Antique Yarkand Rugs

Yarkand rugs are quite distinctive among the carpets of East Turkestan. While much of East Turkestan weaving is dominated by the influence of Chinese motifs and coloration, Yarkand carpets relate more to the Islamic world from further West. They often have tree-of-life and pomegranate designs derived from Iran and West Turkestan, or they may utilize mihrab niche patterns for making prayer rugs in the Muslim tradition, sometimes even as multiple niche prayer rugs or saphs. The coloration of Yarkand carpets too is richer like carpets of the Middle East rather than the more subdued approach of China.