Sarouk Rug

A Sarouk rug,is a type of Persian rug which originally came from Iran, actually the Arak weaving area, mostly produced in the late 1800′s and early 1900′s.

For a good example you could be looking at paying $45,000 to $60,000 for a rug measuring around 9′ x 12′.

There are different types of Sarouk rug, for instance a Ferehan, a Feheran Sarouk, a Malayer or Josan, and it helps to know something of the differences between them.

One of the types from the 1800′s was the Ferehan [it must be noted it is just called a Ferehan - not a Ferehan Sarouk]. The Ferehan’s were made from around 1875 to 1913 or thereabouts. Nearly all of these had rose madder backgrounds with all over designs, no medallions.

These specimens are rarely found these days because they probably have all worn out. Later from around 1890 to 1914 another weave appeared just known as Sarouks, but since then they have become known as Ferehan Sarouks.

These do not look like the original Ferehans in that they are finer, with around 270 knots per square inch and they are heavier being double-wefted. This design often features medallions with backgrounds of blue or ivory.

Because the Ferehan Sarouks have become so rare thus their price has escalated to make them extremely expensive. The other two types mentioned above, the Malayer and Josan made in different villages are often mistaken for Sarouk rugs because their designs are similar in that they feature medallions, but they are not of the same standard as Ferehan Sarouks.

It seems also that copies of the old Sarouks have been made in India with not much success but lately the quality has improved, they are better made and are using some of the older designs. Many of the producers of these rugs have managed to duplicate the beautiful old rose color, but even so, they will never look quite the same as an old Ferehan Sarouk.

If you are looking for a Sarouk rug it is best to go to a reputable dealer who is able to show or tell you the difference between the different types of Sarouk rug. If you are going to spend a serious amount of money on a Sarouk rug make sure you are getting what you are paying for.