Vintage Samarkand (Khotan) Rug BB7450 5'3" × 13'2" $11,000

This striking vintage Samarkand runner from East Turkestan, dating back to the 1880s, is a captivating example of the region’s distinctive textile artistry. A harmonious blend of Chinese, Persian, and Central Asian influences is rendered through refined artistry and a restrained, yet luminous color palette.

At the heart of this antique Khotan rug is a central axis featuring three bold rosette medallions, each enclosed in delicately stepped roundels. These vibrant medallions—executed in glowing terracotta and dusty rose tones—radiate outwards with intricately drawn floral sprays, vines, and leafy tendrils that dance rhythmically across a parchment ground. The floral patterns appear spontaneous yet balanced, their gentle curves softening the architectural geometry of the medallions.

Encircling the central field is a generously scaled border ensemble. The innermost border is composed of petite botanical scrollwork and stylized blossoms, while the main outer border features a remarkable series of circular medallions alternating with climbing vines and floral rosettes. These motifs, rendered in soft teal, warm orange, and gentle beige, provide a sense of motion and continuity. The corners are gracefully resolved with diagonal floral sprays, preserving symmetry across the composition.

What makes this piece particularly enchanting is the patina of age that gently veils the surface, giving the rug a subdued, almost watercolor-like quality. The hand-knotted wool pile has mellowed into an exceptionally soft texture, while the muted tones lend the piece a timeless sophistication suitable for both traditional and contemporary interiors.

This vintage Samarkand rug exemplifies the cosmopolitan spirit of Khotan weaving, where trade, tradition, and artistic exchange converged to produce textiles of enduring beauty and elegance.

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.