A Pair of Tibet Tiger Rugs

158 x 88 cm and 164 x 86 cm (5' 2" x 2' 11" and 5' 5" x 2' 10") Tibet, early 20th century Condition: very good, full pile, minor signs of use Warp: cotton, weft: wool, pile: wool These pieces, which are likely unique, feature an extremely complex Chinese brocade design. It is well known that Chinese textiles have influenced certain Tibetan carpets. Consider, for example, Chinese medallions set against a background patterned with swastikas. However, such a complex weaving "tour de force" has hardly been documented to date. Chinese fabrics have been preserved in Tibetan monasteries, and the pattern of octagons and squares used here has also been documented on several occasions. A good comparison is provided by a fabric published by Linda Wrigglesworth in HALI 127, p. 133. In our rug, however, numerous elements have been altered or reinterpreted. Various Buddhist and Chinese symbols of good fortune are incorporated into the squares. Working from the bottom up, we first see the treasure vase, above which are the endless knot and a Shou symbol, followed by the pearl. In the upper half appear a flame symbol, a butterfly, and bats. Running through the center is a strip of rectangles adorned with swastikas, each containing a cloud symbol. In between are three-dimensionally rendered balls reminiscent of the play balls that the Fo dogs fight over on some Chinese carpets. Above another row of swastikas are naturalistically depicted birds. Finally, at the very top comes the highlight: Each rug features a tiger, one facing right and the other left. The animals are depicted in a highly naturalistic style and likely allude to those tiger rugs on which the animals are shown roaming through bamboo. A piece of bamboo can even be seen beneath one of the left tiger's paws. This also explains the pattern in the adjacent fields - which initially appears asymmetrical - that likewise depicts bamboo. An extraordinary example of weaving craftsmanship - and the fact that these rugs have been preserved as a pair is the icing on the cake. Estimate: € 6000 - 9000 Starting bid: € 4000

Estimate:£5,113.41

View all items fromAustria Auction CompanyorCarpets, Rugs & Textile