Vintage Khotan “Samarkand” Rug — A Harmonious Fusion of East and West BB8965 4'4" × 6'4" $5,000

This enchanting vintage Khotan rug, woven in East Turkestan circa 1920, is a remarkable embodiment of the cosmopolitan beauty that defines the legendary weaving tradition of the Samarkand region. Revered for their synthesis of cultural influences from China, Persia, and the Ottoman Empire, Khotan rugs like this one offer a unique aesthetic that transcends borders — and time.

The rug presents a compelling visual balance between symmetry and spontaneity. At its heart lies a grand stepped medallion composed of concentric diamond forms, each brimming with a profusion of abstracted floral motifs. This bold, geometric centerpiece radiates outward in rhythmic harmony, embracing four ornate corner spandrels that mirror and anchor the central structure with their own nested arrangements.

Executed in a serene, neutral palette of soft grays, taupes, and gentle fawn browns, the design achieves both visual clarity and quiet sophistication. The muted tones lend the piece a timeworn patina, while allowing its intricate detailing — rosettes, cross motifs, and stylized pomegranates — to emerge gently from the field like fading frescoes. A finely rendered border of rosettes and interlocking motifs frames the composition with elegant restraint, evoking both Central Asian and Persianate visual traditions.

Woven by hand from high-quality wool, the pile is sheared low and delicately worn, further enhancing the rug’s vintage appeal and tactile charm. This vintage Khotan Samarkand rug is not merely a floor covering but a woven document of the Silk Road’s legacy — where East met West in an exchange of pattern, purpose, and poetry.

With its unique pattern and refined colors, this vintage rug reflects the impeccable taste of Doris Leslie Blau’s selections. Offering both rare, high-end pieces and more accessible options, Doris Leslie Blau presents rugs in a wide spectrum of prices.