Vintage Khotan “Samarkand” Rug — A Lively Tapestry of Cultural Exchange and Color BB8952 4'2" × 7'7" $8,000

This exceptional vintage Samarkand rug, handwoven in East Turkestan circa 1920, is a radiant testament to the Silk Road’s legacy of artistic fusion. Drawing on Chinese, Persian, and Central Asian design languages, this Khotan masterpiece combines decorative precision with a dazzling palette, offering a rare and vivid glimpse into the cosmopolitan spirit of early 20th-century textile art.

Set against a rich, saturated crimson field, the rug is anchored by a bold central medallion — a radiant eight-pointed star enclosed in a green roundel, flanked symmetrically by pairs of pomegranate motifs. This symbolic fruit, associated with abundance and fertility across many cultures, underscores the rug’s cross-cultural iconography. Surrounding the medallion are five large rosettes in complementary shades of orange, ochre, celadon, and lavender, framed by stylized Chinese fretwork and dynamic floral motifs that evoke both Tibetan thangkas and Persian garden layouts.

The composition is further enriched by a highly decorative triple-border system. The innermost guard border features delicate blossoms linked by sinuous stems, while the outermost perimeter is enclosed by a dramatic wave of stepped fret patterns in punchy shades of salmon, violet, gray, and apricot. These layers create a powerful architectural framing that draws the eye inward while reinforcing the symmetry of the overall design.

Hand-knotted in wool, the rug exhibits exceptional craftsmanship with tight, clean weaving and deeply saturated dyes. The lustrous pile and crisp articulation of the design suggest not only technical excellence but also a masterful understanding of visual rhythm.

With its vibrant color story and symbolic richness, this Samarkand rug makes an artful statement, ideal for both traditional and eclectic interiors. Whether placed as a focal point in a gallery-like space or layered in a more lived-in setting, it radiates history, vitality, and cultural resonance.

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.