Antique Turkestan Khotan Rug, 04'08 X 06'08

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79799 Antique Turkestan Khotan Rug, 04'08 x 06'08.

The Scholar’s Treasures: An Antique Khotan Masterpiece of Silk Road Prestige

This … Read more 79799 Antique Turkestan Khotan Rug, 04'08 x 06'08.

The Scholar’s Treasures: An Antique Khotan Masterpiece of Silk Road Prestige

This hand-knotted wool antique Turkestan Khotan rug is a fascinating expression of the cultural exchange that flourished along the Silk Road, where the oasis kingdom of Khotan absorbed artistic influences from China, Central Asia, Persia, and the Buddhist world. Associated with the broader collecting category of Samarkand carpets, its softly patinated field presents an intimate still life conceived through the language of auspicious objects. The exceptional composition speaks of prosperity, scholarship, longevity, and cultivated living—ideals once deeply connected with status and the learned household.

The central pictorial panel is anchored by a ceremonial fruit bowl displaying the revered Three Blessed Fruits: Buddha’s Hand citron, pomegranate, and peach. The fingered citron represents longevity, happiness, and the ability to grasp good fortune; the seed-filled pomegranate signifies abundance, descendants, and a flourishing family legacy; while the peach carries ancient associations with immortality and health. Beside them stands a covered urn or vase, traditionally linked with peace and safety, accompanied by books and scholar’s objects that proclaim wisdom, education, cultural accomplishment, and elevated social standing. Together, these iconic symbols transform this extraordinary masterpiece into a visual benediction for an enlightened and prosperous life.

Encircling this tableau is an understated inner frame punctuated by circular Shóu-inspired longevity medallions. Derived from the Chinese character for long life, these fretwork devices reinforce the carpet’s overarching wish for enduring well-being and an untroubled existence. Their measured placement establishes a sense of order around the still life, creating an almost architectural chamber in which material abundance and intellectual refinement coexist. The restrained geometry also gives the pictorial imagery the aura of a treasured cabinet display assembled for a discerning scholar.

The wide outer border completes the narrative with floating emblems, ribbon-bound scrolls, books, and stylized lotus blossoms. Scholar’s implements belong to the prestigious vocabulary of Chinese auspicious arts, celebrating knowledge and the triumph of learning, while ritual ribbons amplify wishes for favorable fortune. Rooted in Buddhist symbolism, the lotus represents purity and spiritual enlightenment, rising unsullied from muddy water as an emblem of transcendence. With its rare convergence of scholarly symbolism, sacred flora, and Silk Road iconography, this exquisite work of art offers the collector something profoundly evocative: a historic vision of wealth measured not only in possessions, but in wisdom, longevity, lineage, and cultural distinction.

Abrash.
Hand knotted wool.
Made in Turkestan.
Measures: 04'08 x 06'08.
Pile Height: 0.14 of an inch.
Date: 1910's. Early 20th Century. See less