Nepal is a landlocked country situated between China and India. It has a landscape that includes fertile plains and eight of the world’s tallest mountains. From this diverse land comes a history of making Nepal rugs that is closely tied to the need for protection from a harsh environment.
Art with Ancient Origins
No one is certain when rug making began in Nepal, but is it accepted that it is an age-old tradition. During the 1960’s, the European market took notice of these beautiful and durable rugs, mainly to help Tibetan refugees who settled there. Now, rug making is a major sector of the Nepalese economy that serves as employment for many.
Nepal rugs have a characteristic that makes them highly desirable. They use a special knotting system that results in a high knot density. They use both a single and a double knotting system. Depending on the knotting system used, the feel and quality of the rugs can vary. This is what makes rugs from Nepal stand out and one of the factors that led to their popularity around the world.
Unique Rug Characteristics
The special technique of knotting makes many Nepal rugs feel softer and more supple than Persian and Turkish rugs that you will find on the market. They are also thicker, which gives them a plush feel that is luxurious to the touch. Another feature of Nepali rugs is that the double knotting system causes the pile to have a resiliency and spring back when it is walked upon.
The deeper pile of the rug is made from local wools that are hand washed with spring water and dyed using natural plant materials. The wool is hand-spun so that it has both strength and elasticity. All of the weaving is carried out on vertical looms.
The typical rugs from Nepal are between 40 to 125 knots per square inch, but rugs of 60 to 100 knots per square inch are not uncommon. Many Nepali rugs have areas of high and low pile. This is hand-carved using hand shears. This is a highly-skilled process because one bad cut could ruin the entire rug.
The Nepalese weavers have a vast repertoire of designs due to influences from India, China, Buddhist traditions, Persian, and Turkish rugs. They often use strong colors with high contrast. Traditional designs include dragons, phoenix, snow lion, florals, tigers, and Buddhist symbols. Now, they make rugs to suit contemporary décor, only with the same attention to detail for which they are known.
Today’s Nepal Rugs
The fine rug making tradition in Nepal continues today, and it still boasts a thriving industry. Nepal has access to premium wool from robust local mountain sheep. It also has world-class dyeing technology and a large workforce of talented weavers. This allows them to produce luxurious hand-knotted rugs at competitive prices. These stylish Nepal rugs carry on the great artistic legacy that has millennia of tradition behind it.
Using only the most time honored traditions of weaving handmade area rugs, the designer-quality pieces in our collection of rugs crafted in Nepal are some of the more captivating rugs you will come across. Weavers in this remote region excel at creating minimalist designs and transitional rug patterns. Many the wonderful area rugs from Nepal tend to have a more contemporary approach to the compositions. This makes them amazing options for today’s homes.
Many of the designs combine traditional elements and modern ones. For instance, the tiger is a traditional Nepalese design, but now artists give it modern graphic details and a fresh, modern design. Many of the luxurious and artistic modern Nepal made area rugs are surprisingly accessible for most. They are a beautiful addition to many design styles for the contemporary home or office. We invite you to explore this luxurious, soft pieces that represent the best of Nepalese artistry and craftsmanship.
Twenty or so years ago my father gave me a beautiful antique Persian rug - after so many years (and kids and pets) it needed some TLC, so I brought it to Nazmiyal. I just picked it up today and - wow! They got the stains out entirely and the entire rug is brighter; they also made some repairs - it's back in my living room and looks fantastic, and the bill was lower than I'd expected. Overall it was a great experience - the people are wonderful, the work was perfect, and I saw so many beautiful rugs at their store that I found myself wishing for a larger apartment. Next time I need any work done on a rug, or find an open bit of floor I know where I'll be heading.
It is always a delight going to the Nazmiyal showroom. This Qashqai is one of several purchases made over the years, and mom is truly enjoying it. Jason and the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. They listen to the customeru2019s needs. When I go to the showroom, it is like visiting my family because we have the same appreciation for the textile arts.nnOriental carpets are a rare discipline to be educated in, because you canu2019t go to a university to have certain types of training and experience, such as knowing the cultures and processes of carpet weaving. Jason has such a refined eye that he can distinguish a good rug from a great rug, and that knowledge is offered to the customer to elevate their point of view.nnComing here has been an initiation into a world of culture, art, and beauty which has sustained me, and for that I am grateful.
Loved my runner rug purchase from Nazmiyal. Love the ability to purchase, try and return if it didn't work out! I had it shipped to California and everything worked out beautifully!
NAZMIYAL is the best source for antique and vintage rugs and carpets. Staff is extremely knowledgeable, Jason himself is an amazing dealer who handpicks each and every piece in his stunning collection and is happy to educate the consumer, not just make a sale. I always trust his experience and great eye for all my spaces!
I had an absolutely wonderful experience working with Nazmiyal. I was very impressed by their selection, the quality of their beautiful carpets, and their extremely reasonable prices. Really I cannot say enough about how helpful everyone at the gallery was - especially Omri, work with him if you can! - and how happy I am with my new antique rug. Five stars, highly, highly recommended!