Patterns of Life: The Art of Tibetan Carpets

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Patterns of Life: The Art of Tibetan Carpets
Patterns of Life-Thomas Cole-WikiRug.jpg
General information book
TitlePatterns of Life: The Art of Tibetan Carpets
Alternative title(s)Patterns of Life: The Art of Tibetan Carpets
CreatorThomas Cole
PublisherRubin Museum of Art, New York (2010)
Format10.25 x 11.25 x 0.25 inches, 104 pages


Patterns of Life: The Art of Tibetan Carpets, create by Thomas Cole. For centuries Tibetans have used carpets for decorative and functional purposes, favoring colorful dyes and lively designs to enrich their homes and monasteries. Not bound by the codified rules governing the creation of religious art, the artisans who wove carpets often demonstrated a delightful sense of imagination in their work, drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources. Carpet motifs such as medallions and checkerboard patterns suggest considerable influence from Tibet's historical textile trading partners, countries as close as China and as distant as Iran. Other popular imagery, such as the snow lion, is indigenous to the region. With exceptional examples of saddle rugs, sleeping rugs, pile pillows, cushion covers, and door rugs, Patterns of Life explores the stylistic variety and uses of Tibetan carpets in the everyday life of the Tibetan people.