Tibetan Saddle Carpet with Wheel of Life Medallions

c. 1900
$3,280 USD
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Dimensions
W: 54.0" D: 25.0" H: 0.25"
Materials
Materials
Wool
Purchase Quantity
Collection #
CFC321
Estimated Shipping
$75

This unusually-shaped carpet is known as a "makden" and was originally used by a nomadic traveler as an artful covering for his horse. Placed between the saddle and the horse, the makden cushioned the rigid saddle and kept the horse warm in cold climates. Most under-saddle carpets include two to four holes near the center, through which the girth straps of the saddle were threaded.

Dated to the late 19th century, this Tibetan saddle carpet follows the conventional 'notched' shape, a rectangular form with stepped corners. The symmetrical design features round central medallions in the form of the Wheel of Life, a potent Buddhist symbol of the universe, creation, and eternity. The field is enclosed by a minor border of striped waves and a main border of floral diamond-work. Knotted in a palette of oranges, pinks, and blues, the small carpet continues to enrich its surroundings with bright color and rich texture.

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.

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Woven History

Originally used by nomadic travelers in the 19th & early 20th-centuries as artful coverings for their horses, these unusual Tibetan carpets cushioned rigid saddles & kept horses warm in cold climates. 

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Elizabeth Krueger | Elizabeth Krueger Design

“PAGODA RED was extremely supportive in helping to pull accessory options together for the Lake Forest Showhouse. After providing them with details and our vision on how we were looking to finish our space, Laurene helped curate options that made it easy for us to edit and finalize. It's also no surprise that the unique pieces we used in our showhouse space were some of the first to sell.”

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