This is a wonderful example of a much sought after Tibetan tiger rug. Although contemporary, it was woven using traditional techniques and natural dyes in the village of Wan De in the Wagden Valley of Southern Tibet. It is made from pure sheep’s wool (making it surprisingly heavy)and depicts a lively, abstract Tiger pelt design: arguably the most original of all traditional Tibetan motifs. Tiger rugs are particularly associated with tantric meditation and historically were woven as a gift for lamas in a monastery. In a religious context Tiger rugs are related to the tiger skin loin cloths seen in painted images of fierce Tibetan Buddhist gods and are believed to provide protection to a person engaged in meditation. The rug was originally sourced on the ground in Tibet in 2008 and is in exceptional condition. It is 150cm long and 90 cm wide.