Sarouk Persian Rugs & Carpets

Sarouk rugs are part of a group known as “city rugs,” manufactured in town or city workshops. Emerging as a style around 1890, Sarouks come from the Arak region of Iran. Made of wool, Sarouk rugs often bear a medallion design, floral motifs, and a dark palette of predominant reds and blues. “Ferahan Sarouks” resemble original “Ferahans,” with a palette of green and white. Earlier Sarouk rugs feature large designs, open spaces, and fine knotting.

By the late 19th century, the Western world had become enamored with ancient treasures such as Oriental rugs. Suddenly, production did not meet the demand for antique rugs. European and American companies arranged mass production for shipment to the West. The British-Swiss firm Zieglar and Company had offices in Sultanabad (Arak) which included the Sarouk village.

Some carpet collectors do not consider Sarouks part of the investment-worthy antique rug world; however, Sarouks do have value as antiques and as durable carpets. During the 1920s and 1930s, the Sarouk became extremely popular in America. The durability of the carpets suited the high-traffic American lifestyle and brought the opulence of the Oriental rug to the home.

Quick Facts

• A 20th century Sarouk rug sold for $1,000 at a Capital Collections auction in 2015
• A Sarouk Fereghan rug (circa 1900) sold for $5,242 at a Christie’s auction in 2012
• Some Sarouks, along with other types of rugs, have been retouched with paint to disguise wear or change the color, which negatively impacts the value of the object