Khotan rugs and some of their related cousins are from an area referred to as East Turkistan that lies between the major weaving areas of India, China, and what was at one time Eastern Persia. Khotan has a 2000 plus year history as a carpet weaving center, despite its isolation, and numerous immigration and conquests by Persians, Greeks, Indians, Chinese, Turks, and even Tibetans.

Although the religion, and the ancient art from Khotan was derived from Indian sources, its textile arts have a Persian influence, that was later adapted to the an influx of Chinese
derived motifs.

The medallion and corner motifs of this carpet show a heavy Chinese influence, with iconography representing clouds, mountain ranges, and other natural elements. The field pattern may be interpreted to symbolize the solar system. The Greek key border is a pattern one sees with some regularity in Khotan carpets, although not usually this prominent.