Antique 19th Century Samarkand Khotan Rug With Lattice by Rug & Kilim, 1870-1879

Details

Description

Hand-knotted in fine wool and originating circa 1870-1879 from Turkey, this 8x13 antique Samarkand Khotan rug joins Rug & Kilim’s … Read more Hand-knotted in fine wool and originating circa 1870-1879 from Turkey, this 8x13 antique Samarkand Khotan rug joins Rug & Kilim’s Antique collection as a masterwork of 19th century Silk Road weaving. Featuring an infinite geometric lattice of interlocking cloud-headed quatrefoils and hooked filigree in brick red and warm ivory, it is framed by multi-tiered geometric borders carrying stylized cloud-scrolls and delicate guard stripes.

On the Design:

Positioned along the ancient arterial crossroads of the Silk Road, 19th-century Samarkand produced carpets that served as an artistic bridge between Chinese scholar-art iconography, Islamic geometric precision, and Central Asian oasis textile traditions. Crafted during the 1870s, this monumental Khotan rug reflects the zenith of Samarkand's weaving heritage, where centuries of trade influences coalesced into disciplined architectural harmony. Rather than centering the field around a singular focal medallion, the master weaver chose an expansive, infinite-repeat pattern—a philosophical tradition symbolizing the endless expanse of the cosmos and echoing the decorative tilework that adorned the historic madrasas and palaces of East Turkestan.

The field operates like an intricate ironwork screen or woven architectural lattice, where a deep, abrash-rich indigo ground serves as a silent, atmospheric backdrop. Across this dark expanse stretches a continuous geometric grid constructed from delicate, interlocking brick-red and ivory filigree. Each repeating cell forms a stylized cloud-head or clover-like quatrefoil, creating a rhythmic visual vibration that draws the eye seamlessly across the full length of the canvas. Enclosing this vast lattice is an elaborate border architecture: an inner ivory guard stripe decorated with tiny, repeating geometric florets, flanked by a sweeping main border filled with stylized S-scrolls, angular cloud-heads, and wave-like fretwork in brick red, sky blue, and camel. Colored with authentic 19th-century vegetable dyes, the wool exhibits a soft, luminous depth that tempers the mathematical rigor of the grid, offering interior architects and connoisseurs a commanding statement of historic elegance.

Condition:

This antique Samarkand Khotan rug enjoys good condition for its age and origin. See less