Rare matched pair of Tibetan gabney (or cushions) in original condition as they came out of Tibet circa 1972. (The inner padding under the ribbed blue backing cloth – which was various layers of felt - was removed prior to leaving Tibet, as the person carrying them walked most of the way from Tibet to Kathmandu across the Himalaya via the Solu Khumbu, and no doubt wanted to carry no extra or unnecessary weight.) In Tibetan folklore the Snow Lion is a mythical animal that resides in the Eastern Himalayas. and has a youthful, vibrant energy and a natural sense of delight. Its fur is pure white and its flowing mane is the colour of Tibetan turquoise. From 1909 until 1959 a single snow lion or a pair of them was used as the national emblem of Tibet on coins, postage stamps, banknotes and the national flag of Tibet (as seen at bottom above). They are a mix of natural and aniline dyes and have cotton warp and wool weft and were made circa 1930. There a several spots of moth nibbles in both rugs and one big moth ‘bite’ out of the lower left corner of the bottom rug in the ‘double’ photo, This unwarranted attack has (un)thankfully only removed the pile, the foundation is intact so easily repairable / rewoven if one wanted. The size of the ‘top’ rug is 68.5cm x 39cm (approx. 27In x 15.4in); the ‘bottom’ rug is 70cm x 40.5cm (approx. 27.5in x 16in). Rare to find a matched set, even rarer to find a matched set with two snow lions facing outwards. Would suit a collector or anyone seeking a true rarity weaving from Tibet depicting a seldom seen mythical 'beast'. (For more photos and info please see here - https://warpandweft.club/portfolio-item/other-tibetan-carpets-item-17/ (If the cushions were re-stuffed the backs would something like the 'quilted' back of the throne-back-carpet in last photo.)