|
Antique Khotan, East Turkestan, late nineteenth century. A lush array of stylized flowering shrubs in shades of gold, red, apricot, and mauve repeats in allover symmetry across the midnight blue field of this lavish antique Khotan. What is especially striking is the orientation of the design, flowing as it does from side to side rather than along the length of the carpet. Multiple borders of cloud patterns, vinescrolls, and quatrefoils frame the field. While the design itself is so lush, the color is even more extravagant. Rarely do nineteenth century Khotans preserve such a rich and varied palette, or one that so effectively underscores the complexity of the design.
|
