CIRCA: early 1900’s
This Tibetan under-saddle carpet or ‘makden’, given the predominate reddish-orange colour, was probably made for an ecclesiastical personage and has a floral design on either side with abstract clouds and mountains at either end. The main field is enclosed by a narrow inner border of unusual design, the wide main outer border consists of various motifs both floral and symbolic, while the very outer plain red border is made of red dyed nambu cloth covering a thick felt (that was a common post-weave addition to protect the edges of Tibetan carpets). Only two of the four girth strap holes have been cut open for use and both are edged with leather, while the other two are left pile-less as woven. Made circa the early 1900’s the size is 115cm x 62cm, it has hand-spun wool warp and weft and is backed by a medium-weight plain cloth. Although the red cloth border edges are fraying the carpet itself is in excellent condition.