The Tiger Rugs of Tibet, by Mimi Lipton

Until 1970, Tibet was an enigma to the western world. But with the opening of the Chinese borders there has been an upsurge of interest in the arts and crafts of the "Land of Snows". Tibetan tiger rugs were owned solely by the elite, who used them both to sit on and to cover their luggage on long journeys. They are very rare, there are probably fewer than 200 in existence, their history and usage still shrouded in mystery. Yet the diversity, creativity and apparent modernity of their designs are astonishing: their beauty a source of wonder and inspiration. This book reproduces 108 of the various designs, illustrated in colour and accompanied by four essays. Philip Goldman contributes an ethnological exploration on the subject of tigers. Cyril Barrett analyses the visual aspects of the rug designs. Jim and Barbara Ford examine the techniques of Tibetan carpet making. Finally, Tom Philips recounts his recent discovery of the world of tiger rugs.