Royal Rugs

HERITAGE & TRADITION
TIBETAN CULTURE

Wool: the foundation of Tibetan culture  

Wool is an integral part of ancient Tibetan civilization that has served many purposes throughout Tibetan history. Early nomadic tribes used woolen rugs as saddles for long journeys on horseback, while others used rugs for trade or to present to monasteries as gifts. Wool was used to make clothes, tents, and blankets—which are essential to surviving the harsh Tibetan winter.  As a result, the vast majority of Tibetan villagers know how to weave.

In 1959, the invasion of China into Tibet forced thousands of Tibetans to flee to neighboring countries. Many settled in the Kathmandu valley in Nepal, where Gyurme Dondup's father became the first rug designer.

Artistry

The enduring beauty and craftsmanship of authentic Tibetan rugs offer an unparalleled quality, unique to the artisans of Tibet and their rich heritage. 

Tradition

From art to music to food, Tibet is known for its distinctive culture resulting from a long history of exchange with other ethnic groups.

The Start of Royal Rugs

Did you know Gyurme's father was the first rug designer in Kathmandu after the Chinese invasion of Nepal in 1959? He was even featured in National Geographic for being a pioneer in rug-making.


Gyurme wanted to continue his father's legacy, so he teamed up with his immediate family to start Royal Rugs. This means he's and is a second-generation rug maker.


That's not Gyurme on the bottom center! He sure looks like his father.

Gyurme standing at Las Vegas Furniture Show during 2010 summer show.

Royal Rugs, then and now

Gyurme continues his father's legacy through Royal Rugs. His main inspiration for working as hard as he does is the people and culture of Tibet and Nepal. He loves to work with the people and factories in Nepal in order to continue passing on the tradition of rug-weaving. He even visits Nepal often! All in all, Gyurme loves to support the people who make Royal Rugs.

Rug displayed on Atlanta Rug Show

Rug displayed on Atlanta Rug Show

Royal Rugs participated on the Atlanta Rug show continuously from 2000 to 2008

Liliya Satirova, textile designer was helping Gyurme

Liliya Satirova, textile designer was helping Gyurme

Liliya Satirova, textile designer was helping Gyurme during summer market in Las Vegas Furniture Show 2010

Rug Samples at High Point Furniture Show (2009)

Rug Samples at High Point Furniture Show (2009)

Royal Rugs participated in High Point Furniture Show (April 2009 Edition)

Rug displayed at High Point Furniture Show (2009)

Rug displayed at High Point Furniture Show (2009)

Royal Rugs participated in High Point Furniture Show (April 2009 Edition)

Gyurme with Susan Barbieri in New Jersey during 2010 summer

Gyurme with Susan Barbieri in New Jersey during 2010 summer

Installing 14ft x 17ft rug and making permanent hole in the rug for electrical power outlet.

Gyurme with Jampa tenzing

Gyurme with Jampa tenzing

Tenzing was a promoter/weaver at Tufenkian for many years. Jampa and Gyurme came from Jawalakhel, Kathmandu. Jampa used for work at our parents factory during 1984-85-86. Always good to see him in Boston.

Gyurme with Ellen Winkler

Gyurme with Ellen Winkler

Ellen Winkler is an Interior Designer and owner of Ellens Interior in New London, NH. Gyurme met Ellen during 1999 NY Textile Show. Since then we have done over 50 custom rugs. Ellen retired recently. Gyurme also did evening presentation featuring Tibetan Rugs at the showroom in New London.

Gyurme with Cita Colbi

Gyurme with Cita Colbi

Colbi is from Colbi Design, New York

Gyurme with Julie

Gyurme with Julie

Decorator from South California. Julie and Gyurme at the factory to complete a huge project.

Gyurme with Kris Coe of CG Coe & Sons based in Bethesda, Maryland.

Gyurme with Kris Coe of CG Coe & Sons based in Bethesda, Maryland.

Gyurme has worked with Kris since 1999. Kris retired recently and was visiting West Coast. Its always nice to meet a good client in Oregon, where Gyurme was visiting his high school. Such a small world.

Liliya & Ja Nathan at Royal Rug showroom

Liliya & Ja Nathan at Royal Rug showroom

Liliya is a textile designer and Ja Nathan our sales team at showroom in Manhattan (2009)

QUALITY IN EVERY STEP

Wool Sourcing

Our highland wool comes from Tibetan sheep indigenous to the Himalayas. Each fiber is extra thick, long, and strong. This wool is then saturated with stain-resistant lanolin.

Colorfast Dye

Our craftsmen dye the wool in small quantities, ensuring proper absorption. The lanolin creates a rich, beautiful patina as the dye soaks in, making a naturally soft and lustrous rug.

Knot, Weave, Shred

The delicately processed wool is hand knotted following a graph. The carpets are then shredded to enhance the design, washed, and given their final brushing.


A glimpse into our process.

See our artists and craftsmen at work. Each step is crucial to create a perfect rug for our clients.

Our graphic artists at work.

Finishing up and adding the final touches to a piece.

One of our weavers working on a rug.

This rug is given a thorough wash after being weaved.
CONTACT

Request a quote now.

Our contact information:
Email: info@royalrugs.nyc
​Phone: (212) 313-9303
Ready to order? Request a quote for the rugs you love. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.
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​For any order related inquiries, general questions, and more, please send us an email!
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© Royal Rugs 2018. All Rights Reserved.