Contemporary & Transitional Rugs

Since many of these rugs share some elements of design with traditional rugs, we sometimes refer to them as "transitional". However, in these galleries we do not attempt to differentiate "transitional" from "contemporary". The major factor in the growth of contemporary rug designs is the expansion of Tibetan-weave rugs. The Tibetan weavers, as refugees in Nepal and India, came from a different tradition than Persian and Turkish weavers. Initially they wove in designs in their own distinct tradition. However, in the last few decades, they interacted with western importers to produce designs that were never before seen in hand-woven rugs. Weavers in other lands now produce some non-tradional design. However, most of the rugs shown in these galleries will be 'Tibetan'.