Rug weaving in Tibet stretches back hundreds if not thousands of years, though experienced a real renaissance in the early 20th Century, brought by the greater access to rich dyes, and a greater diversity in these carpets designs, combining traditional Tibetan motifs with elements borrowed from Chinese weavings. This piece is a fine example, with a dynamic design, woven in high-quality, silky wool.

A unique and elegant Tibetan carpet in a rare room-size format – likely commissioned at the time for a member of the nobility, as most Tibetan pieces of the period were woven in a small rug format. The midnight blue field provides a great contrast to the striking design, with each drawing in the central field creatively repeated in various colour combinations, and framed by a simple red border. The charming array of hues in its palette are all vegetable-dyed, and have taken on a soft patina with age which adds great depth and character.

In excellent condition, still retaining its original outer borders and kilim fringes (currently folded inside) on both sides.

A charming carpet, to furnish a stylish interior.