There are mainly two types of Tibetan Carpets or Rugs. One is Tiger Rugs and other is Wangden rugs. At the end of 19th century, the American designers and buyers took great interest in Tibetan style rugs, making Tibetan rugs even more famous.
Because of the modern technologies the Tibetan cultures and tradition have become clearer to the world allowing people to know about their art and culture. Making of the Tibetan rugs is one of the cultures unfold due to the technologies. Each and every rug is special because of their unique, ancient designs. Carefully hand woven Tibetan rug tells us the story of the skills and dedication of craftsmen involved in making them and overall magnificent mysterious art of Tibet.
It is said that the western collectors were more interested in the Tibetan tiger rugs as they used to have striking resemblance to the real tiger skinOne type of these rugs is called the whole pelt which includes the legs and the face of tiger. In the Buddhist culture tigers are commonly seen along with the wrathful deities of Vajrayana tradition. It is believed that the tiger skin provides protection to the person involved in the meditation. On the one hand tiger skins are seen in the male deities while on the other hand leopard skin like rug is seen used in the female wrathful deities.
These types of rugs have looser weave hence the lower knot count and have a thick shaggy fringe. These rugs are said to have their presence widespread at one time but currently they are only woven in the Wangden valley, Tibet. Wangden rugs were originally used by the monks in monasteries as sitting carpets. Wangden carpets differ from knotted Tibetan carpets in both structure and design. The knotting method is unique and the rug backing is ‘warp-faced’.
The wangden rug comes in different types according to size:
The traditional Tibetan rugs have large variety of design, pattern and symbols .The Tibetan rug making is not as strict as Tibetan thangka paintings so the weavers have more degree of freedom in combining different symbols and colors. Some of the common designs are:
This design can be found with one or more medallions in the middle or in geometric pattern on the carpet.Typically they come with Tibetan border pattern but some even come in shape of flowers, mandalas like design or even have Chinese symbol of longevity.
The dragon design is one of the traditionally associated with Tibetan pattern. Often believed to bring power, wisdom and good luck the dragons are crafted with same belief into the rug. Dragon on the traditional Tibetan tugs are seen holding the Buddhist jewel on one claw flying in the air. And often enhanced by the designers own color choices and cloud designs.
Floral pattern are one of the main design element in the Tibetan rugs. Even though flowers designs are mostly just taken as decorative designs.They have deep meaning rooted in the Tibetan folk or Buddhism.The mostly commonly seen flowers in the rug are lotus, peach and peonies.
The snow lions and pheonix are believed to common mythical creatures related to the Tibetan folks.Snow lions has been the part of Tibetan flag and also a symbol of identity of the Tibet whereas phoenix is related to part of tibetan palsing yoga (the system of transformation) . Snow lions are usually used as a designing element in the Tibetan rugs generally shown in white color with green or blue mane.
The eight auspicious symbols are believed to be the attributes of the goddess of wealth. In Buddhism it refers to the offering given by the great vedic gods to the tathagatashakyamuni Buddha on his enlightenment. Each symbols have their own meanings and are common to be found designed in the rugs.
These Designs are more modern like creations following the western interior decorations taste.But they are actually traditional designs modified to match the taste of western buyers. A special form of geometric pattern is the checker board design.
Door carpets are rare Tibetan designs as these designs are not demanded by the western buyers. These designs have same basic pattern as other Tibetan carpets but made as a curtain for door and windows. These types of carpet or curtain are used in harsh and windy places like Tibetan plateau.
If you want to check out our tibetan rug faqs click here and if you want to check out tibetan rugs at our dharma store click here.
The mystery of eight auspicious Buddhist symbols Asthamangala Buddhist Symbols have always fascinated mankind since…
Buddhist rituals are important part of Tibetan culture and traditions. There are supposed to be…
Tibetan rugs are the special rugs made by following the traditional crafting method of Tibetan…
Namgyalma Symbolic meaning of Namgyalma Namgyalma also knows as the usnisavijaya, in Newari language is…
Tsongkapa (middle) Symbolic Defination of Tsongkapa Tsongkhapa commonly also known as Je Rinpoche was said…
Symbolic Meaning of Maitreya Buddha Maitreya Buddha is regarded as a future Buddha of this world who…