The wool not only adds to rug's durability, but also provides dirt repelling quality and thermal insulation. The silk, on the other hand, gives a unique sheen to the rug. This rug rejects heavy ornamentation in favor of elegance and contained design sensibility. Its elegant style is easy to decorate with and perfect for living room, dining room, bedroom or anywhere in the residence or office. Story Behind the Art: For centuries Tibetans have used rugs for decorative and functional purposes, drawing upon geometric patterns, auspicious symbols, real and mythical animals, and natural imagery to create beautiful, colorful designs. But it was only after 1959 with the Chinese invasion of Tibet and the growth of Tibetan diaspora in Nepal and Tibet that Tibetan rug weaving underwent a crucial commercial revival. In the 1970s, Tibetan rugs rose to prominence and Nepalese artisans, drafted in to keep up with the rising demand, became the mainstay of the Tibetan rug weaving traditions. Tibetan rug utilizes a slit-loop technique called the Tibetan knot which makes for a pile that is a wonderful mix of depth, texture and richness. In modern times, designs featured in Tibetan, Nepalese rugs (those woven by Tibetan refugees in Nepal) and Indo-Tibetans (woven in India) range from Westernized adaptations of traditional Tibetan motifs (such as branching floral designs and snow lions) to a large mixture of foreign and modern free-form patterns.