J. M. Sorkin - Online Rug Gallery: Exclusive Tibetan Production

Exclusive Tibetan Production

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J.M. Sorkin’s Tibetan rug production is continually receiving wonderful feedback from our clients. In turn, we are continually expanding our designs, preferring to do designs that are original to J.M. Sorkin. Much of our exclusive production is based on images and designs attributed to antique Tibetan and Mongolian rugs. In addition, we design rugs that are contemporary in feel, providing customized look for the client who does not want an “Oriental rug look”. All of our rugs can be made in custom sizes, as well as the ability to implement color changes.

J.M. SORKIN design B-195.
Available in custom sizes and colors.

What makes rugs “Tibetan” rugs? Firstly, we manufacture our rugs with our colleagues in Nepal, who are themselves, Tibetan.

However, the primary structural distinction that distinguishes “Tibetan” rugs from other rugs is in the rather unique Tibetan weaving process. Tibetan rugs take on a texture different from more traditional Oriental rugs. Tibetan weaving employs the use of a rod around which knots are tied.

As you can see in the photos with the close-up of the knots on the loom, the yarns look shaggy and rather undefined. After a horizontal row of knots is tied, the rod is pulled out, leaving a ribbed texture on the back, as well as a textural feeling on the face. The rod is then inserted for the next row of knots.

After the rod is pulled away, the weaver beats down the row of knots to even them out and when the rug is finally taken down from the loom, it must be sheared, so the design appears clear. The photo below shows a rug being sheared after being taken down from the loom, though a similar shearing process often takes place while the rug is still on the loom.

Our rug production is primarily wool, but we also use silk in many designs as an accent or to provide another texture to the rug. The photo below shows a woman spinning wool by hand, using methods that are quite old. While many rugs today are made with machine spun yarn, we find that hand spun and hand carted wool helps to retain the feeling of old rugs.

The wool is then dyed. In our Tibetan production, we use both synthetic dyes, as well as vegetal dyes.

Colors are selected that balance well, together. The photo below shows yarns we have selected to capture the spirit of an antique Tibetan piece, a corner of which is shown near the yarns. The weaving process begins, usually with 2-3 people working on a 9x12 size.

J.M. SORKIN design B-192.
Available in custom sizes and colors.

After the weaving is completed on the loom, the rug is taken off the loom, washed and then clipped to remove excess yarns, replace any missing yarns and do additional shearing, as needed.

The result is our unique collection of Tibetan rugs.

Click the images to view a larger version of the rug. (NOTE: Some colors may appear different on your monitor than the actual colors in the rugs.
These rugs represent a very small portion of our extensive inventory.)

	J.M. SORKIN design B-194. Available in custom sizes and colors.
J.M. SORKIN design B-193. Available in custom sizes and custom colors.
	J.M. SORKIN design B-442. Available in custom sizes and custom colors.
J.M. SORKIN design B-67. Available in custom sizes and custom colors.
	J.M. SORKIN design B-40. Available in custom sizes and custom colors.
J.M. SORKIN design B-252. Available in custom sizes and custom colors.
	J.M. SORKIN design B-180. Available in custom sizes and custom colors.
J.M. SORKIN design B-148. Available in custom sizes and custom colors.
	J.M. SORKIN design B-1. Available in custom sizes and custom colors.
J.M. SORKIN design B-366. Available in custom sizes and custom colors.
	J.M. SORKIN design B-272. Available in custom sizes and custom colors.
J.M. SORKIN design B-59. Available in custom sizes and custom colors.
	J.M. SORKIN design G4300. Available in custom sizes and custom colors. (Made with hemp)