In 1986, Kesang Tashi, a Dartmouth-educated Tibet-born international banker found his country's centuries old rug weaving tradition endangered and desperately in need of help. He took on the challenge to revitalize it by setting in motion Tibet's own arts and crafts movement. The result of this effort is Gangchen Carpets of Tibet.

Tibetans call their homeland "Gangchen" - Land of Snows. Gangchen Carpets are so named because they carry the distinction of being the true representation of the Tibetan rug weaving heritage which dates back to the 11th century.

This proud heritage is an integral part of the Tibetan culture. The full appreciation of the Gangchen Carpets of Tibet can best be understood in the context of Tibetan culture, geography and people.

Every aspect of the Gangchen Carpet is Tibetan - beginning with the use of pure Tibetan Northern Highland wool, the uncompromised traditional method of hand-carding and hand spinning of yarn, and weaving by the skilled craftsmen in the renowned Tibetan rug weaving centers of Gyangze, Shigatse, Nethong and Lhasa. Designs and symbolism in the Gangchen Carpets and the brilliant execution of the colors are all a distinct part of this proud heritage.

Tibet is the roof of the world and home of the world's highest mountain ranges, including the Himalayas with the majestic Everest. The vast stretches of its Northern Highland, so tranquil and sparsely populated, seem to almost touch the sky. This desolate highland is the home of the hardy Tibetan nomads and their equally hardy breed of the Tibetan native sheep that provides the choicest wool fiber in the world for InnerAsia's Gangchen Carpets.

The pure "Changphel" or Tibetan Northern Highland sheep wool fibers under analysis show significantly longer and thicker staples compared to the hybrid, mechanically processed wools of New Zealand and Australia. The resulting Gangchen Carpets are beautiful in their wool texture, springy to walk on and durable in use - because when this wool fiber is woven into a carpet, it withstands a lifetime of use. It becomes a family heirloom to be treasured and enjoyed by posterity.

The earliest Tibetan society began as Nomadic communities. The Nomads quickly learned to use the wool for their survival. They began with the rudimentary flat weaves to make tents for shelter, clothing and blankets to keep warm. Tibetan woolcraft evolved from this humble beginning into the single most important cottage industry in Tibet.

Tibetan nomads represent, in the fundamental ways, the Tibetan character. The country's harsh climate and geography draw them close to nature. They are humble, fiercely free-spirited and resourceful. Centuries of Buddhist teachings endowed them with many Buddhist traits. There is a deep reverence for knowledge, whether it is in sophisticated Buddhist art or the methodical progression of the Buddhist path. This dichotomy results in a dynamic dual personality; free and bold on one hand and methodical and intellectual on the other. There exists a creative tension consistent in Tibetan aesthetic expression whether it is in their fine arts or in the decorative arts such as rug weaving.

Tibetans' love of colors is expressed in their painting, sculpture, architecture, decorative arts and clothing. In the Potala Palace, in the monasteries, in the interiors of the holy temples, or in humble village homes, color is as much an invocation to their Gods as it is a celebration of life.

The 4 groups of Tibetan rug designs are: wildlife, geometrics, symbols and florals. In wildlife, the Tigers, come in a variety of designs - rendered in realistic and abstract forms. The Tiger is a reminder that the passion of one's excessive ego stands as an obstacle to the enlightenment. Tiger rugs also champion the practice of compassion toward the animal by substituting a rug for a real pelt.

Geometrics are the oldest and the most indigenous of Tibetan designs. They draw inspiration from nature, architecture and early textile designs. The most popular geometrics are the checkerboard designs, often associated with spring and summer picnics on riverbanks, weddings and other festive occasions.

The most popular of the floral designs is the lotus which is a Buddhist metaphor on human potential. In spite of its humble origin, growing out of mud, the lotus attains perfection. Lotus is a flower of hope and beauty.

In the symbol category, there is a rich and distinct plethora of Buddhist symbols found in the religious and secular world of Tibet.

