Djoharian Design · Tibet Tiger · Naturals 60 kpsi
Tibetan Tiger Rug
180 × 90 cm · Dark Orange · Khaden Format
The classical Tibetan tiger — hand-knotted in Kathmandu from hand-spun Changpai highland wool, in the traditional Khaden format.
Heritage and Knotting Tradition
The Tibetan tiger rug is one of the oldest motifs in Himalayan textile culture. For centuries, tiger rugs in this format were used in Tibetan monasteries and palaces as seats for high lamas during meditation, as covers for ceremonial columns, and as honour places for rulers and teachers. The tiger itself symbolises power, protective strength and spiritual vigilance — the embodiment of the awakened mind in Vajrayana Buddhism.
This piece is hand-knotted in the workshops of Kathmandu, Nepal, by experienced artisans in the Tibetan knotting tradition. We deliberately source hand-spun yarn from highland women in small villages who still master the older spinning techniques — a practice that has all but disappeared from the wider Nepalese rug industry. The slight irregularity in yarn thickness produced by hand-spinning gives the wool its characteristic depth: different yarns catch the light differently, producing the subtle, alive surface that distinguishes a true Tibetan rug from a uniform machine-spun reproduction.
The material is finest Changpai highland wool — from sheep raised above 4,000 metres on the Tibetan plateau. Changpai is exceptionally long-staple and lustrous, with a natural resistance to wear that no lowland wool can match. The pile height is approximately 12 mm, and the hand-spun construction gives a particularly soft, plush hand.
Colour and Composition
The composition sets a row of stylised tiger stripes in deep dark blue against a saturated dark orange ground — the boldest and most graphic of the classical Tibetan tiger palettes. The field is framed by a broad multi-colour meander and cloud-band border in rose, green, ochre and ivory, running top, bottom and sides. The hand-spun wool keeps the orange alive and slightly variegated, so the colour reads warm and deep rather than flat.
Quality Line — Djoharian Naturals (60 kpsi)
This piece is hand-knotted in our Naturals line at 60 kpsi (knots per square inch) in hand-spun Changpai highland wool — the foundation quality of our Tibet Tiger collection, prized for its soft, plush hand and the alive surface of hand-spun yarn. The same design is available to order in higher knot densities: Elegance (80 kpsi), Luxury (100 kpsi) and Executive (150 kpsi).
Presence in the Room
At 180 × 90 cm (1.6 m²) this is the classical Tibetan Khaden format — a monastic sitting rug, ideal as an accent piece. Three contexts in which the Tibetan tiger reaches its full effect:
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Bedside or reading corner: the Khaden was designed as a seat for meditation — the format and pile height make it a natural fit beside a bed, a meditation cushion or a reading chair.
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Hallway or entrance accent: as a small statement piece, the bold orange tiger anchors a corridor or threshold space with warmth and quiet symbolic weight.
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Studio or library: the plush hand-spun pile and protective tiger motif make this an ideal piece beneath a desk or beside a sofa in a personal workspace.
Bespoke Commissions
This design is part of our made-to-order Djoharian Design programme. Adjustable to your project:
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Size on request — any custom dimension
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Colour palette matched to Pantone or RAL specification, drawn from over 1,200 yarn shades
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Quality line — Naturals (60 kpsi) · Elegance (80) · Luxury (100) · Executive (150)
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30 × 30 cm reference sample for sign-off before full production
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Lead time typically 4–6 months from order confirmation, depending on size
Details and personal consultation on our bespoke commissions page.
Specifications
| Dimensions |
180 × 90 cm (3 × 6 ft) — classical Khaden format |
| Origin |
Hand-knotted in Kathmandu, Nepal, in the Tibetan tradition |
| Collection |
Djoharian Design — Naturals (60 kpsi) |
| Weave |
Hand-knotted, Tibetan knotting tradition |
| Material (pile) |
100% hand-spun Changpai highland wool |
| Material (warp & weft) |
100% cotton |
| Pile height |
approx. 12 mm |
| Design |
Tibetan tiger — traditional monastic Khaden motif |
| Colours |
Dark orange ground, dark blue tiger stripes, multi-colour border |
| Era |
Contemporary production, new, unused |
| Underfloor heating |
Suitable |
| Bespoke sizes and colours |
Available on request |
| Reference |
#16076 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance of the tiger motif in Tibet?
Tiger rugs are among the oldest motifs in Himalayan textile culture. For centuries they served in Tibetan monasteries and palaces as seats for high lamas during meditation, as covers for ceremonial columns, and as honour places for rulers and teachers. The tiger itself symbolises power, protective strength and spiritual vigilance — the embodiment of the awakened mind in Vajrayana Buddhism. Today the motif bridges centuries-old symbolism and contemporary interior culture.
What does the Naturals quality line mean?
Naturals is the foundation quality of our Djoharian Tibet Tiger collection, hand-knotted at 60 kpsi in hand-spun Changpai highland wool. It is prized for its soft, plush hand and the alive surface that hand-spun yarn produces. For finer drawing and higher knot density we offer Elegance (80 kpsi), Luxury (100 kpsi) and Executive (150 kpsi) to order. Bespoke sizes and individual colour palettes are also possible within the Tibet Tiger collection.
What is the Khaden format?
Khaden is the classical Tibetan sitting-rug format, measuring around 90 × 180 cm. It was developed as a monastic meditation mat and still serves as a sitting and sleeping surface in Tibetan homes. The format works beautifully as an accent rug beside a bed, a reading chair or in an entrance. Its connection to monastic practice makes the Khaden one of the historically densest links between function, symbolism and material in Tibetan weaving.
How do I care for a hand-spun wool rug?
Regular vacuuming without a beater bar is the basic care — vacuum in the direction of the pile. On smooth floors we recommend an anti-slip underlay. Blot spills immediately with cold water and a light cotton cloth, never rub. For thorough cleaning we recommend professional hand washing every 6 to 10 years, depending on use. Hand-spun Changpai highland wool is naturally dirt-repellent and resilient.
Responsible Sourcing · Label STEP
Djoharian is a Label STEP certified dealer for fair-trade knotted rugs — a commitment to dignified working conditions and against child labour in rug production. Visit the Label STEP entry for Djoharian Teppiche →
Djoharian — Since 1967
Founded in 1967, with roots in the Grand Carpet Bazaar of Tehran and more than five decades of experience in the international rug trade. Each piece is carefully selected, inspected and presented with the documentation a discerning buyer expects.
Service and Delivery
Every piece in the Djoharian Collection is expertly inspected in our atelier in Lohr am Main, professionally washed and shipped with a certificate of authenticity. Secure and fast worldwide shipping, fully insured, and personal consultation in our showroom or by video call.
Since 1967 | Grand Carpet Bazaar Tehran | Label STEP Certified
