Antique 1880s Yarkand Rug – A Masterpiece of Symmetry and Symbolism BB6778 11'1" × 17'4" $50,000

This exquisite antique Yarkand rug, woven circa 1880 in East Turkestan, exemplifies the refined artistry and deep cultural synthesis of the region’s textile tradition. Measuring an impressive 17’3″ × 11’2″, this piece was likely commissioned for a noble or merchant household along the Silk Road, where Yarkand rugs were prized for their decorative intricacy and cosmopolitan visual language.

At the heart of this rug lies a mesmerizing interplay of motifs drawn from diverse cultural sources — Chinese fretwork, Central Asian tribal symbols, and Persian-influenced florals — all masterfully arranged on a rich indigo field. The main field is densely packed with individually rendered floral sprays, rosettes, stylized blossoms, and pomegranates, each encased in gridded compartments that offer an extraordinary sense of order and rhythm.

The luminous background, now a beautifully muted azure from age, contrasts elegantly with the ecru, sand, and faded walnut tones of the motifs. This chromatic palette — visible in the included Pantone comparisons — reveals how natural dyes have aged gracefully, further softening the geometry and lending the piece a dreamy, timeworn elegance.

The rug’s multiple borders are a triumph of balance and motion. The innermost border features a continuous diamond lattice, followed by a scrolling vine pattern and flanked by wide bands of angular “wave-and-cloud” motifs, each echoing ancient Taoist symbolism for energy and eternity. This framing structure anchors the field and guides the eye across the tapestry-like surface.

Crafted from lustrous wool and hand-knotted with a fine weave, this Yarkand rug is not only a textile but a cultural artifact. The preservation of complex design elements — including stylized animals, protective amulets, and Buddhist-influenced blossoms — illustrates the diverse spiritual and aesthetic values of Xinjiang during the Qing Dynasty.

A rare find in such monumental size and sophisticated detail, this antique rug is ideal for collectors, designers, and historians alike. It can serve as a breathtaking anchor in a grand interior or as a museum-quality conversation piece that reflects the transcultural legacy of the Silk Road.

Expertly curated by Doris Leslie Blau, this exquisite 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.