Samarkand Vintage Geometric Navy Blue Hand-Knotted Wool Carpet BB8956 8'0" × 15'9" $38,000

A masterwork of textile art from the late 19th century, this extraordinary Samarkand rug encapsulates the multicultural essence of East Turkestan’s Silk Road legacy. Woven around 1880 in the historic oasis town of Khotan, the piece is a brilliant example of the region’s ability to harmoniously blend Chinese, Persian, and Turkic aesthetics into a unique and visually arresting composition.

The field of the rug is dominated by a rich lapis-toned blue, setting a vibrant stage for the array of intricate motifs rendered in brick red, saffron, ochre, ivory, and soft jade green. The visual center features a bold, diamond-shaped medallion flanked by two grand elliptical medallions filled with floral sprays and stylized Chinese shou symbols (representing longevity). These central motifs are surrounded by symmetrical arrangements of Buddhist-inspired flowers, rosettes, and scrolling cloud bands.

What truly sets this rug apart is the artful juxtaposition of geometric precision with organic symbolism. The structured medallions and angular fretwork are softened by the curvilinear vines and floral bursts. Square floral cartouches and scattered tribal motifs fill the negative space with rhythm and variety, contributing to the overall visual complexity.

A spectacular multi-tiered border frames the composition. The innermost border uses a key-fret Greek meander, a motif borrowed from Chinese art, while the outermost border dazzles with intricate crenellated rosettes and stylized rams’ horns, symbolizing power and protection in Central Asian cultures. Alternating warm tones of rust, amber, and ivory lend a radiant energy to the frame, while echoing and balancing the vibrancy of the field.

The rug’s craftsmanship is meticulous, woven by hand using high-quality wool with a medium to tight knot density. Its well-preserved condition and enduring color saturation speak to the superior materials and traditional dyeing techniques used by Khotanese weavers of the time.

This antique Samarkand rug is a superb artifact of Silk Road heritage, exuding both aesthetic grandeur and cultural significance. Its generous dimensions, luminous palette, and rich iconography make it an exceptional centerpiece for both refined traditional interiors and bold contemporary settings.

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.