Commentary and News

Transcending the Kathmandu Valley
Redevelopment and reïnvention of Nepali-Tibetan Carpetry as a way forward.

21 February 2022 Michael Christie Commentary, Opinion

The production of carpets in Kathmandu has had a transformative effect on both the Tibetan refugee population and the native Nepali people. It is an industry which during its ascent, golden years, and decline – in volume – provided much needed foreign exchange for a country dependent upon such transactions. It created wealth both in Nepal and abroad, and it has undoubtably contributed to an increased standard of living in the country of Nepal. Likewise, carpetry in Nepal has transcended its ethnographic origins in Tibetan culture and traditions, merging harmoniously with the people of Nepal, and the demands of Western consumers upon which the commercialized trade of today depends.

Possibilities | Monologue

22 November 2020 Michael Christie Monologue

This is the reflection I’ve been having since the podcast. Add in a completely rational fear of the state of geo-politics as well as as the uncertainty of the pandemic, and forgive me for being overwhelmed. Writing about rugs and carpets in the boisterous and rambunctious media platforms that are in aggregate called ‘social media’ has become almost paradoxical and at times seemingly anachronistic, almost quaint. Most certainly not a necessity – whatever your situation permits you to perceive that to be. It has – unfortunately for me – lost its charm. …

In the Details | Monologue

6 September 2020 Michael Christie Monologue

At the same time, these very details, while critical and integral to the nature of say perhaps a handknotted rug or carpet can, if exposed in a manner uncouth, present the attune and woke consumer with a quandary. How does one reconcile the true detailed nature of the exploitive practices of all manner of handwork against emerging modern day sensibilities of human worth, self-expression, and as it should always and forever be, the value of human labour – upon which countless civilisations have risen and fallen.

Commercial Value | Monologue

24 August 2020 Michael Christie Monologue

‘Limited commercial value…’ is a phrase one will undoubtably read or overhear if one is to spend any amount of time dealing within the antique and collectable segment of the rug and carpet trade. Its use, seemingly at once condescending and pompous, is oft part of a compliment sandwich akin to: ‘It’s a beautiful example of [BLANK], of limited commercial value, but serviceable and hard wearing. Keep it if you love it!’ The question I now ask somewhat rhetorically of these learned aficionados of past glories is thus: ‘What, exactly, gives any old, worn, antique, vintage, or to be fully encompassing, extant rug or carpet its ‘commercial value?’

Ephemeral Modernity | Monologue

21 August 2020 Michael Christie Monologue

To embrace modern design and all which it entails is to place oneself at the uneasy crux betwixt the past and the future; only by first examining thoroughly what has been done before prior to folding in the techniques, materials, and technology of today can the modernist craft something in tune with the requirements of this era. By discarding faux notions of aesthetics defined as traditional, modern, contemporary, or the most lazy minded transitional, et alia the modernist designs and crafts for the needs and wants of today.