Vintage Khotan “Samarkand” Rug BB8950 4'0" × 6'2" $8,000

Radiating timeless elegance and cultural synthesis, this exquisite vintage Samarkand rug from the 1930s is a quintessential example of East Turkestan’s legendary textile craftsmanship. Woven in the ancient oasis city of Khotan, a historic trading post along the Silk Road, this hand-knotted wool rug showcases the harmonious confluence of Chinese, Central Asian, and Persian artistic motifs.

The rug’s field is adorned with an expressive medley of symbolic imagery. Prominent medallions featuring stylized rosettes and botanical bursts are interspersed with auspicious motifs such as pomegranates (symbols of fertility and abundance), flowering shrubs, and meandering vines, creating a garden-like tapestry that feels both organic and meditative. Softly rendered in shades of midnight blue, ivory, orange, and cornflower on a warm camel ground, the design achieves a striking visual balance between contrast and cohesion.

Delicate painterly flourishes—including birds in flight, scattered floral sprigs, and calligraphic cloud bands—float across the open background, lending the composition a lyrical quality rarely seen in Western rugs. The intricately patterned border, with its classic T-shaped corner design and meandering fretwork, further enhances the overall symmetry and sophistication of the piece.

Handwoven using lustrous wool, the rug exhibits a supple, dense pile with remarkable clarity in linework and color gradation. Its finely knotted structure and balanced palette reflect the expertise of local artisans who passed down weaving traditions through generations, blending utility with ornamentation.

This Samarkand rug infuses interiors with historical depth, cultural nuance, and visual poetry. Its unique blend of Eastern symbolism and modern abstraction makes it as compelling in a contemporary setting as it would be in a traditional one.

Rich in heritage and artistry, this handmade rug exemplifies the high standards of Doris Leslie Blau’s curated pieces. With a wide range of prices, Doris Leslie Blau makes exceptional rugs accessible to collectors and designers alike.