Antique Khotan Oriental Rugs 42988

Antique Khotan, East Turkestan, late nineteenth century. Antique Khotans combine the best of Chinese, Central Asian, and Persian rug design, and this splendid example is certainly no exception. The rounded octagonal medallions with rosette and pomegranate filler patterns are in the classic Khotan or Yarkand tradition, as are the stylized shrubs that fill the surrounding areas of the rich rust red field. The fretwork cornerpieces, like the meander and cloud borders derive from Chinese tradition. Still, it is the dynamic, pulsating use of color here that makes this carpet come so alive, nicely balancing the brilliant effect of the crisp, dynamic drawing.