SACRED & SECULAR: THE PICCUS COLLECTION OF TIBETAN RUGS
Rugs have been woven and used in Tibet for centuries, but until
recent years, have been ignored by collectors and scholars alike because
available examples were generally brightly colored, chemically dyed,
clearly modern commercial production of little aesthetic appeal. This
situation changed in the mid-1980s when the Chinese authorities began to
allow tourism and foreign visitors discovered early, naturally dyed
examples that had not been seen in the West.
The Piccus Collection of
Tibetan Rugs was formed during the exciting window of opportunity that
existed during the 80s and 90s to collect in this previously
little-known area. The Collection demonstrates the genuine aesthetic
sense and cultural achievements of the unknown Tibetan weavers who
produced these masterpieces. The book tells the story of the rugs'
collection, the individuals involved and the evolution of scholarship in
this field. Beautifully illustrated, the book is divided into design
categories, including Tigers and Leopards, Dragons, Tantric, Geometrics,
Medallions, Warp Face Backs, and Nomadic, among others. It also
includes technical information and a visual glossary that will be useful
for collectors and designers alike.
The book documents a previously
little-known aspect of Tibetan history and culture that deserves to be
recognized and is an essential addition to any collector s and design
libraries.