Chinese Turkistan rug

Chinese Turkistan rugs, also known as Kashgar or Khotan rugs, are handwoven floor coverings from the Xinjiang region of China. These rugs are difficult to distinguish from one another and were historically marketed as "Samarkands." Key characteristics include a tendency towards Persian draftsmanship and border patterns, with Kashgar rugs often featuring darker outlines around their designs. Khotan rugs, in particular, combine Chinese motifs with Central Asian design schemes and vibrant colors, sometimes incorporating silk and metal threads. They are typically made with an asymmetrical knot and can feature lattice designs, rosettes, or pomegranate vines. Rug weaving has a long history in this region, with early examples found dating back to the first millennium.123