Handmade carpets have always been an artistic value, the image of the people’s creative work created by masters who had received the knowledge of methods and patterns for centuries. This demand for these exquisite carvings of hand has led to the development of several different carpet weaving centers throughout the world, and each of these places is recognized by their particular variety of colors, style, and work. In this, Yak Carpet guides you to the five most advantageous places in the world in terms of purchasing unique handmade carpets – India, Iran, Belgium, China and Nepal.

1. India: Handknotted Carpets – A Beautiful Interlocking of Patterns

The carpet industry in India is generally appreciated for its bright and colourful fabrics and woven textile heritage, which has oriented the country to a specific corner of the international carpet trade. Indian handknotted carpets provide a numerous richness of emitting many conceives of fantasy in which several motifs and patterns are reflected in Indian traditions. Carpet weaving in India is majorly popular in three important states namely Rajasthan, Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh, which specialize on different types of carpets. For instance, the carpets from the Rajasthan State closely resemble past Mughal patterns and this has a floral and geometric pattern. Unlike these, the carpets from Kashmir are handknotted using the pure wool and silk patterns that include animals, garden, and pictorial designs. Durable and quality tested Indian handknotted carpets are famous and unsurpassed in competition with other international carpets.

2. Iran: The Cradle of Persian Carpets

Persian or Iranian carpets, the unique weaving of the south-eastern country was always famous for manufacturing exquisite carpets all over the world. Handknotted carpet weaving art originated in Iran during the 224–651 AD and has been through many changes, which exposed creative aspects, designs, motifs, and colors of the country. The most appreciated kinds of carpets originating in this country are Tabriz, Qum, and Kerman carpets, each of which has its own features and qualities. Handknotted carpets made in Iran are characterised by their high pile and exquisite designs, and are produced today in repeat styles and designs which are timeless and more enchanting – the Herati design contains a central medallion with four cornerpieces and the Vase pattern.

3. Belgium: The Art of Handmade Carpets

Compared to other countries that are famous for handknotted carpets, in Belgium they have mastered the art of handtufting and only bespoke and highly accurate carpets. The special process is the so-called tufting, which happens through a pre-woven fabric, and due to that characters of the carpets are dense, full and very strong. Belgian hand tufted Carpets are known for their elaborate patterns, bright and clear colored carpets made from wool, silk and synthetic fibers. These carpets provide the modern and most stylish look of interior as well as both contemporary and traditional look.

4. China: The Best of Craftsmanship – The Heritage of the Carpets

China is also one of the leading international producers of handmade carpets since they have diverse histories and cultural backgrounds. Turkestan carpets of China are hand woven and are made from the superior wool and silk that is naturally available in the country. Its products possess distinctive, innovative looks adorned with Chinese characters, topography, and flowers, thus having Eastern Sense. 

5. Nepal: A Legacy of Handmade Carpets

Located in the middle of the Great Himalayan range, another tradition in the craft of handmade carpets is remembered in Nepal. Nepalese handknotted carpets are artworks that can be traced back to the end of the 16th century and were developed by local workers taking designs from the Tibetan region. Fortunately the carpet weaving business is very much active in Nepal and most carpets are woven in the Kathmandu valley by talented carpet weaving experts from Nepal who use both the traditional Tibetan and contemporary designs for making their carpets. Nepalese hand-knotted carpets are made up of pure wool and or silk material which is well known for its design, colors and quality to withstand bad weather, which makes it ideal for use in homes and offices.

To summarise,

Finally, the fifteen countries (India, Iran, Belgium, China, Nepal, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, Iraq, Russia, Vietnam, Mongolia, Morocco, Caucasus and Kazakhstan) that produce the best handmade carpets are a living example of the continuation of the centuries old tradition of craftsmanship and the carpet making that is unique and unparalleled. Every area has its specific methods and practices, most of what goes into the creation of the handmade carpet, and the designs that make up the patchwork of the handmade carpet industry across the globe. Whether you are in the market for a Persian or Antique carpet, a graphical and colorful Belgian handtufted carpet or a modern Nepalese handknotted design, these top destinations promise to give you a splendid shopping experience, and a unique item that will endure through ages. Take a tour with Yak Carpet, your partner in the handmade carpets we offer and in the carpet weaving industry around the world.