Alter Re-import Sarough
360 cm x 257 cm
Nr. 4136

Floral Alter Re-import Sarough, dark blue with Medaillon and border

Place of origin

This rug is from Sarough (also Sarouk, Saruk or Sarogh). Sarough is one of the most famous rug-making areas in Iran. Situated in the western Persian province of Aarak, it includes the provinces of Arak, Jozan, Ghiasabad, Mahal, Malayer, Mohajeran, Sultanabad and Wiss. In Sarough, Persian patterns of all types are knotted, sometimes even according to the customer's specifications. The neighboring Farahan as well as the local Sultanabad designs and the so-called Mir-i-Boteh patterns consisting of Paisley motifs are also produced with passion. Typical for this type of rug is the very good wool quality of the pile, since the new wool comes from the Persian highlands. However, the backing (warp and weft) is usually made of cotton. In old and antique rugs, a blue weft thread is often found. The knotting is very fine and the pile is relatively high.

Old and antique Mahal and Malayer type rugs knotted in Sarough between 1880 and 1930 are particularly sought after by collectors.

The so-called American Sarouks, which were knotted especially for the American market between 1900 and 1940, are considered special examples of the art of rug-making in Iran. The colors of the American Sarouks are reduced to shades of rust, red, blue and some brown or beige, and they have a floral pattern that usually does not have a central medallion. In the 1970s these pieces became very popular in Iran as well, and were re-imported there, hence the name. Only a few pieces reached Europe from Iran. That's why the pieces that were first re-imported to Iran are particularly rare. This old Re-import Sarough is more than 40 years old and a true collector's item.

Patterns

The luxuriant flower motifs of this Re-import Sarough are elegant and varied. The graceful vegetative symbols representing flowers, leaves and branches are artfully intertwined.

In the middle of the central field of this Re-import Sarough is the symmetrical center, also called medallion. The design of the field is arranged in such a way that it gives the impression that the medallion is floating on the field.

The edge of the rug is decorated with an edging (border). The border forms a glorious contrast to the center.

The background of this Re-import Sarough is dark blue. The border features rusty red, dark blue and olive green. The rusty red center combines the colors beige and blue gray.

Condition

You are not the first to appreciate this Re-import Sarough. It has had owners before you who have cherished and used it. It was hand knotted about 1920. We have cleaned it thoroughly and restored it lovingly. Therefore it is in very good condition despite its age.

Material

The pile of this Re-import Sarough has been hand-knotted from high-quality virgin wool. Virgin wool is obtained through the gentle shearing of sheep. Virgin wool is a sustainable, natural raw material with a number of impressive properties; due to the wool's natural fat content, the surface repels water droplets and is thus naturally impervious to dirt. Wool also offers excellent thermal insulation, has a regulating effect on living climate and muffles sound. The weft and warp threads of this Re-import Sarough are made of cotton. This versatile material is tear-resistant and stretchable and, therefore, ideal for a durable backing fabric.