Djoharian Design · Tibet Tiger · Naturals 60 kpsi
Tibetan Tiger Rug
180 × 90 cm · Emerald & Gold · Khaden Format
The classical Tibetan tiger — hand-knotted in Kathmandu in Changpai highland wool and silk, 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. The material composition is 50% hand-spun Changpai highland wool and 50% silk. Changpai — from sheep raised above 4,000 metres on the Tibetan plateau — is exceptionally long-staple and lustrous. The wool gives the rug its full, plush body; the silk lifts the gold passages and catches the light across the surface. The pile height is approximately 12 mm, and the hand-spun construction gives a particularly soft, plush hand.
Colour and Composition
The field reads the Tibetan tiger as pure stripe pattern rather than a figurative animal: rows of stylised tiger stripes rendered as golden, ochre chevrons — a rhythmic wave-and-hook movement — set against a deep emerald, teal-green ground, the whole framed by a warm gold border. The silk threads of the golden stripes reflect the light differently than the surrounding emerald wool — in daylight the pattern reads luminous and present, in evening light the emerald deepens and the gold becomes warmer. A composition with the colour confidence of a classical jewel-tone interior.
Quality Line — Djoharian Naturals (60 kpsi)
This piece is hand-knotted in our Naturals line at 60 kpsi (knots per square inch) in Changpai highland wool with silk — the foundation quality of our Tibet Tiger collection, substantial and full-bodied, the authentic point of entry into Himalayan craftsmanship. 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. Three contexts in which this Tibetan tiger reaches its full effect:
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Library or study: the deep emerald and gold pair particularly well with wood, leather and warm lighting — a natural choice for a writing desk or reading chair.
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Statement bedroom piece: beside or in front of the bed in a room with a darker, jewel-toned palette — the rug becomes a point of intense colour and quiet luxury.
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Boutique entrance or gallery: the Khaden format and the saturated emerald-and-gold make the rug an immediate signal of quality in a small commercial space.
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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Material — wool, silk, mohair, cashmere and blends
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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) |
50% hand-spun Changpai highland wool, 50% silk |
| Material (warp & weft) |
100% cotton |
| Pile height |
approx. 12 mm |
| Design |
Tibetan tiger — stylised stripe pattern, traditional Khaden motif |
| Colours |
Emerald green ground, gold stripes and border |
| Era |
Contemporary production, new, unused |
| Underfloor heating |
Suitable |
| Bespoke sizes and colours |
Available on request |
| Reference |
#15701 |
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. Traditional tiger rugs are not always figurative; many render the tiger as pure stripe pattern, as on this piece.
What does the Naturals quality line mean?
Naturals is the foundation quality of our Djoharian Tibet Tiger collection, hand-knotted at 60 kpsi in Changpai highland wool with silk. It is prized for its soft, plush hand and full body. 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 silk-and-wool rug?
Regular vacuuming at reduced power preserves the pile and silk lustre — without a beater bar, in the direction of the pile. On smooth floors we recommend an anti-slip underlay. For thorough cleaning, only professional hand washing by a workshop experienced with silk-wool constructions — no dry cleaning. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight over the years, as silk can lose colour intensity over time. Blot spills immediately with cold water and a light cotton cloth, never rub.
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
