CIRCA: 1800’s, 2nd half
A so-called Kashgari* kilim. Little is known about these kilims, which were woven by Turkomen weavers purportedly living in or around the Silk Road oasis town of Kashgar in what was once known as East Turkestan (or Chinese Turkestan). They are renowned for their attractive design which consist of multiple horizontal bands and what at a glance resembles a pyramid like repeating motif and their fine wool and tight weave, of which this is a prime example. Made in the late 1800’s, it has very fine wool warp and weft, all natural dyes and the size is 135cm x 77cm. There is fraying across either end, but otherwise it is quite 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.