Oriental Rug of Houston Hand Knotted Greek Key Border BeigeTibetan Wool Transitional Area Rug
Description
A hand knotted rug of exceptional craftsmanship, this rug has a pattern which is commonly known as the Greek key or Meander. This pattern can be traced back to ancient art of Greece but is common to other cultures as well. It represents running water or eternity. Overall impression of the rug is one of visual intrigue and stylish elegance. Story Behind the Art: Tibetans have cherished rugs for their beauty and utility for centuries, featuring intricate geometric patterns, auspicious symbols, real and mythical creatures, and elements from the natural world. However, it was only after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959 and the subsequent dispersion of Tibetans to places like Nepal and Tibet that Tibetan rug weaving underwent a crucial commercial revival. By the 1970s, Tibetan rugs had risen to prominence, with Nepalese artisans playing a pivotal role in meeting the growing demand, effectively becoming the linchpin of Tibetan rug-making traditions. In contrast to the Turkish and Perzian knots commonly employed for pile depth in most Asian rugs, Tibetan rugs use a distinct slit-loop technique known as the Tibetan knot. In this method, yarn is continuously wound over a rod laid across the stretched warp threads on the loom. Once the rod is completely wrapped, a knife is used to cut the yarn, creating two rows of pile tufts that result in a pile with a captivating mix of depth, texture, and opulence. Traditional Tibetan rug motifs often reflect the profound influence of Buddhism on Tibetan art and culture, but they also incorporate design elements from Chinese traditions, including phoenixes, dragons, lotuses, and other decorative motifs. In modern times, designs in Tibetan and Nepalese rugs, crafted by Tibetan refugees in Nepal, as well as Indo-Tibetan rugs made in India, span from Westernized adaptations of traditional Tibetan motifs like floral branches and snow lions to a diverse fusion of foreign and contemporary free-form patterns, offering a unique and ever-evolving tapestry of artistic expression.
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