TYPE: a tibetan under-saddle carpet, floral roundel

CIRCA: 1920

Tibetan under-saddle carpet or ‘makden’ joined (as is generally the custom for this type of saddle carpet) in the center with a strip of naturally dyed blue nambu cloth and the back-side of the carpet covered with blue cotton cloth. A floral mandala-type roundel is the main motif on either side while the overall orange coloured pile suggests it was meant for an ecclesiastical person. Only two of the four girth strap holes have been cut open for use, the other two left as woven. The narrow outer border is made of a red nambu cloth covering a thick felt that was a common post-weave addition to protect the edges of a saddle carpet from fraying. A mix of wool and hair weft with a cotton warp, and a mix of organic and aniline dyes, the natural dyed blue pile either side of the central nambu cloth showing a lovely subtle abrash. Made circa 1920 it is in excellent condition.

SIZE: 130cm x 60cm

WARP: cotton

WEFT: wool & hair

KNOT COUNT: n/a (can’t be seen)

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