Mongolian Pile Rug with Tiger Motif

A tawny tiger crouches on pale green ground beneath a navy sky

This pile rug with tiger motif is from Mongolia, and dates to the 20th century. 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 broad rug with a dark blue upper band and pale green and peach ground below. A light-brown striped tiger lies with its head raised, mouth open, and a dotted line along its back. The edges are lightly worn.

Alert, composed and ready to begin the ordeal of being admired.