"Sacred & Secular Selections from 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 1980's 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.

A book-signing by Robert Piccus of his book, Sacred & Secular The Piccus Collection of Tibetan Rugs will also take place at the show.