Description
Origin: East Turkestan (Xinjiang region, China), Khotan oasis
Actual Dimensions: 6′ 0″ × 12′ 8″ (rounded 6×13)
Style: Transitional
Material: Wool pile on cotton foundation
Color Palette: Soft grayish background, soft browns, coral, pale yellows, ivory accents
This antique Khotan rug from around 1880 presents a gentle all-over flowing design across a soft gray field. Delicate floral and scrolling motifs spread evenly without a strong central medallion, creating a calm and open appearance. The borders feature repeating geometric and floral elements in muted corals and browns, framing the piece with subtle elegance typical of late 19th-century examples.
Khotan rugs come from the historic oasis town in East Turkestan, where weavers blended Chinese, Persian, and local Central Asian influences. By the late 1800s, many shifted toward softer palettes and more open, transitional patterns influenced by fading natural dyes and evolving tastes, moving away from bolder tribal motifs toward refined, flowing compositions like this one.
The wool is soft and lustrous with a medium pile, providing comfort and moderate durability suitable for living rooms, studies, or gallery-style spaces. Its excellent condition for the age adds to its value as a collectible piece. The muted tones make it versatile for modern or traditional interiors, pairing well with light furniture or minimalist decor. Gentle vacuuming and periodic professional cleaning will keep the soft colors vibrant.