TIBET-NEPAL – MODERN HANDKNOTTED CARPET 248 x 336 cm

The history of carpet weaving in Nepal dates back centuries, with indigenous wool being utilized to create these renowned products, primarily for domestic consumption. However, the landscape of Nepalese carpet production underwent a significant transformation with the arrival of Tibetan refugees in the early 1960s. Thanks to the support of organizations like the Swiss Agency for Technical Assistance (SATA), the carpet industry flourished through financial and technical aid provided to resettled Tibetan refugees. Initially intended as a means of livelihood for these refugees, the carpets found a niche market among tourists visiting Nepal.

The breakthrough came in 1964 when Nepal’s first commercial shipment of carpets was exported to Europe, particularly Switzerland, marking the beginning of international recognition for Nepalese-Tibetan carpets. These carpets, characterized by meticulous hand processing and knot densities ranging from 60 to 150 knots per square inch, soon became a prized export commodity, representing a harmonious blend of traditional Tibetan designs with modern market preferences.

The manufacturing process of Nepalese-Tibetan carpets involves several intricate steps, from wool sorting and washing to spinning, dyeing, knotting, trimming, washing, drying, finishing, and packing. While traditional techniques are still employed, modern advancements such as machine dyeing have enhanced efficiency without compromising quality.