A striking expression of Tibetan textile artistry, this horse blanket unfolds through a disciplined lattice of repeating diamond forms—an ordered geometry softened by the quiet irregularities of the human hand. Stylised floral motifs emerge within each lozenge, with rhythmic clarity, their cross-like articulation echoing both botanical abstraction and the ornamental language of brocade traditions.
The composition reveals a subtle dialogue between structure and vitality. The dark, almost inky ground acts as a unifying field, allowing the motifs to radiate outward in warm, mineral tones, each hue breathing life into the grid without disturbing its balance. Small connecting elements, like scattered embers, animate the intersections, reinforcing the sense of continuity across the surface.
Framed by a bold geometric border, the design carries a protective and enclosing presence, consistent with the symbolic role such textiles played in Tibetan material culture. While conceived for practical use—adorning and protecting the horse—this piece transcends its function, embodying a refined aesthetic sensibility where order, symbolism, and beauty converge.
Woven in resilient, lanolin-rich Himalayan wool, the blanket possesses a supple handle and a soft, enduring sheen. Its surface, gently mellowed by time, retains a remarkable clarity of design and colour, offering a vivid glimpse into a tradition where even utilitarian objects were imbued with quiet elegance and artistic intention.
Referenced from "Dream Weavers - Textile Art of the Tibetan Plateau, Pages 180 & 181, Plate 66"
Age: Early 20th century (1910-1930)
Condition: A very well-preserved example, especially considering its equestrian use, retaining its structural integrity—well above average for comparable horse blankets.
Warp: Z 2 S ivory + gray wool
Weft: 2 sheds gray brown wool
Knots: 5 ply yarn, wool
8h x 4v= 32kpsi
Colors: dk. blue/lt. blue/ivory/red/lt. orange (faded)/purple (faded)/burnt sienna (slightly faded)/khaki tan/lt. red
Size: 138cm x 87cm (54.3in x 34.2in)
