Edutainment > Border Designs of Tibetan Rugs

Tibetan Rugs - Overview and how to purchase.
Rich Ornamental Design
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Border designs of traditional Tibetan rugs come in many shapes - from simple to sophisticated. The variations of these designs are nearly endless. Nevertheless one can recognize certain categories which this article tries to explain and demonstrate with a selection of border designs from fine, traditional Tibetan rugs.

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Swastika

Swastika borders are found on traditional Tibetan rugs in manifold variations. The Swastika is an old symbol of Hinduism, Buddhism and other very old religions or cultures like the old Tibetan Bon religion. The word comes from Indian Sanscrit and is regarded as a good luck sign. The swastika sign has a bad connotation for many Europeans, especially Germans, due to its use by Nazi Germany.

Tibetan Rugs - more articles
Swastika Design
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Tibetan Rugs - videos
Modified Swastika Border
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Meander Borders

The maender pattern is found in nature. Therefore it is no wonder that this pattern can be found in different cultures all over the world. It was for instance common for the ancient Greek and Roman cultures. Also the meander borders come in a variety of different shapes. Here are a few examples.

Tibetan Tiger Rugs - article
Meander Border
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Book Review Tibetan Rugs - article
Meander Design
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Symbols on Tibetan Rugs - article
Thunder Meander Design
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Stripes

Stripes come in vertical or in diagonal forms. Sometimes they are combined with small additional ornaments.

Tibetan Carpets from Nepal - article
Vertical Stripes
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Tibetan Rugs with Dragon Designs - article
Shaped Stripes Design
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Tibetan Rugs with Floral Designs - article
Diagonal Stripes Design
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Section Borders

The term "section border" was introduced by Hallvard Käre Kuloy in his classic book "Tibet Rugs". In lack of a better term, I want to follow him. It stands for the great variety of wide borders that contain rich patterns and symbols - often of Buddhist origin. Among the border designs of traditional Tibetan rugs, these are in my view the most beautiful borders of all. They are sophisticated and require a higher skill level and effort by the weavers compared to for instance simple meander designs.

Here are three examples of wonderful section borders.

Carpets from Nepal - Video
Elaborate Border Design
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Khaden - article
Rich Border Design
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Traditional Tibetan Rugs - article
Border Design with Buddhist Symbol
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Dieter Wanczura
(February 2009)

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