Antique Khotan Samarkand Wool Rug With Medallion by Rug & Kilim, 1920-1929

Details

Description

Hand-knotted in wool and originating circa 1920-1929 from Uzbekistan, this monumental 12x16 antique Khotan Samarkand rug joins Rug & Kilim’s … Read more Hand-knotted in wool and originating circa 1920-1929 from Uzbekistan, this monumental 12x16 antique Khotan Samarkand rug joins Rug & Kilim’s renowned Antique Collection. This distressed Khotan carpet features a highly symbolic layout anchored by a central geometric medallion, ethereal Phoenix pictorials, and sweeping *Tchi* cloud bands, all rendered in a beautifully weathered taupe brown palette.

On the Design:

Standing as a profound testament to the cross-cultural synthesis of the ancient Silk Road, this 1920s Samarkand masterwork embodies the coveted weaving traditions of the Tarim Basin oasis towns. Originating from Uzbekistan, genuine antique Khotans are celebrated globally by historians for seamlessly merging Chinese pictorial symbolism with Islamic geometric rigor. This specific carpet features a vast, beautifully distressed taupe field that houses an archaic, circular central medallion. Surrounding this geometric core, weavers orchestrated a celestial narrative of a stylized phoenix and sweeping *Tchi* cloud bands—ancient motifs signifying immortality, divine grace, and the heavens—scattered asymmetrically across the ground. Rather than adhering to the rigid density of formal workshop carpets, the floating arrangement of these pictorial elements grants the textile a deeply atmospheric, ethereal gravity.

Further enriching this mystical narrative, a careful study of the field reveals a curated selection of auspicious Chinese emblems. Drifting gently alongside the phoenixes are floating lotus and peony blossoms, intricate endless knots, and stylized archaic vases drawn from the classical 'Hundred Antiques' repertoire, all traditionally woven to convey eternal harmony and scholarly prestige. The framework is then expertly framed by a classical Chinese fretwork main border and subtle geometric guard stripes, anchoring the ethereal interior with strict architectural discipline. The sublime natural aging of the wool has resulted in a distressed pile, leaving a silver-gray patina that only a century of history can forge. This authentic wear enhances its tactile depth and visual presence, transforming the carpet into an irreplaceable artifact of Central Asian textile artistry. The accompanying book, The V&A Sourcebook of Pattern & Ornament (V&A Museum) by Amelia Calver, is part of Volumes by Rug & Kilim. The book (SKU - B400) can be acquired independently through our bookstore.

Condition:

This antique Khotan Samarkand rug is distressed, showcasing heavy authentic wear and a patinated pile commensurate with its age and historical provenance. It is currently undergoing expert restoration and conservation by our in-house master weaver and will be available upon completion of this process. See less