Tibetan saddle rugs are a combination of two pieces- a rectangular rug is placed on top of the saddle - for the comfort of the rider; and a larger rug in an unusual shape is placed below the saddle - for the comfort of the horse. Tibetan carpets for domestic use were made in homes - but more elaborate ones were made in workshops and used complicated designs and a variety of materials. Smaller carpets were made locally and Include: seat carpets (khagang-ma), bed carpets (khaden), and Saddle carpet sets consisting of the makden and maksho.
This early 19th C. woolen rug -Makden is 50”x26”and consists of two mirror parts sewn together at the center. The condition of the rug is reflective of its use and age, with signs of fraying at some locations. Made with wool, each half of this rug, consists of a central large medallion in a deep maroon background with a geometrical border.
The photographs of the back of the rug show the unique weaving technique of the period :
