rugs/Tr34_W84cm_L164cm.png

19th C. Monastery Wangden Runner with lovely green inner field two swastika, geometric stupa motif. Very eye pleasing colors, very smooth transition from the border to the center stupa. Wangdens have a warp faced backing, sometimes with fringe. These rugs are considerably heavier and more comfortable, they were to be used in the monastery. The sole purpose of the Wangden was monastic, these were not made for the individual. Rarely did they find their way to the private residence. expensive

Stupas generally represent the enlightened mind of the Buddha. They were constructed since the early days of Buddhism. One of the symbolic meanings is that they represent the five elements: the square base represents earth, the round dome is for water, the cone-shape is fire, the canopy is air and the volume of the stupa is space.
The Mandala symbolizes the entire universe in terms of planets and time cycles, as well as aspects of our body and mind, and even the practice. Deities and other images within the mandala represent for example the sense organs, the elements and mental aspects, all in a purified state.
The Swastika is a good-luck symbol and is conducive to well-being. In the Buddhist tradition, the swastika symbolizes the feet or footprints of the Buddha. With the spread of Buddhism, it has passed into the iconography of China and Japan where it has been used to denote abundance, prosperity and long life. In India, Hindus use the swastika at thresholds, doors, and offerings. In ancient Mesopotamia it was a favourite symbol on coinage, In Scandinavia it was the symbol for the god Thor's hammer. In early Christian art it was called the gammadion cross because it was made of four gammas.