A so-called Kashgari* kilim. Little is known about these kilims, which were woven by Turkomen weavers purportedly living in the Silk Road oasis town of Kashgar or its environs in what was once known as East Turkestan (or Chinese Turkestan). They are renowned for their tight woolen weave and their attractive design which consist of multiple horizontal bands and what at a glance resembles a pyramid like repeating motif. An interesting feature in this excellent example is that while most of the motifs in these particular bands point one way, one band points in the opposite direction. Made circa 1900, it has fine wool warp and weft, natural dyes and the size is 216cm x 119cm. There are two very small old repairs and some fraying at either end, but otherwise it is very good condition.
* Kashgar (whose modern Chinese name is Kashi) is one of the oldest cities in East / Chinese Turkestan (Xinjiang), whose historical importance comes from its significance as a trading center. Along with Khotan and Yarkand, it was also one of the fabled East Turkestan Silk Road towns famous for their carpet weaving. Located at the confluence of the northern and southern arms of the Silk Road when traveling west across China, Kashgar was the last oasis before exiting into Turkestan itself on that fabled trade route across the Asian continent.