| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
This web site of the artelino company is specialized in traditional Tibetan rugs from Nepal. On this page we present some images from the manufactory in Nepal where the carpets in traditional designs and sizes of 3 by 6 feet (ca. 90 by 180 cm) are made exclusively for artelino.
Tibetan Rugs - Warping
In old carpets made before ca. 1930 (according to Hallvard Kare Kuloy) wool was used for the warp and weft. Today cotton is used. The images show two female workers applying the warp for a large carpet.
As can be seen, the looms are simple wooden frames. The Tibetans are the only carpet making people that use a vertical loom. The example on the photograph is a rather large loom for a large carpet in modern design.
Tibetan Rugs - Weaving
I do not know why, but also for hand-knotted Tibetan carpets the expression "weaving" is used, although the process is not weaving but knotting. The Tibetans use a knotting technique that is entirely different from the Persian, Turkish or Chinese knot. The knot is not applied one by one and then cut. The Tibetans loop the yarn around two warp threads and a horizontal guidance rod. The technique is rather complicated and a bit difficult to describe by a non-national English speaker like me. In any way, the process is tricky and includes some extra techniques. "Weavers" have to be trained in an apprenticeship or under the guidance of experienced persons.
While working in front of the loom, the "weavers" have the design pattern drawn on paper in front of them, attached to the warp. Only weavers with an experience of several years can make the complicated traditional designs directly from the paper called "shokpo".
Tibetan Rugs - Washing
After the carpet was finished on the loom, two further steps are necessary: the washing of the carpet and as a final step the contouring with a pair of scissors. The contouring (not to be seen on these images) gives the Tibetan rugs a more three-dimensional, embossed look. It makes them look more beautiful and lively compared to untrimmed - in my view.
School and Nursery
I came to Nepal for the first time in the late 1970s. Since that time I have kept a personal bond with this country and an admiration for the unique Nepalese and Tibetan culture. The owner of the manufactory that produces the traditional carpets for artelino is a personal friend of mine for thirty years. Influenced by many business travels to Europe and the United States, he has implemented working conditions that are unique for this country. My friend operates an elementary school and a nursery for the children of the workers. The school and two teachers are privately paid.
Video: Tibetan Rugs from Nepal
In 2009 we produced a small video in which I try to give a bit of explanation on 7 traditional rugs. We then offered the rugs in auctions on our old web site www.artelino.com. Duration 4:44 minutes.
Dieter Wanczura
