly for personal use, in the nomadic and agrarian communities of Tibet, using light, portable looms. By the 1880s, the demand for fine knotted carpets in Tibet had increased. This led to the founding of weaving workshops by several noble estates in the south. These markets remained purely domestic until 1959.

  Wool from the highland sheep of Tibet, which graze at pastures 3,000 to 6,000 metres high, has particularly lustrous, strong and flexible fibers that are ideal for carpet production. Tibetan rugs make use of the 'senna loop' a unique type of knot for their deep pile surface, perhaps a vestige of ancient rug weaving developed in the Near East. This knot type differs technically from the Persian and Turkish knot types used in the rest of Asia.

  The rugs are remarkable for their strong use of color and bold imagery, which were often specific to their designated use. Sitting carpets for farmhouses and tents, and equestrian rugs were woven in particular shapes, with a repertoire of designs distinct from the meditation mats, pillar carpets and throne backs made for Buddhist use.

  One of the oldest forms of Tibetan rug is the wangden. These were first woven in the Wangden valley in southern Tibet, where a few families began making meditation mats for local monasteries as early as the fourteenth century.

Wangden are characterized by a loose weave which gives them extreme lightness and flexibility. Other hallmarks of this tradition include the thick fringe on all four edges and religious motifs such as crossed dorjes ('diamond sceptres') and swastika fret. Long runners and mats in this style are still used in Tibetan Buddhist chanting halls.

The most common form of Tibetan rug is the khaden, which is used in both secular and religious settings for sitting and sleeping. Khaden are placed on wooden platforms or high, padded cushions. Most rugs intended for religious use have Buddhist motifs in their design and the deep orange-red or golden-yellow colors particularly associated with Buddhism in Tibet. 

  The majority of the rugs from were intended for domestic use, not only in humble tents but also in vast castles. The repetitive designs of geometric and conventionalized forms on two examples of khaden for homes have an almost 'Op Art' effect. 

The diagonal rainbow and checkerboard pattern of some of the Tibetan rugs is derived from indigenous architectural decoration and Buddhist applique. Checkerboard rugs are popular in Tibet for picnics and festive celebrations. 
Equestrian rugs and decorations form an important group within the Tibet rug enclave. Since ancient times, horses have been status symbols in Tibet, used in military campaigns and for export to China. Unlike yaks, they are not bred for milk, food or transport in Tibetan nomadic culture. A horse has the value of five yaks or forty to fifty sheep, so only the wealthy can afford to own horses.

 Because of their prestige, horses are outfitted in beautiful saddle rugs and other gear. Riding contests and equestrian games of skill are important aspects of traditional Tibetan festivals. In old Tibet, aristocrats, military leaders and high religious figures travelled by horseback on golden saddles with the finest silk and wool decorations and rugs. 

Tibetan rugs range in price from several hundred to many thousands of dollars. Price is determined not only by size, but by compexity, age and materials. A reputable dealer is your best guide.