This exquisite and almost identical pair of antique Tibetan khaden carpets embodies the serene elegance and symbolic richness characteristic of the finest weavings from the Himalayan Plateau. Woven with resilient, lanolin-rich Himalayan wool, the carpets display a supple handle and a softly lustrous surface, testifying to both their durability and the skill of the artisans who created them.
Each carpet features a rhythmic field of coin-like roundels arranged in orderly horizontal rows. At the heart of each roundel lies the revered “shou” longevity symbol, a motif of Chinese origin that was widely embraced in Tibetan textile art. This symbol conveys wishes for long life, prosperity, and spiritual well-being, reflecting the deep cultural exchange between Tibet and China, particularly during the Qing dynasty. The repetition of these medallions across the field creates a sense of harmony, balance, and meditative continuity.
The chromatic composition is both refined and evocative. A ground of deep blue and softly modulated teal tones provides a tranquil backdrop against which the roundels—rendered in dark indigo hues—stand in gentle contrast. Subtle abrash and tonal variations animate the surface, revealing the use of natural dyes and enhancing the carpets’ visual depth. Toward the lower end, of one of the two examples, there is a delicate transition into lighter, parchment-like shades of ivory suggesting natural undyed wool, adding warmth and further dimension to the composition.
Notably, the absence of a pronounced border allows the eye to engage fully with the repeating medallion pattern, a design approach often associated with carpets intended for domestic or monastic use. The overall aesthetic is one of understated sophistication, where simplicity of structure is elevated by nuanced color modulation and symbolic ornamentation.
As a near-identical pair, these khadens were likely commissioned for a specific interior setting—perhaps placed symmetrically within a reception room or along opposite sides of a seating arrangement. Such pairs are relatively uncommon and are especially valued by collectors for their decorative coherence and cultural
Referenced from "Dream Weavers - Textile Art of the Tibetan Plateau, Pages 128 & 129, Plate 40." - Right rug.
Warp: Z 2 S ivory wool
Weft: 1 shed ivory wool
Knots: 4 ply yarn, wool
7h x 4v: 28kpsi
Colours (4): Dark blue / blue-green / natural brown wool / blue overdye
Dimensions: Left - 81 cm x 182 cm (31.9 in x 71.7 in), Right - 80 cm x 182 cm (31.9 in x 71.7 in)
Sold as a pair.
