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 blanketswhich 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.

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.

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.

​For any order related inquiries, general questions, and more, please send us an email!