Vintage Khotan Geometric Warm Tan Hand-Knotted Wool Rug BB8967 7'0" × 13'7" $53,000

This striking vintage Samarkand rug, handwoven in East Turkestan during the 1930s, exemplifies the region’s distinctive aesthetic that flourished at the crossroads of the ancient Silk Road. The piece offers a grand visual statement while maintaining a sense of refined delicacy through its aged palette and meditative symmetry.

Rendered in softened hues of sand, faded terracotta, dusty rose, and parchment beige, the composition revolves around three central medallions — a classic Khotanese structure — each framed by intricate stylized floral bursts and geometric motifs. The medallions evoke mandala-like symbolism, suggesting spiritual or cosmic harmony, and are surrounded by angular cloud bands, diamond trellises, and protective amulets that reflect Chinese and Central Asian influences.

The field is beautifully restrained, allowing the symbolic and botanical elements to breathe. The minimalistic use of color — now gently muted through time — enhances the piece’s ethereal elegance, while subtle tonal variations in the wool provide a painterly texture across the surface.

Framing the composition is a multilayered border, including a Greek key meander, fretwork lines, and delicate diagonal motifs — all symbols traditionally associated with continuity and protection. These borders not only define the rug’s proportions but also elevate its decorative power through balance and contrast.

Expertly hand-knotted in wool, the rug reflects the technical mastery and multicultural artistry characteristic of the Samarkand weaving tradition. Its blend of Chinese, Persian, and Turkic motifs encapsulates the spirit of East Turkestan as a melting pot of artistic heritage and spiritual symbolism.

With its serene palette and timeless geometry, this vintage Khotan rug would anchor both traditional and modern interiors, offering a sophisticated touch of Silk Road history and understated opulence.

This exquisite rug is part of the diversified Doris Leslie Blau selections, renowned for its curated selection of antique, vintage, and contemporary rugs. Doris Leslie Blau offers a vast selection of antique, vintage, and contemporary rugs in a wide range of styles, materials, and price points, making fine textile art accessible to both collectors and designers alike.