My designs for this group of carpets in collaboration
with Mt. Refuge, although, are inspired by traditional
motifs such as tiger, dragon and Phoenix etc., these
designs are created through my usual approach
of contemporary art-making, where tradition and
modernity is in constant negotiations.
By adding, deducting or manipulating existing
traditional designs, a nostalgia as well as curiosity
arises. Perhaps even a new dimension, that which,
allows me to see it with a new perspective.
I hope the audiences who interacts with these
carpets can also experience the same.
Mt. Refuge provides homage to the
tradition of ancient Tibetan rugs with our
first collection of limited edition Tiger rugs.
Tiger rugs are extremely rare, and difficult
to find, and much of their history is
shrouded in mystery. Tibetan refugees
brought their weaving tradition to Nepal
to found a new industry, which drew
the world’s attention to this otherwise
mysterious and ancient craft.*
Tiger rugs hold a special place amongst
Tibetan rugs, depicting one of the most
esoteric art forms of this tradition. Tiger
rugs are unique in colors featuring shades
of red to rust and gold, unlike the vast
majority of blue Tibetan rugs.* Tiger rugs
also feature a wider variety of abstraction,
with a high level of artistic sophistication.
Our first collection seeks to capture the
diversity, creativity, and modernity of Tiger
rugs; their beauty is a source of wonder and
inspiration for us.* Utilizing ancient world
Tibetan rugmaking techniques, we bring
to life renowned artist Tsherin Sherpa’s
contemporary Tiger designs, in our first
collection.
*Lipton, Mimi. (1988). The Tiger Rugs of Tibet. Thames and
Hudson Ltd.