H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama visits rug weaving factory, early 1980s
This rare photograph captures His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama visiting the Miao Choephelling Rug Weaving Handicraft Center in the early 1980s—a powerful testament to his lifelong commitment to preserving Tibetan culture.
Rug weaving has always been a vital part of that heritage. Entirely handmade without the use of machines, Tibetan rugs represent centuries of spiritual and artistic tradition. Under the guidance of His Holiness and with the support of international aid, handicraft centers were established across India, Nepal, and Bhutan. These cooperatives not only preserved traditional weaving techniques but also provided meaningful employment for thousands of Tibetan refugees, allowing their culture to flourish in exile. Today, many Tibetan refugees have immigrated to the United States and Canada, while the weaving legacy continues through dedicated artisans in Nepal.
At BuyTibetanRugs.com, our work is grounded in a legacy that stretches back over a thousand years—rooted in the highlands of Tibet and carried forward through resilience, artistry, and cultural preservation.
The art of Tibetan rug weaving dates back to the 7th century AD, during the reign of Songtsen Gampo, one of Tibet's earliest emperors. These rugs were not just floor coverings—they were expressions of spirituality and everyday life. Handwoven by monks and nomads using changpel (wool from highland sheep), Tibetan rugs were traditionally used as:
What set Tibetan rugs apart was their distinctive cut-loop weaving technique, giving them a texture and character unlike Persian or Turkish carpets.
Following the 1959 Chinese invasion of Tibet, thousands of Tibetans—including artisans—fled their homeland. Many resettled in Nepal, bringing with them deep knowledge and spiritual devotion to rug weaving. With the guidance of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and support from organizations like the Swiss Development Corporation (SDC) and UNHCR, traditional rug weaving was revived in areas such as Kathmandu and Pokhara. These efforts helped preserve Tibetan craftsmanship while also supporting refugee livelihoods. Centers like the Jawalakhel Handicraft Center, established in 1960, became pillars of this movement—keeping the tradition alive and training new generations of artisans.
By the 1980s and 1990s, hand-knotted Tibetan rugs made in Nepal had gained international attention. These rugs became renowned for:
Nepal emerged as one of the world’s leading exporters of Tibetan-style rugs. This global recognition helped transform a cultural craft into a refined, luxury art form.
As many Tibetan families gradually migrated to America and Canada, the tradition of rug weaving continued in Nepal—a cultural legacy passed on to the skilled hands of Nepali artisans. Today, it is these dedicated craftspeople who carry the torch—weaving not just carpets, but heritage, history, and harmony into every piece.
We proudly honor this sacred lineage by working with master artisans in Nepal who continue the authentic Tibetan knotting tradition. Every rug we offer reflects:
When you choose a rug from BuyTibetanRugs.com, you’re not just selecting a decorative
item—you are investing in a legacy:
A story of exile and endurance.
A story of beauty born from adversity.
A story that lives on—knot by knot—in the warmth of your home.