| We've all heard about Tibetan rugs, but are Tibetan | | | | rugs is that there popularity is not dictated by availably. |
| rugs popular in our North American culture? The | | | | The tiger rugs have many of the expected Tibetan |
| popularity of Tibetan rugs waxes and wanes from | | | | characteristics and they are sold as meditation rugs or |
| month to month. One minute there is interest in the | | | | mats. The older ones where a solid color of brown, |
| North American market, the next there is none. | | | | black, or deep blue, while the modern ones have |
| Tibetan rugs are a tribal tradition and their designs are | | | | developed a wider color palette. |
| pictorial and generally focus on the Buddhist element. | | | | Any mat that is made in the shape of a square is |
| There rugs will also include geometric patterns. | | | | considered a mediation mat in Tibet. But realistically if |
| Collectors can't seem to decide if these unique rugs | | | | that was the case every Tibetan would be committed |
| are worth their investment dollars or not. | | | | to dharma and meditation and no one would be doing |
| Older Tibetan rugs in good condition are hard to find. | | | | anything else. |
| Most never left Tibet and thus the only ones available | | | | The checkerboard rugs appear to be the most popular |
| in the North American market are the more current | | | | rug from Tibet. It's apparent that when it comes to |
| rugs. Few rug dealers provide an opportunity to | | | | Tibetan rugs an understanding of the pictographs is not |
| purchase beautiful old Tibetan rugs. More often than | | | | appreciated in their rugs, unlike with other cultures. |
| not the rugs that have found their way to the western | | | | There appeal as a home decor piece is very |
| world are the checkerboard rugs which are a variety | | | | understandable as they are distinct and unique but as |
| of the tsuktruk weavings. They are generally a single | | | | a collectors rug it's hard to comprehend what drives |
| color pile weave made from narrow strips that are | | | | the market. |
| sewn together. These rugs do not have designs. | | | | The market for Tibetan rugs is more of a decor |
| The Wangen rugs come from a village called | | | | market and less of a collectors market and even still |
| Wangden in the village of Tsang. Wangden was | | | | the Tibetan rugs seem to have a difficult time |
| always one of the traditional weaving centers were | | | | penetrating the market with any strength. When it |
| the warped face rugs originated from. | | | | comes to interest in Tibetan rugs it appears to be tied |
| Variations in color and structure have emerged but | | | | to an understanding of dharma and Buddhism. |
| from where no one is certain. Most have been | | | | You are probably well aware that the Tibetan culture |
| assigned the Bokhara name which is given to all | | | | is seldom discussed and few people understand |
| Tekke Turkmen rugs but there is suspicion that these | | | | Buddhism or the Tibetan people including those in the |
| rugs actually originated from the Wangden area which | | | | Pamir Mountains which are located in north Pakistan. |
| has emerged as a modern weaving center. | | | | Perhaps the lacks of understanding of the Tibetan |
| Tiger rugs wear also quite trendy for a period which | | | | people is the reason that the Tibetan rugs can't seem |
| has now waned. The interesting thing about Tibetan | | | | to grab a continuously comfortable market share. |