CIRCA: 1920’S
A Bhutanese twill woven charkep – which literally means ‘rain covering’ – consisting of three individual panels hand sewn together to make the final piece with the tightness of the weave making it particularly effective in keeping the wearer both dry and warm (in cold highland weather). This type of piece originated in the Bumthang region of central Bhutan and the dominate motif in the center panel suggests it was made for a prominent person. It is of wool construction with silk highlights in the design, has a mix of aniline and natural dyes, measures 125cm x 135cm and is in good condition. [For a similar published example see plate 46, page 52 in the book Thunder Dragon Textiles From Bhutan by Mark Bartholomew.]