Tibetan Rugs
As it is known, political situation influences both trade and art. But sometimes an infavorable political situation can work wonders for the trade. So it happened in Tibet. In the late fifties war forced many Tibetans away from their home land and into the Kathmandu Valley. Here the production of Tibetan rugs began.
Centuries before Tibet learnt of Europeans Tibetan rugs were used for many purposes. There were Tibetan rugs for praying in the monasteries, Tibetan rugs for homes and also ones used as saddles. So, the country has a long-lasting tradition of carpet weaving. In the mid-twentieth century the production of Tibetan rugs helped the people of the country to survive.
Tibetan refugees sold the Tibetan rugs to tourists. Then many countries recognized the benefits of trading Tibetan rugs and started ordering large quantities of them. Germany and United States were the first to come to value Tibetan rugs and their selling potential.
Many Tibetan rugs manufacturers sprang out in Nepal and started the history of cooperation with Europe and America. Solid Tibetan rugs with only borders defined by a pattern were especially popular. Nowadays Tibetan rugs are appreciated all over the globe for their quality, longevity and luxurious look.