Edutainment > Tibetan Rugs from Nepal

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Traditional Tibetan Rugs - Overview and Purchasing Information
ca. 3 by 6 feet, 95 by 180 cm
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On Jan 18, 2009 we start our relaunch of sales of traditional Tibetan rugs in online auctions. At this occasion we present you on this page some images from the manufactory in Nepal where the carpets in traditional designs and sizes of 3 by 6 feet (ca. 90 by 180 cm) are made exclusively for artelino.

The images on this page are link-sensitive and take you to other articles or web sites in which you might be interested.

Tibetan Rugs - Warping

Tibetan Rugs - Home
Preparing the Loom
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Tibetan Tiger Rugs - article
Vertical Loom
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Tibetan Carpet Symbols - article
Applying the Warp
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In old carpets made before ca. 1930 (according to Hallvard Kare Kuloy) wool was used for the warp and weft. Today cotton is used. The images show two female workers applying the warp for a large carpet.

As can be seen, the looms are simple wooden frames. The Tibetans are the only carpet making people that use a vertical loom. The example on the photograph is a rather large loom for a large carpet in modern design.

Tibetan Rugs - Weaving

Tibetan Rugs - more articles
Weaving I
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Tibetan Rugs - Video
Weaving II
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Tibetan Carpets - Video
Weaving III
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Book Review about Tibetan Carpets - on Video
Weaving IV
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I do not know why, but also for hand-knotted Tibetan carpets the expression "weaving" is used, although the process is not weaving but knotting. The Tibetans use a knotting technique that is entirely different from the Persian, Turkish or Chinese knot. The knot is not applied one by one and then cut. The Tibetans loop the yarn around two warp threads and a horizontal guidance rod. The technique is rather complicated and a bit difficult to describe by a non-national English speaker like me. In any way, the process is tricky and includes some extra techniques. "Weavers" have to be trained in an apprenticeship or under the guidance of experienced persons.

While working in front of the loom, the "weavers" have the design pattern drawn on paper in front of them, attached to the warp. Only weavers with an experience of several years can make the complicated traditional designs directly from the paper called "shokpo".

Tibetan Rugs - Washing

Khaden - article
Washing I
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Traditional Tibetan Rugs - article
Washing II
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Traditional Tibetan Carpets - article
Washing III
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About Custom Tibetan Rugs
Washing IV
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After the carpet was finished on the loom, two further steps are necessary: the washing of the carpet and as a final step the contouring with a pair of scissors. The contouring (not to be seen on these images) gives the Tibetan rugs a more three-dimensional, embossed look. It makes them look more beautiful and lively compared to untrimmed - in my view.

School and Nursery

Tibetan Floral Rug Designs - article
Nursery
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Tibetan Carpets from Nepal - article
School Class
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I came to Nepal for the first time in the late 1970s. Since that time I have kept a personal bond with this country and an admiration for the unique Nepalese and Tibetan culture. The owner of the manufactory that produces the traditional carpets for artelino is a personal friend of mine for thirty years. Influenced by many business travels to Europe and the United States, he has implemented working conditions that are unique for this country. My friend operates an elementary school and a nursery for the children of the workers. The school and two teachers are privately paid.

Dieter Wanczura
(December 2008, updated April 2009)

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