Description:

This outstanding Sarouk Farahan carpet is a remarkable example of late 19th-century Persian weaving, notable for its Qajar-era mihrab design. The composition centers around a majestic Tree of Life ascending within a mosque-inspired architectural frame, symbolizing growth and spiritual ascent. The vibrant indigo ground is richly adorned with birds, flowers, and fauna, animated by meticulous detailing and a masterful use of color. Rare lion motifs anchoring the base of the composition, along with flourishing palmettes, further distinguish this piece as a unique blend of political symbolism and sacred geometry-hallmarks of Qajar design sensibility. The elegant mihrab arch, flanked by columns and crowned with floral capitals, reinforces the carpet's devotional and regal qualities. Similar compositions are preserved in the Carpet Museum of Iran and in notable private Qajar textile collections, though few retain this level of condition and clarity. Origin: Sarouk, Farahan, Persia Design: Qajar-style Mihrab Materials: Wool on cotton Dimensions: Length 310 cm / Width 205 cm Condition: Excellent, with original fringes preserved

  • Dimensions: Length 310 cm / Width 205 cm
  • Literature: Sarouk rugs, also known as Saruk or Sarough, are a distinguished type of Persian carpet originating from the village of Sarouk and the city of Arak (formerly Sultanabad) in Iran's Markazi province. Renowned for their exceptional quality and durability, these rugs have been a significant part of Persian weaving traditions. The production of Sarouk rugs gained prominence in the late 19th century, particularly around 1880, when Western demand for Persian carpets surged. To cater to this demand, merchants established workshops in Sultanabad and surrounding areas, including Sarouk, Farahan, and Lilihan. Notably, the British-Swiss company Ziegler & Co. played a pivotal role by setting up offices in Tabriz in 1878 and in Sultanabad in 1883, producing rugs tailored to Western tastes. Sarouk rugs are celebrated for their curvilinear and floral designs. In the early 20th century, to appeal to the American market, a specific style known as the "American Sarouk" emerged. These rugs featured deep, raspberry-red fields with scattered floral sprays and minimal or no central medallions. Interestingly, while these rugs were woven in Iran, they were often dyed or "painted" upon arrival in the United States to achieve the desired color palette. Several notable varieties of Sarouk rugs include: Farahan Sarouk: Produced from approximately 1890 to World War I, these rugs often showcased intricate medallion designs on blue or ivory fields, Mohajeran Sarouk: Gaining popularity between 1890 and 1920, these rugs were known for their dense knotting, thick wool pile, and rich red and blue hues. Josan Sarouk: Emerging between 1900 and 1930, these rugs combined features from both Farahan and Mohajeran styles, often displaying central medallions with repeating floral motifs. Common characteristics of Sarouk rugs include a high-quality, tough wool pile, blue weft threads, and traditional floral patterns. The finest modern Sarouk rugs are often produced in the town of Ghiassabad. Today, Sarouk rugs continue to be esteemed for their craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal. They are still produced using traditional methods, maintaining their status as bestsellers in the Persian rug market.
  • Medium: Wool on cotton
  • Circa: Late 19th Century
  • Condition: Excellent, with original fringes preserved

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May 26, 2025 7:30 PM AST
Doha, Qatar

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