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