Late 19th Century Turkestan Khotan Rug, 05'06 X 09'01.

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79398 Antique Turkestan Khotan Rug, 05'06 x 09'01.

The Stepped Horizon: A Late 19th Century Turkestan Khotan of Architectural Elegance

… Read more 79398 Antique Turkestan Khotan Rug, 05'06 x 09'01.

The Stepped Horizon: A Late 19th Century Turkestan Khotan of Architectural Elegance

This hand knotted wool Late 19th Century Turkestan Khotan rug stands as a refined testament to the artistic dialogue between East and West that defined the Silk Road. This extraordinary masterpiece embodies a rare balance of nomadic symbolism and architectural discipline—woven not for immediacy, but for permanence. Such Khotan rugs were prized possessions, created for cultured households that valued intellect, structure, and quiet authority.

At the heart of the exceptional composition lies a commanding system of concentric lozenges, each articulated with stepped edges that create a rhythmic, almost architectural ascent toward the center. These geometric forms are deliberate and ceremonial, evoking pathways, thresholds, and cosmological order. The repetition of the lozenge motif establishes both movement and stability, drawing the viewer inward while maintaining a stately sense of control.

The corner spandrels mirror this disciplined geometry with complementary stepped and floral-inflected motifs, seamlessly anchoring the central design. Rather than serving as mere ornament, these spandrels act as structural counterweights—reinforcing symmetry and framing the exclusive field with quiet confidence. Their placement reflects the Khotan tradition of balancing openness with containment, allowing negative space and ornament to coexist in harmony.

Encasing the exquisite work of art is a distinguished triple-border arrangement, each band contributing its own visual cadence. Together, they form a layered perimeter that feels protective and ceremonial, echoing architectural friezes and textile borders reserved for elite interiors. Rare, collected, and deeply sophisticated, this antique Khotan rug offers more than decoration—it offers lineage, intellect, and the unmistakable presence of cultivated luxury.

Abrash.
Hand knotted wool.
Made in East Turkestan.
Measures: 05'06 x 09'01.
Date: 1880's. Late 19th Century. See less