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Vintage Turkestan Rugs Collection & Antique Carpets Turkestan & Khotan
In the middle of the Asian continent, Khotan (East Turkestan), is one of the world's most remote places. The place is known historically as East Turkestan and, today, comprises China's eastern-most province, Xinjiang which borders Pakistan, India, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and parts of Russia. From any direction, East Turkestan is hard to reach. The history of fused cultures in East Turkestan's rugs is what makes them both so fascinating and unique.
Eastern Turkestan is well known for Khotan and Samarkand carpets.
Khotan rugs combine Chinese designs and Central Asian design schemes with Western vibrant colors. The weaving methods of all-silk Khotan rugs has been slightly influenced by the earlier Persian carpets; however, the layout still consists of lattice designs bearing rosette clusters. Similar layouts used for wool Khotan carpets are triple-medallion schemes in blue on red, pomegranate vines that grow from little vases, or coffered patterns showing chrysanthemum heads locked into squares. The main border and guard borders may have Chinese wave and fret patterns or flowering vines. Khotan rugs with a wool pile have cotton warp and mixed-color wool or cotton weft and are usually made with the asymmetrical knot. Field colors may be red, blue, yellow or white. Around 1870, aniline dyes were introduced and the palette was transformed from bright and lively to subdued and harmonious which reflects the pastel tints of soft green, pink, violet, yellow and grey in the late 19th century.
Types of Turkestan Rugs and Carpets:
- Kashgar
- Yarkand
- Khotan
- Samarkands
Enjoy browsing our Turkestan Rugs Collection!
