11
Jan
2021
The Largest Tibetan Tiger Carpet ever made in Nepal
We are proud to showcase the exquisite Largest Tibetan Tiger Carpet, a masterpiece for all Tibetan Tiger enthusiasts.
Table of Contents
The Largest Tibetan Tiger Carpet
Measuring an impressive 335 cm wide and 457 cm long (11*15 ft), this carpet exemplifies the rich tradition of handmade artistry.
This Tibetan Tiger Carpet is a rare, top-quality piece that embodies the warmth and authenticity of handcrafted products, reflecting the core values of Rugs & Carpets by MANDALAS LIFE INC: tradition, craftsmanship, and quality.
Historical Context and Meaning of the Tiger Rug in Tibet
At Rugs & Carpets we honor the traditional craftsmanship behind Tibetan Tiger Carpets, which are meticulously handmade.
Each design is cut by hand to create a stunning 3-dimensional look that emulates a real tiger skin.
History of Tibetan Tiger Carpet
Tiger rugs have historically been crafted as gifts for lamas in their monasteries, closely associated with Tantric Meditation.
The imagery of yogins meditating on tiger pelts is a common motif in Tibetan art, symbolizing protection during meditation against harmful creatures.
Yogis practicing tantric meditation on tiger pelts are depicted in various religious motifs, connecting to the tiger skin loincloths seen in Tibetan thangkas, the paintings of wrathful Tibetan Gods.
Historically, tiger skin rugs were also used in dances during the Tibetan New Year.
For centuries, Tibetan Carpets, such as those crafted by our factory, have been specially made by mothers upon the birth of a baby girl, symbolizing the birth of weaving knowledge and tradition.
The origins of tiger rug designs remain somewhat mysterious, akin to the broader history of Tibetan carpet making.
Mimi Lipton, editor of “The Tiger Rugs of Tibet,” notes that these rugs were not seen outside Tibet until 1979, when the first one was brought to the U.S. and acquired by the Newark Museum.
Many Tibetan refugees settled in Nepal and Northern India, where they began to earn a living through carpet weaving, continuing the legacy of this traditional craft, which adorns temple floors, pillars, and even horse saddles.
The unique knotting method used in Tibetan carpet weaving is a hallmark of this tradition, typically employing wool from the Tibetan highland sheep known as Changpel.
To learn more about the history of the Tibetan Tiger Rug, please read our article on the History and Origin of Tibetan Carpet Production in Nepal.
Tibetan Tiger Rug Meaning
The tiger symbolizes strength, military prowess, awareness, kindness, and confidence.
In Tantric Buddhism, the tiger skin represents the transformation of anger into wisdom and insight, providing protection from external harm or spiritual interference.
Tiger motifs are particularly prevalent in eastern Tibet, appearing on furniture and rugs.
Tibetan Tiger Symbol
The tiger embodies unconditional confidence, disciplined awareness, kindness, and modesty, associated with dominance over the forest and the air element.
In both Chinese and Tibetan medicine, various parts of the tiger are believed to possess powerful properties, representing strength, fearlessness, and military power.
In Tibetan Buddhism, many deities are depicted riding tigers, symbolizing the deity’s fearlessness.
The diffusion of the tiger motif has been noted among the textile patterns of Turkestan, Mongolia, and China, often associated with Buddhist ritual practices.
It is not easy to get rid of an illusion. It lingers even after the attainment of knowledge. A man dreamt of a tiger. Then he woke and his dream vanished but his heart continues to palpitate.
Prayer and Meditation Usage of the Rug
The history of Tibetan rug making spans over fifteen hundred years, although examples from that era are virtually nonexistent today.
Tiger Rugs have traditionally been used for prayer, sleep, and meditation.
Many Tibetans believe that meditating on a tiger rug enhances their practice and protects them from negativity.
Smaller sizes, such as 60*90 cm and 70*140 cm, are particularly suitable for prayer or meditation.
Crafting Process of the Largest Tiger Carpet
Materials Used
Wool
Crafted in the traditional manner, each design is hand-cut to create a three-dimensional look that mimics real tiger skin.
The Tibetan Tiger rug is handmade in Nepal using 100% Tibetan wool, featuring 100 knots per square inch.
Cotton Loom
The loom serves as the base structure of the carpet, with cotton used for its construction.
Weavers of the Hand-Knotted Carpet
These skilled artisans are the faces behind our largest Tibetan Tiger Carpet. The weaving process takes approximately three months and involves four dedicated weavers who are excited to contribute to this magnificent piece.
Supriya Lama
Supriya, on the left in the photo, is 25 years old and began weaving carpets in 2017. She is married and has one daughter, while her husband works as a security guard in a private company.
Bimala Bal
Bimala, to the right of Supriya, started weaving carpets in 2016 and is one of our best weavers. At 30 years old, she balances her household responsibilities with her work at our carpet factory.
Sanjita Lama
Sanjita, next to Bimala, began her weaving journey in 2019 and has proven to be a committed and skilled weaver.
Rojina Lama
Rojina, on the right in the photo, is 26 years old with two children. She finds joy in weaving carpets, stating,
When I weave the carpet with my friends, I feel relaxed.
This work helps her stay engaged during the day while her husband is at work and her children are at school.
Designing the Carpet Before Starting
This is the computer design of the Tibetan tiger carpet, illustrating the meticulous planning that goes into each piece.
Traditional Color Combination of the Rug
The color scheme of this Large Tibetan Tiger Carpet is striking, featuring a light orange body with two shades of beige and light yellow.
The black stripes against the orange give it the appearance of authentic tiger skin, with exquisite detailing, including blue eyes and a pink face with a beige nose.
Large Graph of the Tiger Carpet
This graph illustrates the design of the Large Tibetan Tiger carpet, showcasing the intricate work our weavers are undertaking to bring the tiger’s face to life on the loom.
With each rug crafted by Rugs & Carpets, we celebrate not only the artistry of weaving but also the deep cultural significance and traditions that these pieces carry.
Experience the beauty and craftsmanship of our Tibetan Tiger Carpet, a true testament to quality and heritage.
