Tibetan Rugs – The Making of a Tibetan Rug
Tibetan Rugs
Tibetan Rugs are part of the ancient culture of Tibet. It is a craft that has been in existence with the Tibetan people for thousands of years. Traditionally it was made out if the wool from the ‘highland sheep’ and put to use in various ways. It was used as floor coverings as well as wall hangings. They are made from the finest quality of wool that is also at times blended with silk to produce finest quality of rugs that the world has ever seen.
Main Features of a Tibetan Rug
- Tibetan rugs are mainly made of wool of Tibetan sheep that is available in the region
- They are mostly handmade
- The colors and threads that are used in the making are dyed in naturally made colors
- Designs are available both in traditional and contemporary styles
Types of Tibetan Rugs
- Tiger Rugs – A key reason behind the popularity of Tibetan rugs is the fabrication of various tiger designs on the rugs. There are several types of tiger stripes and even leopard spots that were found on the rugs. Sometimes the rugs were designed entirely on the design of a complete tiger hide with the head and the tail. Tigers were believed to be protector for all those who meditate and these rugs were initially indicated as a gift for all those lamas who lived in the monasteries.
- Wangden Rugs – This particular type of Tibetan rug is characterized by lesser number of knots and a thicker pile than a traditional or conventional Tibetan weave of a rug. Some pieces are also accompanied by a loose border or fringe. These rugs are found in the Wangden valley of Tibet. Traditionally this variety of Tibetan rugs was used by the monks living in the monasteries.
Colors and Designs of Tibetan Rugs
The use of vivid colors was initially restricted in nature among Tibetan rugs. The reason behind this was the handmade process involved in the making of rugs as well as the preparation of colors and dyes for the designs in the rugs. Tibetan rug weavers used naturally produced dyes and colors for the designs in the rugs and was thus restricted due to unavailability of all colors in natural products. However the modern day productions have seen the influx of chemical colorings and dyes that are used in the manufacture process. Prominent colors used in the designs were red, blue, yellow, brown and grey. Such colors were derived from sources like madder (red), Tibetan rhubarb (yellow), indigo (blue), Tibetan walnuts (brown and grey). There were other local plants as well that produced some other colors like green as well.
In designs Tibetan patterns and motifs derived inspiration from two sources mainly. One was its traditional source that consisted of geometrical and straight line patterns. The other was the Chinese patterns that were of a decorative nature with elaborate patterns and motifs.
Fabrics of Tibetan Rugs
Tibetan rugs were made mostly from the wool of the sheep found in the Tibetan highlands. However from 19th century onwards commercialization of Tibetan rugs has also witnessed a large number of changes in the making of the same. There are several variations that may be available in the present market.