This is an exquisite vintage Tibetan rug which is approximately 50 years old. The rug was hand knotted on a traditional wooden loom using age-old techniques and 100% natural dyes. It was woven by one of the most historically renowned weavers in Olanchung Gola village, the mother of Donga Sherpa. The rug is made from pure Tibetan highland sheep's wool (called changpel) and depicts a lively, intricate design that sadly seems to have faded from memory, making this rug the only one of its kind. The 'khaden', which was typically used for either sitting or sleeping on, shows a pair of dragons playing with wish-fulfilling pearls (which represent wisdom and health), flying around a central red lotus flower and accompanied by a pair of phoenixes. The dragons (a creature of great creative power in Tibetan and Chinese symbolism) are depicted in mid-flight, surrounded by clouds on an abrash (naturally faded) blue background. Their depiction has exquisite details; the scales covering the dragons' bodies, their horns and claws, the colourful manes flying in the wind and bulging eyes, to name but a few. The clouds are executed expertly in four different colours. Similarly, the phoenixes are skillfully detailed (with beautiful wings and feet for example) and both carry flowers between their beaks. In Tibet, the dragon is an energetic positive icon representing wealth and transformation, while the phoenix symbolizes peace and tranquility and is endowed with the magical powers of longevity and resurrection. When depicted together, as in this example, the dragon and phoenix also represent the communion of yin and yang. The rug is in good overall condition with a slightly (naturally) worn pile that is now 7mm thick. The rug was personally sourced from Olanchung Gola village and is a very distinctive, high-quality piece. The dimensions are 150cm x 100cm.