Nepal is an ancient land with a rich cultural heritage and strong craft tradition. Thousands of years of undisturbed cultural development and the enduring traditional skill of craftsmanship, handed down from generation to generation, has produced a rich array of works of art revealing the genius of the Nepalese in all forms. Like other handicrafts, the carpet is an age-old product of Nepal.
HISTORY OF CARPET MAKING IN NEPAL
In the 4th century the people of the valley started weaving carpets and blankets made from sheep wool. The Magar (the Mongoloid ethnic group) of the valley used to raise sheep as their ancestral off-farm activity, card the wool and sell it to the household weavers. Every household had a loom fixed against the wall and tied around the waist of the weaver while weaving.
When the first Italian Capuchin missionary reached Kathmandu in 1707, the members of the mission felt they had discovered Europe in Asia. The three cities of the Kathmandu were very rich because of their monopolistic trade with Tibet. The valley was also famous for its art and architecture. From the design of the pagoda style temples to the pottery, textile and wooden-craft, the people of the valley were expert.
The credit of modern carpet weaving goes to the Tibetan refugees living in Nepal. One used to see the woolen carpets being woven where the refugees settled. Later the local Nepalese people learned the carpet weaving technique from the Tibetans and have developed the industry into the largest foreign exchange earning industry in the country.
The intense colors and rich design of these carpets are totally unique. Hand knotted rugs from Nepal are tailored to meet the expectations of those looking for something different and offer the high quality, durability, and resilience to last a lifetime of use.
Empress Orient is the importer and distributor of handmade wool and silk and wool carpets from Nepal. Catering to both residential sales and specialized commercial projects, including custom orders. Shipping available worldwide. VISA accepted.
