Our Materials
Our Materials
At Ganapatee, we believe that well-made rugs begin with carefully selected materials. Alongside traditional fibres such as wool and silk, we work with a selection of plant-based fibres sourced from Nepal and the Himalayan region. Each material has its own texture and characteristics, allowing us to create rugs with different visual and tactile qualities.
1) Natural Luxury Fibers
Wool
Wool has been used in rug making for centuries and is widely used in handmade rugs. Its natural elasticity allows the fibres to recover from compression, while its structure provides a comfortable feel underfoot. Wool also offers natural insulating properties and a characteristic texture, making it suitable for both contemporary and traditional rug designs.
What makes it special?
Natural elasticity, a characteristic texture, and comfortable underfoot.
Silk
Silk is known for its fine texture, softness, and natural sheen. Its ability to reflect light creates subtle changes in appearance as the viewing angle changes. This gives handmade rugs a distinctive visual depth. In handmade rugs, silk can be used to highlight details and create definition in intricate patterns. Its fine fibres allow artisans to work with detailed designs and fine lines.
How is silk made?
Silk is a natural protein fibre produced by silkworms, most commonly the larvae of Bombyx mori. The silkworm produces a continuous filament to form its cocoon. The silk filaments are then processed and combined to create silk yarn, which can be dyed and prepared for textile production.
What makes it special?
- Natural light-reflecting sheen
- Fine and smooth texture
- Rich colour appearance
- Suitable for detailed patterns
- Distinctive visual character
These characteristics make silk a valued material in fine handmade rugs, where it can be used to add contrast, detail, and visual depth.
2) Plant Based and Vegan Fibers
Banana Silk
Banana Silk is made from fibres obtained from the banana plant. It is a plant-based fibre with a soft lustre and distinctive texture. In handmade rugs, it can add visual depth and a different surface character to the finished piece.
What makes it special?
A plant-based fibre with a silk-like appearance.
Bhorla
Bhorla fibre is derived from Phanera vahlii, a climbing plant found in Nepal and other parts of the Himalayan region. The fibre can be extracted from the plant and has traditionally been used for applications such as rope making, weaving, and other handcrafted products. Its natural texture gives handmade rugs a distinctive surface character.
What makes it special?
A traditional Himalayan plant fibre with a distinctive texture.
Okra (Ladies’ Finger)
Okra fibre can be obtained from the stalks of the okra plant (Abelmoschus esculentus), commonly known as ladies’ finger. While the plant is primarily known as a vegetable, its stalks can also provide textile fibres. In handmade rugs, the fibre contributes a distinctive natural texture.
What makes it special?
A plant fibre obtained from an unusual textile source.
Sunpat (Himalayan Cactus)
Sunpat is a plant fibre traditionally used in parts of Nepal. It has been used in weaving and other practical textile applications. In rug making, the fibre contributes a distinctive surface texture and connects the material to regional craft traditions.
What makes it special?
A traditional plant fibre associated with Himalayan craft traditions.
Vimal
Vimal is a natural fibre used in handcrafted textiles and rugs. It is less widely known internationally and contributes its own texture and visual character to finished pieces.
What makes it special?
A lesser-known natural fibre with a distinctive texture.
Hemp
Hemp is a natural plant fibre that has been used in textiles for thousands of years. It is known for its strong fibres and characteristic texture. In handmade rugs, hemp can contribute a firm texture and natural appearance.
What makes it special?
Strong plant fibres and a distinctive natural texture.
Allo (Himalayan Nettle)
Allo fibre is obtained from Himalayan nettle plants that grow in Nepal’s mountain regions. The fibre has traditionally been harvested and processed by local communities. It is known for its characteristic texture and is used in traditional textile and handicraft applications.
What makes it special?
A traditional Himalayan fibre derived from nettle plants.
Cactus Fiber
Cactus fibre is a plant-based material with a distinctive texture and appearance. In handmade rugs, it can contribute visual and tactile variation to the finished piece.
What makes it special?
A plant-based fibre with a distinctive texture and appearance.