First quarter 20th century, 167 x 86 cm, Central Asia, South Tibet

This expressive graphic Tibetan rug features an abstract repeat of wide, wave-like, blue-black tiger stripes arranged in offset rows on the brilliant orange ground; it belongs to the borderless type. - In Tibet, the mystical tiger rugs were considered symbols of power. Their use was reserved to a small group of high-ranking dignitaries. These tiger rugs were not exported to western countries before 1979. From then on, some 200 examples left the country in the wake of political and social upheavals. The group became widely known through a monograph published by Mimi Lipton. – Slight discolouration, very good overall condition, with the pile at its original height and the original finishes all around. Backed with a fabric tape at the upper and lower ends.

LIPTON, MIMI, The Tiger Rugs of Tibet. London 1988, nos. 11, 12 and 29