Old Re-Import Sarough | 560 x 338 cm | Nr. 15031

Old Re-Import Sarough

Delivery time	2 days
Origin	Persia
Dimensions	560 cm x 338 cm (= 18.93 m²)
Construction	hand-knotted
Material	Pile: wool
knots	250.000
Condition	pre-owned, but in very good condition (cleaned & restored)
Edition	one-of-a-kind piece

Origin

This rug comes from Sarough (also spelled Sarouk, Saruk or Sarogh). Sarough is one of the best-known rug-knotting regions in Iran. Located in the western Persian province of Aarak, it takes in the provenances Arak, Djozan, Ghiasabad, Mahal, Malayer, Mohajeran, Sultanabad and Wiss. Persian patterns of every kind are knotted in Sarough, in some cases to the buyer's own specifications. Weavers there are especially fond of the neighbouring Farahan designs, of their own Sultanabad patterns and of the so-called Mir-i-Boteh pattern made up of paisley motifs. Typical of this type of rug is the very good wool quality of the pile, as the new wool comes from the Persian highlands. The foundation – warp and weft – is, however, usually made of cotton. In old and antique rugs you will often find a blue weft thread. The knotting is very fine and the pile relatively high.

Especially sought after by collectors are the old and antique rugs of the Mahal and Malayer types that were knotted in Sarough between 1880 and 1930.

A special case in the art of rug knotting in Iran is the so-called American Saroughs, which were knotted between 1900 and 1940 specifically for the American market. The colours of the American Saroughs are limited to rust, red, blue and a few brown and beige tones, and they show a floral pattern that usually does without a central medallion. In the 1970s these pieces also became very popular in Iran and were re-imported there. Hence the name. Only a very few pieces found their way from Iran to Europe. This is why the pieces that were first re-imported into Iran are especially rare.

This Old Re-Import Sarough is around 106 years old and a true collector's piece.

Material

The pile of this Old Re-Import Sarough was hand-knotted from high-quality new wool. New wool is obtained by gently shearing sheep. New wool is a renewable, natural raw material with a number of impressive qualities: thanks to the natural lanolin in the wool, the surface repels droplets of water and is therefore naturally protected against dirt. Wool also provides excellent thermal insulation, helps regulate the indoor climate and absorbs sound.

The weft and warp threads of this Old Re-Import Sarough are made of cotton. This versatile material is tear-resistant and elastic, which makes it particularly well suited to a hard-wearing foundation.

Condition

You are not the first to take a liking to this Old Re-Import Sarough. It has had owners before you who valued and used it. Its venerable age has left a few traces, and these give it its very special charm. In places the pile has become somewhat thinner. It was knotted around 106. We have cleaned it thoroughly and restored it with care. Despite its age, it is therefore in very good condition.