Early Yarkand

238 x 121 cm (7' 10" x 4')
East Turkestan, ca. 1800 or before
Condition: good according to age, low pile, scattered small old repairs, selvages rebound
Published: "Antike Orientteppiche aus österreichischem Besitz", TKF, 1986, plate 126
Warp: cotton, weft: wool and cotton, pile: wool

The large reciprocal crenellated border ranks among the most impressive framing solutions in the entire realm of Oriental carpet design. East Turkestani carpets featuring this motif are therefore among the most sought-after pieces. It typically appears on the classical three-medallion rugs. The present example, however, is a rare exception: it displays only a small floral medallion on a swastika grid.
Swastikas within colored squares can also be found in the narrow secondary borders - another clear indication of this composition's close relationship to classical-period Chinese carpets. The oasis towns of East Turkestan, located along various routes of the Silk Road, have always reflected the artistic influences of Chinese, Indian, and Iranian cultures in their textiles.
The characteristic border was named the "cloud-head border" by Hans König in an article published in HALI 174 (pp. 42-51) - a term that should be preserved in his honor. In his article, König refers to Bidder, who interpreted this motif as an archetypal Asian symbol, still seen today on tents and yurts. Similar border designs appear on felts from the Pazyryk tombs, although they lack the reciprocal structure. A simplified version of the motif is also found on several other East Turkestani carpets.
Regarding our piece, Hans König writes on page 49 that it is "even rarer" than the three-medallion rugs and praises the weaver's work, stating that he "found perfect corner solutions - something almost never seen in Khotan carpets."
Another notable feature of this exceptional rug is the so-called "barber-pole" hook motif, which appears at both ends of the border.

Estimate: € 40000 - 60000