Your guide to purchasing an Oriental Rug

In no specific order - the 4C's and a Q of rugs: Country of origin, Colors, Condition, Collector appeal and Cuality...  oops...  Quality.

Evaluation of rugs taking in account the above factors means you are on the road to finding a fine, genuine &  authentic Oriental rug.  That's fantastic! 

Part of the beauty of our shop is we have done the legwork of finding only awesome carpets for you:  As opposed to the traditional rug shop that may take the good with the bad, we have scouted and sift through thousands of carpets to hand select the ones we love.  Yes, here's that shameless plug of our awesome Oriental Rugs for sale.  We don't feel too bad about it since we take great pride our rugs, especially our vintage rugs and antique rugs.

As a brief introduction for the consumer, we're going to indulge in a few acceptable generalizations for an overview.  It will be important to bear in mind the following:  The market for fine hand knotted Oriental rugs is becoming more like fine art.  An antique rug made 100+ years ago is not easily replaced since it cannot be remade again.  Furthermore, new carpets today are becoming increasingly more costly to produce.  Still, in our opinion, Oriental rugs are among the most depreciated markets right now.  The sale of museum worthy carpets continues to hit record prices, however, Oriental rugs that are not top-tier museum carpets remain among the most affordable of all decorative items in the context of a home. 

That's not to say everyone should run and buy an Oriental rug immediately or as an investment.  However, it is relevant for buyers to know and understand where the value is and the clear relative affordability even for a seemingly higher priced item.  The process of making an Oriental rug is an intimate task. One could easily take the position the value in an Oriental rug is disproportionately greater than many home furnishings: the typical weaving time of an 8' x 10' Oriental carpet may take two weavers six months time.

While some aspects of evaluation are discussed in what to look for and what is myth, the point remains that any Oriental rug by intrinsic character/definition has been created via a laborious process from materials to loom to room.  

So, lets get down to buying a rug and demystifying some of the mystique.  What to look for, what is true and what is myth and how to purchase that fantastic, authentic Oriental rug:

Country of origin

  A.  General rule of thumb: If you are searching for super authenticity, you may want to consider if the design is indigenous to the country of origin and perhaps even region of production.  E.G.  A Turkish Hereke rug design made in China is not as authentic as a Peking design Chinese rug made in China.  There certainly are exceptions although for such items it will likely be clear how those items are differentiated with reliable or substantive proof as to how. 

  B.  Simply because a rug or carpet is of Persian origin does not make it superior item than that of any other rug weaving country. E.G. Compare apples to apples.

Color

  A.  There is a misconception that natural dyes are better than synthetic.  This is not necessarily true.  There are, however, collector purists who only specialize in carpets of a certain age, generally prior to the advent of synthetic dyes.  However, this caliber carpet realistically does not apply to carpets serving day in and day out utility and decorative dividends.  Apart from having a laboratory or being certain of a rugs age as pre-1860's, it is practically impossible to differentiate natural vs. synthetic.  Consider the example of indigo - the chemical structure of synthetic and natural indigo are identical. Many carpets with advertised natural dyes are typically a fraction natural.

  B.  Purchase the colors you like.  If a very high investment, you may want to consider something less era-specific and more timeless.  Tone-on-tone or contrasting colors often endure well long-term.  On the other side, carpets given harsh washes to create strong overtones or draw on the appearance of a faux, aged patina are not in the spirit of how the original carpet was woven, and are therefore considered more decorative subject to the volatility of fads.  While such carpets may be created with the same techniques as any other carpet, their popularity may drastically vary up and down every few decades as opposed to consistently holding value and only experiencing mild ups and downs of the market.

Condition

  A.  Today, perhaps more so than in the past, an older carpet exhibiting wear is more acceptable.  This is especially the case for non-formal carpets, and perhaps is propelled in part by decorative markets, although there are some other points to consider as well:  1.  You cannot make another antique rug!  The amount made is fixed: quantity is diminishing and demand is increasing.  Fewer carpets in exceptional condition are surfacing on the market.  2.  Many believe a rug should look its age.  A carpet exhibiting some wear or tattered area tells a story.  You can also enjoy it without the concerns one may have with the use of a mint condition antique.  

