Where are Himalayan Gateway handmade carpets made?
The carpets are handmade in Nepal, primarily by Tibetan and Newari families residing in the Kathmandu valley region.
Who makes Himalayan Gateway Carpets?
Handmade carpets are produced primarily by Tibetan exiles (living in Nepal) and the closely-link Newari community that has trade and cultural links with Tibet going back more than a thousand years. The weaving techniques and designs are passed down from generations to generation. These carpets are made by master weavers, and absolutely no child labor is used in the production process.
What style are the Himalayan Gateway Carpets?
Most of of our carpets use a traditional style, utilizing a mix of centuries-old Buddhist and Tibetan symbols, colors and patterns. These classic designs are timeless, and never go out of style, and makes a fantastic match to nearly any architectural or home decoration style.
What materials are used to make Himalayan Gateway Carpets?
The carpets are made out of a mix of the highest quality sheep’s wool from the Tibetan Himalayas. The Tibetan sheep grace at a high altitude of above 12,000 feet. Temperatures at this altitude are extremely cold; due to these extreme conditions the sheep produces lanolin and an abundant fleece coat. These results in one of the most durable and softest wools in the world.
Are the sheep treated humanely?
Yes, our providers obtain their raw material from well-treated and healthy sheep. These sheep are sheared in the Spring season as temperatures begin to rise. In the process of shearing the sheep’s wool is carefully treated. No animal get hurt or killed in the process in the process of making your carpet.
How long does it take to make a carpet?
The carpets are handwoven in a traditional Tibetan style and each square inch has a 100 knots, which are hand-compacted to ensure the tightest and most resilient weave possible . The carpets use complex mix of color and patterns, and every single knot requires a high level of concentration. Many of the master weavers describe entering a state of meditation when crafting a carpet. Most carpets are worked on by one master weaver, and it normally takes between 3 to 6 months to produce a carpet, depending on the size and complexity of the design.
What coloring or dying methods are used?
Our providers’ uses highest quality Swiss and New Zealand synthetic and natural dyes that will maintain their original color for decades. The carpet makers use the traditional pot dyeing process to color the wool. Vegetable dyes can also be used depending on the customer’s preference, if ordering custom made carpet.
How to take care of a Himalayan Gateway carpet?
These traditional carpets have been a central feature in Tibetan households for many centuries, and they are made very much to be used anywhere you decide. Some even say the appearance improves over time. They can be walked upon in bare-feet or shoes. Exposing the carpet to heavy mud or soiling (eg. in an entry way) will naturally require more frequent cleaning. Himalayan Gateway carpets can easily be clean with cloth ; with soapy water or special care if needed.