CIRCA: 1920’s / 1930
A rare* Tibetan three dragon throne back-rest or ‘seating-back’ carpet made for a Buddhist lama or very high official of a type that is seldom seen on the market. The central main five clawed dragon is seen ‘face -on’ looking directly out at the viewer, while the two lower dragons are seen in profile bowing in supplementation, while positioned centrally is the auspicious precious jewel that they all strive for. At the base of the carpet there are clouds and mountains, with the fabled ‘Mt Meru’ at the center, while the main border itself is a mix of various auspicious symbols interspersed with floral designs. The outer red border is the typical red cloth edging found on many Tibetan carpets, and it is backed by a blue cotton cloth. It was made circa 1920’s / 1930, has cotton warp and wool weft, a mix of dyes, and the size is 81cm x 66cm. There is a small restoration in one of the (blue) clouds lower left, but otherwise presents in very good condition.
*Rare because it is made in Tibet with the Tibetan knot, not in the Ningxia region of China with the ‘Chinese’ – i.e. Senneh – knot, as most of this type / shape of carpet used in Tibet were.