Tibetan Pile Rug for Saddle

Cream wool, orange peonies, and a notch cut for the horse’s withers.

Tibetan weavers made this pile saddle rug in wool in the late 19th or early 20th century. Saddle rugs of this shape were commonly laid over the horse’s back, with a central opening to fit around the saddle. The cream field carries two large peonies in soft coral, with scattered smaller blossoms. A wide border of dark blue, cloud and scroll motifs frames the stepped outline, finished with an orange edge. The pile is worn flat in places.

Hang it on a wall and it becomes a very well-mannered banner.