FAQ

What is a Tibetan carpet?

Hand knotted carpet using a different knotting system from the Turkish and Persian counterparts is Tibetan carpet The Himalayan wool used for these rugs are rich in lanoline oil and yields sheen as it gets older. Traditionally, these rugs are used for sitting or sleeping on, rather than walking on. That's why many antique rugs are about 3 feet by 6 feet in size; this size fits the raised banquets that function as both seating areas and beds in many Tibetan houses. Particularly fine weaving or patterns of an enlightened nature are used in monasteries and by Buddhist practitioners during seated meditation. There are also smaller rugs, sometimes called meditation rugs, which are the right size for one person to sit on.

Today, the rugs are made larger to accommodate use as floor carpets. New patterns and designs complement contemporary and traditional home decor.

How long does it take to make a carpet?

Making an authentic Tibetan carpet by traditional methods is an enormously labor intensive activity which yields a far superior product. Hand knotted wool carpets commonly come in 3 qualities 60, 80, and 100 knots per square inch, with the higher count being more durable and incrementally more time consuming to weave. The patterns and quality of carpet directly affects the production period.

In addition to the time for weaving, is the time to card and clean the wool, spin the yarn, dye the colored yarns, and finally trim the woven design.

Detailed weaving requires skill and attention and progresses slowly—a fine 9 x 12 foot carpet often represents 1,500 hours of labor.


As a practical matter, larger carpets are made by a team of weavers and other craftspeople over several weeks to months.

Why do some have fringe and others don't?

All Tibetan carpets have cotton "fringe" on the ends; this is the natural remaining ends of the weft threads once the carpet is cut off the loom. Since, some customers prefer to have a clean edge; the fringe is often folded underneath the rug, covered with a strip of canvas, and hand bound.

Are the colors of good quality?

We employ a palette of over 500 yarn colors in the creation of our complete inventory of designs. We useAZO-free Swiss Ciba dyes.

The dyes used are of good quality creating colors which are rich and lustrous, and the overall effect of the color and design is pleasing and harmonious. We make carpets that range from exceptionally subtle gradations to boldly contrasting patterns, yet the results are always well balanced. Nepalese Tibetan carpets do not have the bright garish harshness, or the undesirable effect of one color "popping out" that many synthetic dyes produce. All our yarn is dyed by hand in small lot in a pot.

Are these rugs made with child labor?

The use of underage and child labor is a serious concern in many parts of the world. Many carpet manufacturers exploit children for their inexpensive labor in situations where economic pressures often prevail over education needs and health concerns. We explicitly prohibit workers under the age of 18 in our workshops. In fact we are general member of Goodweave and sell rGoodweave certified rugs to our buyers in USA and Canada. In Europe, we are general member of care and fair and support their mission and objectives.q

How are the rugs shipped?

Shipping charges differ according to the gross weight of the shipment, the final destination of the shipped goods, and by every airline or courier service. We may not be able to ship with the same airline every time. We inform our customers the cost of shipping once the gross weight of the shipment, the final destination of the shipped goods, and the method of transportation is confirmed.. When inquiring about shipping charges, please inform us the name of the airport/sea port closest to your location or where you would like the consignment to be delivered.