Antique Persian Sarouk rug was hand knotted in Iran (Persia) of 100% natural wool and has a cotton foundation. This rug is 90+ years old, has medium to low, wool piles and is in excellent condition for its age. Beautiful colors with excellent quality, showing signs of abrash (fading) due to the use of antiquated vegetable dyes. No holes or repairs, nice and soft with a gorgeous design. This rug was acquired from an established rug merchant. Clean and ready to be enjoyed. Current embargoes against Iranian goods by the U.S. should cause the value of these rugs to increase. Please see all of our rugs and other items at www.rug-auction.com. We ship too.
A Sarouk rug is a type of Persian rug from Markazi Province in Iran. Sarouk (also Saruk or Sarough) rugs are those woven in the village of Saruk and also the city of Arak and the surrounding countryside. Sarouk rugs have been produced for much of the twentieth century. The early successes of the Sarouk rug are largely owed to the American market. From the 1910s to 1950s, the "American Sarouk", also known as the "painted Sarouk", was produced. American customers had an affinity for the Sarouk’s curvilinear and floral designs. What they did not appreciate, however, was the color, so for much of the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, rugs exported from Iran were dyed to a desirable, deep, raspberry-red color, once they arrive in the USA. In the second half of the 19th century, a huge market was created for Persian carpets in Europe and in the US. Many merchants bought the old and antique Persian rugs from all over Iran and exported them to other countries. Sarouk is a village located 30 miles north of the city of Sultanabad (today called Arak). Sarouk is famous for weaving very heavy body carpets. Sarouk rugs continue to be produced today, using the same methods as during early production, with the exception of the post-production dye job. Known for their exceptional quality and ability to withstand decades of wear, Sarouks continue to be best sellers. They are made with a high quality, tough wool using a Persian knot. A telltale sign of a Sarouk is usually its salmon or tomato-red color mixed with ivory and blues, and a very traditional, floral style. The finest of the modern Sarouk rugs come from the small town of Ghiassabad.