Tibetan Quilts - One of the important Tibetan handicrafts

Tibetan quilts are indispensable for Tibetan people's live. The Tibetan quilts, made of the local wools, are soft, delicate, warm and durable. A common quilt can be used for at least eight years, while a high- quality one can be used by two generations. The material for a high-grade quilt is constituted from pure, thin wool, allowing for a very soft and warm result. Tibetan quilts are good choices for the windy and chilly living conditions.

The Tibetan quilt is usually divided into four types, namely, the twin-, three-, and four-thread woven and high-grade quilt, respectively weighing 5, 7, 8 and 12.5 kilograms. Generally speaking, Tibetan quilt is fine, clean, even, soft, high-density, thick and durable and possesses a unique weaving method. It is said that Nanggarze is a birthplace of Tibetan quilts. Tibetan quilts are mainly made in Lhasa, Shigatse and Shannan, while the best is in Shannan.

With a history of over 1,000, Tibetan quilts years are also family property in Tibet, handed down from generation to generation. Legend goes that Tibetan quilt began to appear when Princess Wencheng of Tang Dynasty (618-907) who entered Tibet in 641 and was married to the Tibet King, Songtsen Gampo. The princess brought the advanced weaving method of the Han people to Tubo (ancient Tibet kingdom).