Tibetan Pile Rug for Saddle, Made Into a Pillow

Made for a horse, then made into a pillow. A promotion, arguably.

This pile rug for a saddle, made into a pillow, comes from Tibet and dates to the early 20th century. It is wool, with a mohair backing. Tibetan weavers knotted small rugs to lie over or under a saddle, adding comfort and display in a culture that traveled long distances on horseback. Large peonies in red, coral and orange float on a black ground, among leaves and vines. A notched olive-green band runs down the center, and bright bands fill the corners. It measures 43.5 by 27 inches, and 8 thick.

The horse was not consulted.