Tibetan Rugs

Today, many area rugs are casually called "Tibetan rugs." However, traditional Tibetan area rugs follow very specific guidelines that many of these rugs do not meet. An authentic rug is not machine made and in not made with just any wool.

Similarly to an authentic Oriental rug, a Tibetan rug is made with handspun Tibetan yarns dyed with vibrant vegetable dyes. The rugs are very thick and luxurious made in rich, deep colors.

Tibetan area rugs are usually geometrical, floral, or animal in design. They are generally sold in 60, 80, or 100 knots per square inch. These rugs are made with a special method in which a rod is laid across the loom, yarn is wrapped around the rod, then the yarn is cut where the rod was placed, which makes two rows of pile tufts. No other rug is made in this way. These tufts separate a genuine Tibetan rug from other rugs.

Generally, they are not as large as room-sized area rugs. These rugs are heavy and dense, and usually small. They are usually three feet by five feet or four feet by six feet. Because of their size, they are sometimes used on top of other rugs or carpets or hung as tapestries.

Because Tibetan throw rugs are made of handspun, vegetable-dyed yarn and always handmade, they tend to be very expensive. Be prepared to pay hundreds of dollars per foot of rug. They do, however, make beautiful heirlooms to be passed on through generations. They are excellent investments and are beautiful additions to any room.

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