Khaden

This refined Tibetan rug presents a bold, symmetrical floral composition set against a deep black ground. Three large, stylized peony blossoms—two in vibrant orange-red and one in vivid violet blue—unfurl amidst curling stems and multi-coloured leaves. Revered as the "king of flowers," the peony symbolizes prosperity, beauty, and spiritual nobility in both Tibetan and Chinese cultures, infusing the piece with auspicious significance.The field is enclosed within a dynamic geometric border, featuring multi-coloured stripes interspersed with stylized cloud motifs, creating a lively yet balanced frame. At the centre of each side, a mountain motif is depicted, possibly alluding to Mount Meru—the cosmic axis in Tibetan Buddhist cosmology—symbolizing the spiritual centre of the universe.
Such rugs likely served as seating mats or throne covers for monks and lamas during rituals, or as decorative furnishings within temples and distinguished households. The vivid palette, auspicious imagery, and meticulous craftsmanship of this example reflect the cultural synthesis and profound spiritual traditions embodied in Tibetan textile art.

Warp: Cotton
Weft: hand-spun Tibetan wool, prized for its durability and softness.
Colour: light-medium -dark indigo blue/hues of orange/hues of coral/moss green/off white-cream/camel/high-medium apricot/ light-medium-dark hues of red/light violet-blue
Condition: in very good condition considering the age, with no major repairs 
Date: First quarter of the 1900s