Tibetans call their homeland "Gangchen" - Land of Snows. Gangchen Carpets are so named because they carry the distinction of being the true representation of the Tibetan rug-weaving heritage, which dates back to the 11th century. This proud heritage is an integral part of the Tibetan culture. The full appreciation of the Gangchen Carpets of Tibet can best be understood in the context of Tibetan culture, geography and people. Every aspect of the Gangchen Carpet is Tibetan - beginning with the use of pure Tibetan Northern Highland wool, the uncompromised traditional method of hand-carding and hand spinning of yarn, and weaving by the skilled craftsmen in the renowned Tibetan rug weaving centers of Gyangze, Shigatse, Nethong and Lhasa. Designs and symbolism in the Gangchen Carpets and the brilliant execution of the colors are all a distinct part of this proud heritage.
The Gangchen Distinction
Start with the best material and you get the best result. That's why Gangchens are made exclusively from the finest "Changphel" or Tibetan Highland Sheep Wool. Prized for its thick, long fiber, outstanding tensile strength, and high luster, this wool is absolutely the best fiber for a rug destined to become a family heirloom.
Why is wool so important?
Equate using the best hardwood with its exquisite grain, such as walnut, to create fine furniture, with the quality of the Tibetan Highland sheep wool used for creating Gangchen Carpets. Just as the beauty of natural grain is the distinguishing factor in contributing to the furniture's natural beauty and intrinsic value. The special quality of the wool in Gangchens is the factor that distinguishes the extraordinary Gangchen carpet from other rugs.
No other fiber takes and holds dye like Tibetan Highland sheep wool. Color actually seeps into the core of the fiber, dyeing from the inside out, so color is richer, more saturated, and more vibrant.
Our philosophy of design with the Gangchen Collection is masterful use of tradition to rejuvenate tradition. We draw our inspirations from the wealth of classic Tibetan design elements and recreate the designs into today's decorative context. The result is designs with the depth of timeless elegance yet fresh and eclectic for today's home.
On the contemporary front, InnerAsia's Art and Architecture Collection have been editorialized in Architectural Digest as "Modern Masterpieces". These rugs are the 100-knot quality with shimmering silk highlights, crafted in Nepal. Designed by a talented New York architect, Peter Gluck, whose accomplishments have earned him a reputation and stature both nationally and internationally amongst a discerning clientele. The collection has received kudos from designers and end-users alike.
InnerAsia is proud to introduce, for the first time in its nineteen year history, with new and vibrant collections in sixty knot production that offer our customers handcrafted rugs of distinction at a great value. These handmade rugs are designed by Innerasia's dedicated artisans who take pride in producing heirloom quality rugs. Tibetan Changphel wool from the Northern Highland sheep is used in all of the designs. The wool is hand carded, hand spun and dyed in copper pots. The first collection, Staccato Sixty, is a lively group of colorful contemporary designs in corals, greens and teal with camel accents. The patterns range from Navaho to Jazz to Jigsaw to Pathways and Ritual Blanket.
INTRODUCTION
I would like to introduce this book by explaining the circumstances that led me to write it. Growing up as a young boy in Tibet, I remember the visual dominance of vividly colorful rugs ornamenting every room in our home. Rugs were also a treasured presence in sacred shrines, assembly halls and in monasteries, particularly in the private quarters of the revered Lamas. I recall that the best rugs were always reserved for the Lamas and the family elders--whether used in decorating their rooms or saddling their horses. Later, when I inherited a few rugs of my own, my interest in these rugs blossomed into more acquisitions. Thus begun my Tibetan rug collection.
For me, collecting Tibetan rugs has been tremendously pleasurable and gratifying. First of all, Tibetan rugs, as you will see in the illustrations that follow, are incredibly varied in design, color, appeal and function. Their visual impact never ceases to excite one's senses they change from regal to whimsical, from utterly bold to exquisitely subtle. Secondly, each rug has a story to tell. Tibetans are passionate traders. Salesmanship and negotiation skills are highly regarded and relished as a national pastime by all participants including bystanders. Since rugs are so treasured, even the most mundane old rug often comes with fantastic stories of provenance and importance as expounded by the seller.
It is through collecting that my admiration for the Tibetan weavers and my involvement with their craft deepened. In 1986, I returned to my homeland from the United States to explore the possibility of producing a collection of traditional Tibetan carpets in Tibet that could meet the standards of discerning collectors.
I returned to New York from my trip with the realization that although the challenges involved in operating a successful rug weaving enterprise in Tibet were daunting, they could and must be overcome. I simply could not accept that Tibet, with its glorious rug-weaving heritage, abundance of the highland sheep wool and large population of weavers and artisans, would remain unable to enter the international market.
