Samarkand Vintage Floral Dusty Rose Hand-Knotted Silk Rug BB4367 5'0" × 10'7" $21,000

This exceptional vintage Samarkand rug from the 1920s is a vivid testament to East Turkestan’s distinctive weaving heritage and cross-cultural artistry. Woven in the oasis city of Khotan—where Persian, Chinese, and Central Asian influences met on the Silk Road—this rare silk rug stands out for its dramatic use of color and symbolic depth.

The radiant raspberry red field acts as a striking backdrop for a central medallion inspired by ancient Chinese motifs, flanked by mirrored star-shaped mandalas and mythical animal figures—possibly stylized dragons or snow lions—each rendered in saturated shades of cerulean, golden maize, jade, and coral. The medallion’s unique yin-yang composition suggests a metaphysical balance, while the surrounding animal forms evoke strength, protection, and auspiciousness.

Equally captivating are the rug’s richly ornamented borders. Multiple guard bands include floral scrollwork, fret patterns, and serrated motifs in alternating hues of jade green, aquamarine, lavender, and antique gold, reinforcing both harmony and movement within the design. This chromatic vibrancy is heightened by the rug’s silk pile, which adds a luxurious luster and tactile delicacy to the overall presentation.

With its bold palette, shimmering texture, and synthesis of Eastern symbolism, this vintage Khotan silk rug is both a decorative focal point and a historical artifact. It is particularly well-suited for eclectic or maximalist interiors, as well as curated spaces that celebrate cross-cultural design narratives.

A rare and collectible piece, this rug exemplifies the artistic heights achieved in Khotan during the early 20th century.

Expertly curated by Doris Leslie Blau, this rare rug is a testament to centuries of weaving artistry. Doris Leslie Blau offers a broad and varied pricing spectrum, accommodating collectors and designers across a range of budgets—from modest vintage finds to rare, museum-worthy masterpieces.