CIRCA: 1900 – 1920
A ‘complete’ two piece set of Tibetan saddle carpets with a matched design, that is both the under-saddle (makden) and over-saddle (masho) carpets, which are increasingly rare to find as an intact set of two pieces. (Note that although almost all saddle carpets were made as a set, they were / are often split up when sold at source in Asia, hence it has become harder and harder to find a complete set in good condition like this pair.) The central motif is the so-called flower diamond design, which when singular could also be seen as a stylised double dorje by some. Well depicted mountains and clouds anchor the outer corners of the center field, which on the under-carpet (makden) is itself uncommonly split between a dark blue and light blue lovely abrashed field. Only two of the four saddle girth straps ‘holes’ have been cut and lined in the under-saddle carpet, the other two remain showing the warp and weft exposed and pile-less, as is often the case. The outer main border consist of flowers interspersed on a saturated red background while the a inner border is infused with pearls. The very outer narrow red border stabilises the edges all round, and is red corduroy covered felt, that corduroy ‘covering’ no doubt being a later addition sometime during its life, either to replace an original worn one, or to put a protective border on an un-edged carpet for protection against the edges fraying. All natural dyes throughout, wool warp and weft, and made in time a frame of between circa 1900 – 1920. This is a unique opportunity to acquire a seldom seen intact set of Tibetan saddle carpets in very good condition. NOTE: The Tibetan wooden saddle and stand are NOT included in the sale (although the saddle itself can be bought separately). For more detailed information on saddle carpet shapes and sizes please see https://warpandweft.club/saddle-carpet-shapes/ ALREADY SOLD.