I was convinced that the success of such an enterprise would mean not only a revitalized Tibetan rug-weaving heritage, but also livelihood for significant numbers of Tibetans in their homeland.
The challenge of this project became irresistible to me. In the production process that begun in 1987, I worked closely with a number of master weavers whose depth of knowledge of the craft was most impressive. I realized that the wonderful tales of their craft, transmitted orally by their teachers, who in turn learned from their teachers before them, was an intrinsic part of Tibet's rug weaving heritage. I felt compelled to celebrate their craft. Thus I conceived the idea for this book.
I was fortunate to have Trinley Chodrak as my co-author. His wealth of knowledge of Tibetan cultural history was vital in realizing our objective for the book that of discussing the evolutionary development of Tibetan rug in the context of Tibetan geography, culture and society. Lincoln Potter's photography eloquently captures the visual images of Tibetan nomads, weavers and artisans in the context of Tibetan terrain and cultural landscape.
Finally, I am delighted that it is Hal Kuloy, author of "Tibetan Rugs", one of the earliest books on the subject, who is introducing and publishing this book. In 1982, when Tibet was still closed to outside travelers, Hal observed in his book that: "original material on Tibetan rug making tradition is rapidly disappearing, and it is important that one now starts in earnest to recover and preserve this marvelous art..."
Kuloy's book has been an important companion to me throughout these last twelve years of collecting, producing, and now writing. Our shared passion for Tibetan rugs and the importance of their heritage has generated the dynamics to set the looms in motion again in Tibet.
My gratitude is to very many people, many of whom shared their passion in and knowledge of rugs with me. The old masters who told me the tales of their craft, and the others who sold me rugs often relishing each transaction with wonderful tales of their rugs, are too numerous to name here. But their generosity has made this book possible. I ask them to share whatever merit this book offers. I alone must accept responsibility for any error or shortcomings of its content.
Kesang G. Tashi
New York January, 1999
This is where an end-user gets the most savings for their money. We select a handful of rugs whose designs have been discontinued. But the quality of each of these rugs is very much the Gangchen quality. They are sold by piece.
Shi-Nay, in Tibetan, means tranquility. The deep calm that ensues when one emerges from meditation. Shi-Nay carpets are designed to inspire just such a feeling of tranquility. Nowadays, more than ever home is the sanctuary, the refuge. Inside, a Shi-Nay carpet makes a statement of pure calm without taking over.
"Ngatha" in Tibetan means "made to order carpet". It is a tradition that dates back to the days of custom rugs for the aristocracy. InnerAsia upholds that tradition of superb craftsmanship and service to our international patrons.The success of InnerAsia's Custom Rug Program is a result of combining the 21st century software innovation with the old world attention to detail. InnerAsia can deliver a hand woven rug of your own creation within 22 weeks from the date of your confirmed order.Please call us at: 212 532 2600 to learn more about our custom rug program.
InnerAsia has expanded its product line to include hand embroidered silk and cashmere decorative cushions, luxurious cashmere blankets, and an extensive collection of Tibetan antique furniture that is unique and visually dramatic.
Hand embroidered and hand woven Silk Cushions and hand embroidered Cashmere CushionsHand embroidery on these cashmere and silk cushions are done by the most skillful artisans renown for their craftsmanship all over China. Some of the embroidery technique they apply on these cushions are rarely seen elsewhere, as they are restricted to a certain villages.
These luxurious cashmere throws in beautiful plaits and in solid colors and different colors on each side are about 5 feet by 7 feet in size and weigh about one kilogram in pure cashmere. A perfect treat for yourself or a great gift to someone special.
We have a comprehensive collection of Tibetan Antique Furniture which once adorned the aristocratic estates in Tibet. These furniture ranges from large treasure trunks to offering cabinets. The age of the collection is from 100 to 300 years old. They are unique in design and most dramatic in the rich Gauguin's paintings like colors. The wonderful patina that comes with age further enhances their visual presence.
Vermont Office:
Kesang Tashi, Founder and CEO
Scott Holson, Vermont Showroom Manager
Rachel Dimayuga, Finance & Administration
Phone: (212) 532-2600
Local number: (802) 672-1632
Fax: (802) 672-2632
Email: info@innerasiarugs.com
Visit our Showroom at:
The Bridgewater Mill101 Mill Road Route 4,
Bridgewater VT 05034
Monday to Sunday 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Florida Office
1829 Derby Glen Drive, Orlando Fl 32837
Phone: (212) 532-2600 ext. 102
Fax: (407) 240-5015
LaVerne Williams Territory:
Western Florida and Central Florida which includes the Orlando and Jacksonville area.
Cell phone: (813) 545-8646
Fax: (813) 996-7400
Karin ElsnerTerritory:
Eastern Florida
Cell phone: (561) 706-8796
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