TYPE: Tibetan under-saddle carpet, checker design

CIRCA: 1920 (or possibly earlier)

A green-checkered Tibetan under-saddle carpet (makden) made in the so-called ‘butterfly shape, a shape which is generally believed to have been ‘introduced’ by the Younghusband expedition to (i.e. the British invasion of) Tibet in 1903, after which it was copied from those used by the British cavalry and subsequently became popular in Tibet. (However, some scholars believe it may have been introduced to Tibet earlier, as no doubt Tibetan traveler to India would have sen this shape prior to 1903.) This example features a seldom used (for a makden) checker design of light and dark green squares, nicely abrashed, as the central field. The outer border is also unusual as although at first glance it appears to be the ‘rice-grain’ pattern, it is actually a more elaborate repeating diamond like design not often seen, while the inner minor border is of pearls. Made circa 1920 / early 1900’s with all natural dyes, the size is 61cm high, 81cm across the top and 105cm across the bottom, and has cotton warp and wool weft. It is backed with a cloth woven from Bhutanese raw silk (most likely a piece from a Bhutanese ‘kira’, or woman’s dress), an expensive material not often seen / used on Tibetan carpets. All in all a beautiful piece with an understated minimalist impression in very good condition.

SIZE: 61cm high x 81cm top x 108cm bottom

WARP: cotton

WEFT: wool

KNOT COUNT: n/a (backing not removed)