Khotan Family

Oil on canvas, 66 x 86 cm, 2500 USD

This painting lovingly portrays my great-grandfather, grandfather, and great-grandmother as a young family in Khotan, a legendary Silk Road oasis city. They’re seated in front of one of the city’s famous carpets on which I’ve painted peacocks, a traditional symbol of love and happiness. My great-grandfather’s typical hat is trimmed with fur (sheep, muskrat or nutria). My great-grandmother’s colorful dress is made of adras, a natural blend of silk and cotton. My young grandfather holds his finger to his mouth, indicating surprise and shyness.

Curator’s Note: This gesture is used in medieval Persian miniatures to convey these emotions.