Antique Tibetan Rugs 44631

Antique Tibetan Rug, Himalaya Region, Late 19th Century - A coiling dragon flies in mid air on this arresting antique Tibetan carpet. The pale tan field is otherwise occupied only by boxes tied with ribbons in the four corners. The tan-ground border has a design of serial stylized vases alternating with rosettes. Only the black framing outlines distinguish the field from the border, but here the uniformity of color provides a powerful decorative unity. The drawing, especially the dragon, is exceptional, and the use of the full face, always an artistic means of engaging the viewer directly, certainly achieves its intended effect.