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Doris Leslie Blau 19th Century Antique Samarkand Khotan Rug
$36,400
£27,737.47
€31,988.97
CA$51,698.88
A$55,547.57
CHF 29,801.16
MX$654,414.42
About the Item
Authentic 19th Century Antique Samarkand Khotan Rug
Size: 6'6" × 11'6" (198 × 350 cm)
This resplendent antique Samarkand rug, woven in the storied oasis town of Khotan on the Silk Road, is a remarkable testament to the cultural confluence of East Turkestan. Dating back to the 1880s, this handwoven woolen masterpiece reflects the region’s unique ability to harmonize diverse aesthetic traditions—melding Chinese, Persian, and Central Asian motifs into a single, captivating visual language.
At the heart of the rug lies a striking allover lattice pattern composed of pomegranate trees, rosettes, and stylized floral branches—all meticulously arranged in a symmetrical grid across a luminous raspberry-red field. The pomegranate, a recurring symbol in Khotan weaving, represents prosperity and fertility. These motifs, rendered in soft pastel tones of pale peach, ivory, muted celadon, and powder blue, create a vibrant contrast against the deeply saturated red background, evoking both opulence and subtle elegance.
Each botanical motif is precisely knotted, showing clear evidence of skilled craftsmanship. Upon closer inspection, the individual blossoms exhibit charming irregularities, a testament to the rug's entirely handmade nature and the artisan's interpretive eye.
Encasing the field is a richly articulated border system made up of multiple guards that further emphasize the eclecticism of the design. The innermost border features a dynamic meander or Greek key pattern in alternating blues and corals—a classic symbol of continuity and eternity. This is followed by a floral guardstrip populated by bold circular blossoms, echoing Chinese peony forms.
The outermost border stands out with its elaborate angular vine and lotus scrollwork. The curling tendrils, abstract rosettes, and stepped geometric medallions recall traditional Chinese cloud motifs and lattice forms often seen in Ming dynasty textiles. Together, these frames lend the rug both structural balance and decorative sophistication.
The palette is both bold and nuanced: saturated berry red, dusty rose, faded apricot, denim and lapis blues, taupe, and creamy ivory—all softened by age and natural vegetable dyes. The subtle variations in tone and natural abrash (color striation) add texture, movement, and a painterly quality to the surface.
Woven using high-quality wool, the rug boasts a dense and supple weave with a low, even pile. The hand-knotting technique used here is consistent with Khotan weaving traditions of the 19th century, yielding a textile that is both sturdy and refined. The weave is tight and consistent, highlighting the weaver’s technical acumen and attention to detail.
Khotan rugs of this period were prized for their hybridity—acting as both artistic exports and cultural emissaries. Positioned along the Silk Road, the town of Khotan absorbed and reinterpreted the aesthetic languages of China, India, Persia, and Europe. This particular rug exemplifies that legacy, making it not just a decorative object but a living artifact of cross-cultural exchange.
This exquisite rug is part of the diversified Doris Leslie Blau selections, renowned for its curated selection of antique, vintage, and contemporary rugs. Doris Leslie Blau offers a vast selection of antique, vintage, and contemporary rugs in a wide range of styles, materials, and price points, making fine textile art accessible to both collectors and designers alike.
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