Hand-Knotted Tibetan Khaden Rug | Midnight Peony Tree

This exquisite Tibetan rug, dating to around 1900, is a superb example of Himalayan textile artistry. Set against a rich, indigo-blue field, the composition centres around three magnificent peonies in full bloom—symbols of beauty, prosperity, and spiritual growth in Tibetan iconography.

The central peony appears to float serenely in space, while the side blossoms rise gracefully from the shorter ends of the rug, evoking the natural ascent of life and energy. Flanking the central flower are two butterflies, rendered in contrasting hues, adding a sense of movement and harmony to the composition—also interpreted as emblems of transformation and joy.

The field is animated with multi-coloured foliage, creating a lush and vibrant environment. Along the longer edges, stylized clouds float across the sky, further elevating the spiritual and ethereal tone of the piece. On the shorter borders, symbolic renderings of mountains, clouds, waves, and water droplets add profound cosmological references—echoing the Tibetan worldview where earth, water, and sky are deeply interconnected.

The precision and elegance of the weave reveal the hand of a master craftsman, whose artistry speaks to the cultural and spiritual richness of early 20th-century Tibet.

Condition: Structurally sound for its age, with no major repairs. 
Warp: Cotton
Weft: Hand spun wool 
Date: 1920-1930 
Colours (8): Soft to navy blue / light to dark orange / off-white — cream — beige / camel / light to medium coral / light to dark red / maroon / light to medium moss green
Dimensions: 82 cm x 166 cm (32.3 in x 65.4 in)