The hand knotted carpets, which are being produced in Nepal, are derived directly from the ancient pile rug weaving tradition of Tibet. It is the combination of ancient weaving skills, Tibet’s artistic culture and an abundance of fine wool that made carpet weaving a folk tradition. Tibetan carpets are both a sacred expression and an artistic quest.
For centuries, Tibetans have been weaving and using carpets as bedding, saddle blankets and meditation mats in monasteries. With the changes in the political situation in Tibet, thousands of Tibetans settled in Nepal. As a means of living, Tibetan refugees had begun a cottage industry of carpet weaving and with the growing tourist trade in Nepal, the carpet industry geared towards selling carpets to tourists. In the late 1970’s, floor covering buyers from Europe came
to Nepal and began to purchase larger sizes. Due to its uniqueness, Tibetan carpets have become one of the leading commodities in hand made floor covering market in both Europe and the United States, and continue to grow in popularity internationally.