| Wangden rugs have a different construction to regular Tibetan carpet (drumtse). They are thicker, with a low knot-count, and they are often finished with a shaggy fringe on four sides.
The main customers before 1950 were the Tibetan monasteries. Monks sitting cross legged and taking part in lengthy ceremonies appreciated these carpets for their warmth and comfort, especially in sub-zero Tibetan winters. Many of the traditional designs and colors of these carpets are the result of monastic preferences. These days however this source of business has disappeared for the weavers.
We keep a selection of Wangden rugs in our stores. Each rug is unique and designs vary according to the interests of the weavers, but the selection below gives a general idea of the types and designs. Most Wangdens are either square sitting rugs (khagama) or longer sitting/sleeping carpets (khaden). Click on the images for a closer look.
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