The most sought-after carpet by Tibetan rug collectors, tiger rugs like this one were used primarily by monasteries and most were given as gifts to renowned lamas. Originally woven as substitutes for real tiger skins, the tiger rug developed into an art form in Tibet and includes some of the most distinctive of all Tibetan designs.

This rug has a “whole pelt” design, a more complex and demanding design for the weaver than the more common “abstract tiger stripe” designs. This one is particularly lively and successful.

The rug is woven with natural dyes and the well-defined, “chunky” knot characteristic of 19th century weavings. The blue design is indigo, while the golden brown background is probably walnut or a mix of walnut and one of several kinds of yellow dye used by Tibetan weavers.The rug is in very good condition for its age, with moderate wear down the central axis consistent with its use as a sitting/ meditation carpet. There are two areas of repiling of the brown wool between the back legs of the tiger where the pile had worn down to the warp of the rug, but the blue design is all in its original condition.

Wool pile on a wool warp and weft foundation, classic Tibetan drumtse weave.