Leadership Insights | Illustrated Lectures:Tibetan Carpets: Ingenious Craftsmen Weave a Tapestry of National Unity

Tibetan carpetweaving technique is a representative traditional craft of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. It was listed among the first group of national intangible cultural heritage items in 2006. With a historyof more than a thousand years, it combines weaving techniques from the Central Plains with the nomadic culture of the plateau to form a unique artistic style.

Tibetan carpets are made from sheep wool in Xizang Autonomous Region and go through dozens of steps such as hand spinning, natural dyeing, weaving, and trimming. The core technique is called the “interlocking knot” weaving method, which makes the carpet surface dense and durable. The patterns are mostly inspired by auspicious symbols, natural motifs, and Tibetan geometric designs. The colors are primarily red, yellow, and blue, using natural dyes extracted from plants like madder and rhubarb. Tibetan carpets not only carry a prayer for blessings and good fortune but also reflect the ecological conservation wisdom of people on the plateau.

This craft has developed distinctive styles in places such as Gyantse in Xizang and Jiaya in Qinghai, and the skills are passed down within craftsmen families or through monasteries. In contemporary times, measures such as establishing intangible cultural heritage workshops, developing cultural and creative products, and providing subsidies for inheritors not only protect the traditional craft, butalso create economic benefits for herders. As akey cultural medium along the Silk Road, Tibetan carpet craftsmanship bears witness to the integration of history and culture, and its exquisite artistry and ecological concepts still hold inspirational value for contemporary design.

The time-honored Tibetan carpet weaving technique has achieved remarkable results over time. Today, Tibetan carpets not only continuously innovate in traditional patterns and techniques, but also focus on improving product quality. They have expanded from the domestic marketto international markets, gaining popularity among numerous consumers. This craft is also constantly exploring new paths in its development, leveraging modern technology to realize digital pattern design and improve production efficiency and accuracy.

The cultures of ethnic minority groups are an integral part of Chinese culture. It is important not only to protect tangible assets such as villages, residential buildings, and distinctive architectural landscapes and inherit intangible cultural heritage, but also to promote their creative transformation and innovative development, allowing ethnic cultures to become more vibrant in practical use and continually shine with new brilliance.

监制:蔚力

策划:丁素云

文案:杨俊康