Vintage Samarkand Rug BB8285 7'0" × 14'0" $26,000

A luminous testament to the artistry of East Turkestan weaving traditions, this vintage Samarkand rug—hand-knotted circa 1920—exemplifies the region’s unique synthesis of cultural motifs and restrained elegance. The piece reflects the distinct Khotan aesthetic, with a softly washed palette and a delicate interplay of symbolic ornamentation.

The rug’s composition is centered around an all-over lattice of stylized botanical motifs, most notably pomegranate trees—traditional emblems of prosperity, fertility, and renewal in Central Asian iconography. These motifs are rendered in a low-contrast tonal palette of whispering ivory, muted beige, chalky lavender-gray, and ethereal hints of faded blush, lending the piece an almost ghostlike patina that evokes antique frescoes or ancient desert silks bleached by time.

Surrounding the central field is a wide and softly delineated border that echoes the floral repetition within, framed by inner and outer guard bands subtly detailed with petite square medallions and abstract vinery. The minimal contrast and weathered finish give the entire composition an atmospheric quality—luxurious yet understated, and harmoniously balanced despite its faded grandeur.

What sets this piece apart is its whisper-soft tonality and minimalist sensibility—a quality that gives it contemporary appeal despite its century-old origins. The meticulous wool weave speaks to the artisan’s skilled hand, while the aged surface lends a quiet dignity, ideal for sophisticated interiors that favor subtle refinement over overt opulence.

This rug is not merely a decorative textile; it is a rare survivor from the cosmopolitan silk road town of Khotan—where Persian, Chinese, and Central Asian influences converged to create a distinct and collectible carpet tradition. A true heirloom-quality piece, this Samarkand rug embodies both cultural depth and serene visual poetry.

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.