Late 19th century, 163 x 87 cm, Central Asia, South Tibet

In Tibet, rugs were not only produced in the cottage industry or in urban workshops, but were also made by itinerant rug weavers – highly skilled specialists who moved their small businesses around, producing commissions on site for wealthy citizens or the Tibetan aristocracy. This meditation rug in the format of a khaden was probably woven in such conditions. This is indicated by its perfect execution and the outstanding quality of its materials. A chequerboard design of small squares in sand yellow and dark red covers the entire surface; a border has not been included. The structure of a fine weave, cotton warps and wool wefts suggests that this meditation rug was made in the surroundings of Gyantse in southern Tibet. – Very good condition.

HARRER, HEINRICH, MAUCH, PETER & FORD, JIM, Tibeter-Teppiche. Innsbruck 1987, ill. p. 65 *** HERRMANN, EBERHART, Seltene Orientteppiche IX. Munich 1987, no. 96 *** KULOY, HALLVARD KARE, Tibetan Rugs. Bangkok 1982, no. 91