Antique Khotan, East Turkestan, early nineteenth century - Antique Khotans like this are the pre-eminent rugs of the silk road, combining as they do artistic traditions from across the Asian continent. This one, however, is remarkably Chinese in its taste. The field has a design of openwork floral pom-pom medallions in staggered array with diagonal effects achieved through the use of different colors. These medallions recur in simple serial arrangement in the main border, but set against a raspberry ground in contrast to the cool tan of the field. An inner minor border of openwork vinescroll helps set the main border apart from the field, with an outer cloud border to complete the composition. Despite the prevailing Chinese aspect of the design, the delicate pastel palette is in the best Khotan tradition.

Style: Khotan
Origin: East Turkestan
Size: 13 ft 09 in x 15 ft 07 in (4.19 m x 4.75 m)

Antique Rugs