CIRCA: early 1900’s
Rare* Tibetan three dragon ‘throne back’ or ‘seating-back’ carpet made for a Buddhist lama or a very high official, and of a type that is seldom seen on the market today. All three dragons are superbly drawn in the playful Tibetan manner; the central five clawed main dragon is seen ‘face-on’ looking directly out at the viewer, clearly showing his curly whiskers, long lion-like mane and ‘antler-like’ horns and an exaggerated very impressive grin, typical of the whimsical Tibetan taste. His body is rather serpentine, and sports a dark and light blue checker pattern representing scales, as do the two smaller dragons which are seen in profile bowing in supplication. Positioned centrally ‘behind’ the main dragon’s body is the auspicious precious jewel that they all strive for. Center at the base of the carpet is the fabled ‘Mt Meru’, underneath which is a layer of clouds while across the very bottom are stylised waves. The main border itself is an interlocked array of a floral designs which is framed by thin light blue and dark blue guard stripes.
It was made sometime in the early 1900’s using soft but strong, glossy, Tibetan highland wool for the weft and pile, and the same wool and what appears to be yak or goat hair for the warp (assorted warp threads can be seen in the bottom right photo). The size is 73cm x 72cm and it is made with all, or predominately all, natural dyes. Given its primarily red colour it was probably used by a lama or high official associated with one of the ‘red hat’ Buddhist sects, i.e. the Nyingma, Sakya or Kagyu lineages. It has only been in two hands since first collected in the very early 1970’s in Kathmandu, Nepal, that is we only recently bought it back from the collector we sold it to almost six years ago. It is in very good condition and would suit any discerning collector.
* Firstly, it is rare because it was 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 carpets used in Tibet were, and is in very good condition with excellent provenance. In fifty five years of handling Tibetan carpets this is only the second time that we have had the privilege of offering for sale a genuine high quality antique Tibetan made / knotted throne-back carpet. Secondly, it is rare because it is not Chinese made and simply riding on the Tibetan ‘name’ and being passed off as Tibetan for ‘sales purposes’ (as some less conscientious, or simply ignorant, sellers are inclined to do). It is without question a genuine Tibetan made throne back carpet. (Always remember; if / when in doubt about the bona fides of a genuine Tibetan made carpet, always check the back of the carpet for the knotting type / style, as the knotting speaks the truth! For examples see https://warpandweft.club/knotting-comparisons/)