In this Gallery we feature the lesser known Chinese-Tibetan rugs. They are mostly from Tibet(Xizang), Qinghai and the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China. But we caution that it is sometimes difficult to suggest the exact origins of the weavers of these rugs given the absence of designs that are particular to a region. Also there are over 3 million Tibetans that live in eastern or other provinces outside Tibet. These rugs are not old. However, age is not a prerequisite for their artisitic beauty and excellent craftsmanship.
The 14 rugs we have selected have unique motifs and designs. Dragons and phoenixes feature prominently. The border patterns include the 'T' or Greek key-fret pattern. Some have no border patterns at all. There are also tiger designs in three forms: pictorial tigers that look somewhat cartoonish, spread-eagle tiger skins and repetitive geometric tiger stripe patterns. There are also repetitive floral or star motifs.
These rugs are not large. Most are around 59" x 31" in size. They were used by the local people to sit on, as part of bedding or blankets. So the wool is soft and smoother than most Persian rugs. Which makes them ideal for bedrooms...one each on either side and one at the foot of the bed. These rugs are highly affordable for their beautiful craftsmanship. Take a look and see how you can enjoy them in your home. Or email us at jeffrey@globalhandcrafts.com should you have questions or comments.
Dragon1 (left) Two dragons against a yellow-orange field with a fiery pearl ball in the center. At both ends of the rug are mountains and frothy waves in a myriad of colors.
Dragon3 (right) Another example of double dragons on a yellow field. The dragon's body has a checkerboard pattern for scales. Note the cloud patterns suggesting these are heavenly dragons.
Two examples of tiger skin patterns repeated in an orange-brown field. The tiger's stripes are in dark blue. Tigerskin2 (left) has a colorful barber's pole at the top and bottom.
The pattern on Tigerskin3 (right) is less curvilinear and stylized. Either one shows like a piece of modern art.
Tigerskin7 (left) is even more stylized and repetitive with a "T" pattern border framed with an outer dark blue border.
Floral1 (right) is a fine example of a geometric floral pattern rug. The
diamond lattice work of what looks like stylized poppies is woven over a
dark blue field. The "T" border completes the rest of the design.
Shou (right). This rug is calligraphy in geometry. The Chinese character shou is a symbol of longevity and highly auspicious.
Geometric1 (right) is a colorful composition using a checkerboard '+' (plus) pattern laid out in diamonds. The result is quilt-like.
Floral2 (left) Another example of a geometric floral pattern rug with blue flowers on a yellow field. Greek key-fret border.
Tigerspread1 (right)This is a typical tiger skin rug woven spread eagle on a yellow field. Notice the tail on the tiger's back.
Twodragons7 (left) This rug has two dragons and two phoenixes, male (emperor) and female (empress) symbols respectively, dancing around a lotus flower. The lotus is a sacred flower for Buddhists. It represents purity and creative power, as well as Summer and fertility. Dragons and phoenixes together represent happiness
Bluedragon8 (right) A fierce blue dragon on a yellow field with a fierce mask at the top flanked by lanterns. Possibly a temple rug. Mountains and colorful waves at the bottom.
Checkerboard3 (left) A fine geometric pattern rug with checkerboard border.
Tigeronmtn177 (right) This is a pictorial tiger rug on a mountain. Tigers are auspicious symbols among the Chinese and consider the tiger the king of wild beasts and lord of all land animals. In this pictorial rug, the tiger is roaring at the full red moon against a dark blue background.
Tiger Stripes227 (left) Another example of a tiger stripe rug on a yellow field with no borders.
Tiger Stripes209 (right) This simplified tiger stripe rug has a colorful "barber's pole" at the two ends.
Tiger Spread187 (left) You cannot come closer to a real tiger skin than these two examples. Notice this wild eyed tiger!
Tiger Spread199 (middle) An interesting take on a tiger spread rug. This one is two headed, possibly male and female with borders. The rosette motif resemble tiger paws.
Tiger Spread205 (right) This tiger looks like its napping! Against a blue borderless background.
P'ulo-thigma223 (left) This rug copies the Tibetan wool weaving design P'ulo-thigma which is a cross ('+') pattern. An ancient design used in a woman's dress.
Windowbox219 (right) A wonderful piece that reminds one of a Mondrian painting. This is one of the best examples of a simple geometric pattern infused with a myriad of colors. Traditional yet so modern!