Hand-Knotted Tibetan Khaden Rug | Hanging Peony Garland

This composition exemplifies a classic Tibetan adaptation of Chinese textile aesthetics, where floral motifs emerge gracefully from a stylised wave–mountain–cloud base—a design language deeply rooted in Qing dynasty silk brocades. The structure of the field reflects a thoughtful balance between naturalistic ornament and symbolic abstraction.

The floral elements, rendered with gently curving stems and finely articulated leaves, appear to grow organically from this foundational base, creating a sense of upward movement and vitality. Particularly noteworthy are the small white droplets scattered across the deep blue ground, suggestive of water or dew—an evocative detail that reinforces the connection to textile prototypes and may indicate that the weaver was closely referencing an actual silk model during execution.

The palette is both lively and harmonious, embodying the Tibetan inclination toward vibrant coloration as a means of enlivening interior spaces. The interplay of warm and cool tones—set against the saturated ground—imbues the piece with a luminous and decorative presence.

Referenced in “Dream Weavers – Textile Art of the Tibetan Plateau, pages 78 & 79, Plate 15”

Age: Late 1900s-early 20th century
Condition: Very well preserved with no major repair
Warp: 6 ply cotton
Weft: 2 shed brown wool
Knots: 3+4 ply yarn, wool
11hx5.5v: 60.5kpsi
Colours (9): Dark blue / medium blue / light blue / orange / salmon / light pink / rust / ivory / light yellow (faded)
Dimensions: 89 cm x 158 cm (35.0 in x 62.2 in)