Vintage Samarkand Rug BB8298 8'5" × 16'1" $45,000

This rare and luminous 1930s vintage Samarkand rug from East Turkestan is a compelling example of cross-cultural artistry, masterfully weaving together diverse visual traditions into a cohesive and mesmerizing design. Woven in the city of Khotan—an ancient oasis on the Silk Road—the rug reflects the confluence of Chinese, Central Asian, and Persian aesthetics that define the best examples of the Samarkand weaving style.

The rug’s field composition is dominated by a rhythmic and harmonious all-over pomegranate tree pattern—a powerful symbol of abundance, fertility, and prosperity in Eastern traditions. Each stylized pomegranate is elegantly connected by an intricate network of interlacing vines and symmetrical branches, evoking a sense of order and natural growth. The pale, creamy-beige pomegranates appear to bloom across a saturated sky-blue ground, creating a delicate contrast that emphasizes the motifs without overwhelming the senses.

A subtle repetition of diamond medallions, each containing abstract botanical or avian elements, punctuates the field with meditative symmetry and spiritual balance. One can discern geometric representations of birds, possibly phoenixes or stylized guardian figures, quietly nestled in the pattern—an homage to both mythical and natural inspirations of the region.

The rug’s color scheme is exceptionally soothing, centering around dusty blue, ivory, soft camel, and warm tan, with rare inflections of powdered turquoise and milk chocolate brown in the borders. This palette lends the piece an aged patina and ethereal glow, enhancing its vintage authenticity and decorative versatility.

The rug’s multi-tiered border system showcases a virtuoso display of pattern and proportion. A robust outermost border features Chinese fretwork and cloud bands, followed by rows of rosettes and floral tiles, framed with darker guard borders for contrast and definition. Of particular note is the subtle use of alternating square medallions in blue and brown—a visual nod to traditional Chinese porcelain motifs, grounding the more organic central design with a sense of architectural regularity.

Hand-knotted in wool with a tight weave and crisp definition, the rug exhibits a remarkable preservation of detail, even after nearly a century. The wool pile remains dense yet supple, indicating both high-quality material and the weaver’s masterful control of tension and dye absorption.

Khotan rugs from the early 20th century represent the last golden age of East Turkestan weaving before mass production and political shifts altered the region’s artisanal landscape. This particular piece—elegant, calming, and rich in cultural symbolism—is a prime example of that legacy. It brings with it not only aesthetic sophistication but a narrative of trade, tradition, and transformation.

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.