What sizes do Khotan rugs usually come in?
Antique Khotan rugs often appear in long “gallery” formats (e.g., \~6×12 ft), plus room sizes like 8×10 and 9×12. Runners and square pieces exist but are less common.
FAQs
How are Khotan rugs constructed?
Most Khotan rugs are hand-knotted with wool pile on cotton foundations, sometimes with silk. Many use the asymmetrical (Persian) knot and medium-to-fine weave.
What colors do Khotan rugs typically use?
Expect soft, muted palettes—ivory, camel, celadon, rust, teal, and faded reds/blues. Antique dyes often mellow to pastels over time.
What motifs define Khotan rugs?
Classic Khotan rugs feature pomegranates (fertility/abundance), vases, lattice trellises, triple medallions, cloud bands, and fretwork borders. Pomegranate or vase-and-vine layouts are especially iconic.
Are “Knotan rugs” the same as Khotan rugs?
Yes—“Knotan rugs” is a common misspelling of Khotan rugs (also spelled Hotan). Search using “Khotan rug” to find accurate results.
Why are Khotan rugs sometimes called Samarkand rugs?
Many Khotan rugs moved through Samarkand’s markets, so dealers used “Samarkand” as a trade name. You’ll see both terms for the same East Turkestan weaving tradition.
Why are Khotan rugs sometimes called Samarkand rugs? Read More »
What are Khotan rugs and where do Khotan rugs come from?
Khotan rugs are hand-knotted carpets from the Silk Road oasis of Khotan (Hotan) in East Turkestan/Xinjiang. They blend Chinese and Persian design elements and were widely traded via Samarkand.
What are Khotan rugs and where do Khotan rugs come from? Read More »
How should I store a keyhole motif rug?
Clean first, then roll face-in on a tube, wrap in breathable fabric (no plastic), and add moth deterrent. Check the stored keyhole rug every 3–6 months.
Are there modern reproductions of keyhole motif rugs?
Yes—workshops in Turkey, the Caucasus region, and Afghanistan produce new keyhole-inspired rugs using hand-spun wool and natural dyes. They offer classic looks at lower prices.
Are there modern reproductions of keyhole motif rugs? Read More »
How do I verify a keyhole rug’s authenticity?
Inspect weave structure, knot type, and dyes; review provenance and expert opinions. For valuable keyhole rugs, request a written appraisal from a rug specialist.
What rug pad is best under a keyhole rug?
Use a 1/4″–3/8″ felt pad (felt-rubber combo for slick floors). It reduces wear and prevents slipping without stressing an antique keyhole rug.
Are keyhole motif rugs considered rare?
Early keyhole rugs (15th–16th century) are extremely rare; double keyhole rugs are scarce. Nineteenth-century keyhole pieces are collectible but more findable.