Particularly the 8 auspicious symbols. Umbrella - the enlightened Buddha as a universal spiritual monarch. Twin fish - freedom from restraint. Conch shell - truth of the Buddhist teachings. Vase - fulfillment of the highest ideals. Knot of eternity - interplay of wisdom and compassion. Lotus - human potential. Wheel of dharma - the eight-fold Buddhist path. Banners of victory - victory over ego-driven neuroses.

Designs in the Gangchen Collection include:

• Tibetan Sky evokes Tibet's brilliant blue sky, filled with magical cloud formations rarely seen elsewhere.

• Gangchen Twilight portrays Tibet's evening sky in silver grey with soft accent colors.

• Diamond Checkerboard - a masterful interplay of design and color. The central diamond medallion represents a protective talisman.

• Lotus and Amulets - a symbol of human potential to strive for perfection amidst adversity. Also available in beige and indigo.

• Lotus Lake - a beautifully stylized pattern of lotus petals.

• Country Apron is a playful interpretation of the aprons worn by country folks in Tibet.

Gangchen Caravan Series: Inspired by Tibetan saddle rugs:

• Amdo Caravan honors the celebrated horsemen of Amdo province.

• Lhasa Caravan pays tribute to the gallant horsemen of Lhasa, and

• Khampa Caravan celebrates the warrior horsemen of Kham.

• Lhasa Khotanese celebrates Tibet's history of cultural ties with the ancient city of Khotan.

• Classic Medallion This rug's geometric border design is often found in ornately carved Tibetan columns and doorways.

• Peonies on Ivory celebrates the bountiful wildflowers of Tibet.

• Classic Tibetan Floral represents a period of rug weaving renaissance in Tibet, when many wonderful new designs flourished.

• Lhasa Samarkand pays tribute to Tibet's cultural exchange with the ancient city of Samarkand. Available in honey beige and forest green.

• Tsangpo Festival captures Tibetans' love for color and is associated with summer picnics along the banks of the Tsangpo River.

• Flaming Gem is a stylized motif of a wish-granting flaming jewel. This design is available in sage green and indigo.

• Eight Auspicious Symbols A literal representation of the eight auspicious symbols would be disrespectful. This interpretation with flowing ribbons creates a sense of movement and playfulness.

• Three Auspicious Fruits The peach, pomegranate and fragrant citron are considered very auspicious in Tibet. Tibetans love this design because it brings peace and well-being into one's home, and is exquisitely decorative.

• Chrysanthemum Field Appreciation of flora and fauna is expressed in daily life in Tibet. This design is also available in light grey.

• Tibetan Trellis This design skillfully weaves Tibetan floral and geometric motifs into an intricately beautiful trellis, glowing with rich jewel tones. Also available in coral.

• Snow Leopard is the most elusive of Tibet's wildlife. Sadly, it is now an endangered species.

• Tiger is a reminder that the passion of our ego stands as an obstacle to enlightenment.

• The Gangchen Pillow Collection coordinates perfectly with Gangchen Carpets. These pillows provide warm colors and a distinctive accent to any room.

• The Gangchen Screen Collection These richly textured screens are made from diminutive wood chips intricately applied to handmade paper. The design and colors are reminiscent of an unearthed antiquity. Designed in collaboration with award-winning artist Robert LaVigne.

The wealth of uses of the rugs in Tibet illustrates the importance and value attached to the rugs in their society. The rugs are used in humble homes and grand palaces; at festive occasions; during solemn religious and state functions. They are used for pilgrimage and trade expeditions; as throne backrests; as ritual objects and adornments for horses, mules and yaks.

In the past, the patrons of Tibet's finest rugs were the monasteries and the aristocratic estates. Today, the Gangchen Collection has expanded its roster of clients and is used in a wide range of decorative settings.

The variety of designs that the Gangchen Collection offers, enables its clients to use Gangchens to furnish rooms in styles ranging from Traditional to Contemporary and from Mission Oak to Country French, making Gangchen a versatile rug of choice.