TIBET, 20TH CENTURY | 'Tiger' Rug

Christie's, New York, 30 June 2004, lot 9

Overall measurements: 69cm across the top, 69cm across the bottom, 148cm the left hand side, 150cm the right hand side. Comprised of four vertically joined strips, visible clearly from reverse. Pile varies from 3-4mm overall down to knotheads and foundation - these areas are visible from the image. There is a small 'bite' to the lower left hand edge. All four edges with herringbone tape stitched to the underside inscribed 'BARIN CARPETS - RESTORATION & CLEANING / LONDON 020 - 7731 0546'. Some minor old moth damage, which appears to be no longer active. Some minor re-piling in the blue field, largely in the third column from the left. Flexible handle with deep saturated colours. Would benefit from a professional clean.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present lot features a repeated highly stylised tiger stripe motif, a device associated particularly with Tibetan rugs. These were objects of importance and often gifted to high ranking lamas or monastic institutions by benefactors or pious attendees. The tiger is an important beast in Tibetan Buddhism and features across a range of art. Rare and costly pelts are depicted in frescos and thangkas (scroll paintings), as seat coverings, costumes and as loin cloths on some sacred figures. These evocative objects have been cited as being meditative in nature during prayer and other rites. During Losar (Tibetan New Year) these rugs are used in dance, a rite called Tse Gutor - rtse dgu gtor, enacted to provoke protective deities to cleanse away sins for the forthcoming year. The use of orange, an important colour in Tibet in its own right, against a blue background is particularly dramatic.