High-quality Red Samarkand, Khotan Hand Knotted Wool Rug BB6420 7'0" × 12'10" $12,000

Hand-knotted wool rug.

This vintage rug shows the incredible diversity and supreme craftsmanship of the weaving masters from the faraway Samarkand. The oasis region was on the Silk Road that used to connect China and the Mediterranean countries. This enchanting Samarkand or Khotan rug encompasses various artistic influences, including Turkish, Persian and Chinese. The main field consists of two octagonal medallions, known from Anatolian antique area rugs as “gul” and interpreted as elephant footprints, symbols of luck and prosperity, adorned with delicate floral motifs and flowering vines. Between them, there is a small rosette, while the four corners are embellished with spandrels, each supported by a medallion. The rest of the main field is filled with botanical motifs that might refer to the Persian tree of life – a metaphor of eternal life. The four spandrels, as well as one of the borders, bear a fret pattern – a motif originating from Greece yet widely applied in Asia Minor and Far East.