Tibet is set between picturesque mountains and the deep blue sky isolated from much of the world. It is this seclusion of its people that has given rise to its unique culture and traditions particularly of interest are the antique ornaments and rugs fashioned by its people. Made by hand, unlike other rugs found in Asia Tibetan rugs have a one of a kind knot from which they are made.

The particular way in which the Tibetan rugs are made where wool is wrapped around a rod and then piled up is now considered an ancient technique. The designs are exceptionally different as they include every thing from the vast use of colors to the plethora of religious symbols. Distinguished floral patterns inspired by the local vegetation are often seen.

Most prominently seen are the Buddhist symbols as well as rare snow lions and tigers motifs. The rugs are available in many sizes the most common is the sitting sleeping size called the Kanden. A small square rug may traditionally be used for meditation, an important part in the Tibetan culture.

Antique Safavieh Tibetan Rugs

Most of the rugs are made up of the purest sheep virgin wool. Unlike many others around the world which may be cotton or reed based. The dyes used to color these rugs come from a variety of different oils. Earlier rugs usually thought to be from around the 1800 hundreds are said to vegetable dyed. Very few rugs from this period are said to be chemically dyed.

Vegetable dyes, once cooked in a vat, applied to the wool are impossible to reproduce to an exact match. That is why sometimes we get wonderful variations in color within a single rug.

The modern Tibetan rug shows influences from India and china. With the increasing westernization the dying and weaving patterns are changing and one fears that the traditional Tibetan rug may be lost for ever. The Tibetan may use these rugs for a variety of purposes that may include as sleeping mats wall hangings saddles etc.

Each rug has a unique story of its own. One is often captivated by the simplicity of its design, how wonderful it looks even though the minimalist use of color. The rugs represent not only the isolation of the Tibetan people but how as humans even in isolation our individuality seeps deep in to us and very so often colors the world around us.