Immerse yourself in the Silk Road's rich tapestry of mysticism with this extraordinary Antique Pictorial Samarkand Rug. Measuring 5.08' x 4.00' (approx. 4'x6'), this rare 19th-century East Turkestan masterpiece features a breathtaking raised silk pile hand-knotted over a metallic thread chainweave background, creating an shimmering relief effect found only in elite imperial textiles.
The Mystical Allegory: Elephant, Rabbit & Owl
East Turkestan (Khotan/Samarkand) served as the historic cultural bridge between China, Central Asia, and Persia. This rug depicts three spiritually charged creatures in Eastern philosophy:
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The Elephant (象 - Xiàng): Strength, Royalty & Supreme Wisdom
In traditional Chinese iconography, the word for elephant sounds like peace (Xíng) and good fortune. The elephant provides the visual and spiritual foundation of the rug, embodying grounding energy, royal status, and unshakeable inner power.
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The Jade Rabbit (兔 - Tù): Longevity, Moon Magic & Compassion
Rooted in Daoist folklore, the Moon Rabbit accompanies the lunar goddess Chang'e, pounding the elixir of immortality with a mortar and pestle. Paired here with the elephant, the rabbit brings grace, longevity, and spiritual purity to the composition.
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The Owl (猫头鹰 - Māotóuyīng): Mystical Vision & Guardian of Secrets
In ancient Eastern tradition, the owl represents keen night vision, acute intuition, and protective sight capable of discerning hidden truths in the dark. Overseeing the scene, the owl serves as a vigilant guardian watching over the balance between the earthly (elephant) and the celestial (lunar rabbit).
Artisan Weaving & Materials
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Metallic Chainweave Ground: The flat-woven metallic background offers a luminescent, metallic sheen that reflects light dynamically across the room.
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Sculpted Silk Pile: Intricately hand-knotted pure silk pile rises above the metallic foundation, producing a tactile, 3D relief finish.
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Silk Road Heritage: Produced in the historic oasis trade centers of East Turkestan, blending imperial Chinese symbolism with Central Asian artistic execution.
Why Choose Ariana Rugs?
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Generations of Expertise: Grounded in decades of domain mastery, historic textile authentication, and deep preservation knowledge for museum-quality antiques.
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Uncompromising Ethical Standards: Built on high moral values—we ensure fair trade practices, responsible sourcing, and full transparency in provenance and historical documentation.
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Curated Showroom Excellence: Every antique piece in our collection is personally hand-selected for artistic value, structural integrity, and enduring historical merit.