Tibetan saddle seat

With a unique(?) design, this mat could have been the top piece of a saddle set or perhaps was designed and made for special ceremonial use? It is uncommon (if not actually unknown?) to see the field divided as it is. While neither of the design types featured here are unknown by any means, to be executed in this manner is, leaves one to wonder for what purpose it served. With the growing affluence of the landed gentry during the late 19th century on into the beginning of the 20th century, it was undoubtedly a commissioned piece from a workshop. The pale beige ground may be a weaker walnut dye while the deep madder red shades along with the indigo blue are natural dyes.