Mongolian Pile Rug with Tiger Motif

Orange tiger on a gray-beige field, walking left with a questioning glance

This pile rug with tiger motif is from Mongolia, and is contemporary. It is wool. Most pile carpets were made by women of every class, from nobles' daughters to nomadic mothers, and weavers enjoyed considerable artistic freedom compared with makers of strictly regulated religious art. A wide rug with a pale taupe ground and a bold orange tiger with dark stripes, head lowered and turned toward the viewer. The tail is raised in a hook. Small gray paw details and slight crease lines show.

A walking cat, drawn by someone with generous ideas.