MASTERPIECE Antique Bhutan Charkab Rain Cloak
A superb work of textile art from Bhutan!
Used for protection against rain and cold.
Porters who carried goods to the Hill Tribes covered themselves and their goods while trekking in foul weather with cloaks like these that were highly valued for the protection they offered from the freezing rain.
The weaving technique makes the wool water resistant.
Made of Yathra or wool
All natural dyes
The three panels are woven from the same loom length and then cut and stitched together lengthwise.
Older charkhaps or charkabs such as this one have fewer rows and restrained color schemes and less elaborate decoration with motifs.
Estimated to be 80-90 years old
Central Bhutan
Good condition
53 X 43 inches
MASTERPIECE COLLECTION
Similar Example: Minneapolis Institute of Art
Also, here is a folk talefrom Bhutan that gives us a glimpse of how much these are valued even locally.