Collector / Decorative Appeal

If you are searching as a collector - the advice we have is buy what you love, buy cautiously, look for timeless colors or tone-on-tone, look for the best-of-type, look for unusual, the rare, the hard-to-find, manageable sizes of typical dimensions, look for transitional connector designs and motifs, look for condition, look for age, look for authenticity.  Notice how quality is not included in this...  Carpets purchased by collectors are rarely purchased on any single merit of quality and quality alone.

Quality

Quality typically encompasses the following three factors, no one is necessarily more important than the other.  However, know as a first time buyer this one costly misconception:  Higher knot count is not a function of higher quality.  Period.

  A. Quality of material input (mainly pile) for type:  a fine workshop type carpet such as a Persian Kashan will have fine, soft, long stapled wool.  A commercial grade Pakistani Lahore carpet should have a commercial grade wool.  If the Persian Kashan had a commercial grade wool, it would be considered lower in the realm of material quality relative to type. 

  B. Knot Density for type:  e.g. the typical Persian Sarouk from 1920-1950 ranges from 100 knots per inch to 180 knots per inch.  If a Sarouk of 180 knots is being compared the range of other Sarouk rugs of similar age and type, it would be considered relatively fine. 

  C. Execution of weave/design.  A high quality carpet will exhibit 1. fully optimized the design with knot density to exhibit details and curves.  A poor quality carpet will often show a pixelated appearance, or, in some cases, have used too many knots per inch to convey a design which could have been done in a lower quality!

Quality really encompasses the overall carpet inclusive of material input quality, knot density, and design execution all rolled together.  A high quality carpet will embody all these characteristics in a high level when compared to others of their type, age, and origin.

In closing, I want to share with you how I would evaluate a sweet carpet we have in our shop, a Persian Rug:

This carpet is one of our personal favorites for several reasons.  Going through the 4C's and Q, we're going to get to the bottom of why this piece, as many in our shop, stands out as an awesome carpet on many levels.

Country of origin - It is a Persian rug from Sarouk, specifically of the Sarouk Farahan variety.  The design would be considered indigenous to the area woven, as opposed to a far distant adaptation or interpretation of another design.  Passing grade!

Colors - Outstanding tone-on-tone in the center medallion and borders.  Lovely terra cotta, golds, super soft powder blue, light olive, soft bronze...  The colors are all distinguishable yet almost have a hint of analogous shades.  The deep blue corner spandrels serve as phenomenal contrast to the whole piece with excellent clarity, character and harmony.  This carpet does have some augmentation to the field color, likely done many years after weaving.  This "sign of the time" change does not necessarily detract from the value, and in many ways, adds to the story of the piece.  Passing grade!

Condition - The condition shows use, wear and age.  However, carpets such as this were meant to be used, and often were subjected to more harsh wear than room size carpet.  Fewer small pieces seem to survive unless intended as saddle bags, throws or pillow covers.  Relatively speaking, the condition concerns are minimal, and the carpet has had no significant restorations so it is all original.  Passing grade!

Collector Appeal - Great manageable size, excellent individual character, good age.  Condition could be better, but relatively speaking, it is certainly a desirable carpet.  Passing grade!

Quality - Outstanding, long staple wool.  Super soft and supple.  Knot density is in the top of its type and age.  The design execution is awesome - stunning, beautiful, classic and timeless with wonderful detail in the minor borders all the way though to the field with delicate, single knot tendrils lacing the ground.  All-in-all, a really nice surviving example!   Passing grade!

Old New House

A Guide to Sarouk Carpets

Carpets of Persian origin are often named after the people or area/location the carpets are made.  At times, the trading point for outlying areas also may stand as part of attribution too.  More specific designations, names, prefixes or other are assigned to specific types of carpets.  Sarouk carpets are among the most timeless and coveted Persian Rugs of the 19th and 20th centuries.  We're going to delve into the different types of Sarouk carpets, and distinctions those in the industry would generally consider accepted relations and delineations.

Sarouk is somewhat of a overall area of carpet production in Persia.  Most carpets attributed to Sarouk were made in areas contained within the region of what is the Markazi province and many were routed through Arak, Iran.  Within the area surrounding Arak, weavers from workshops, towns and surrounding dwellers supply the markets and export.

There are several important types of Sarouk carpets to differentiate between and also draw connections to. As one of the most important weaving areas of Iran in the 19th and 20th century, it is our pleasure to introduce the Old New House super Sarouk helpful guide and overview:

Short overview:

The main stream connection between all Sarouk carpets 19th to 20th centuries generally follows as such - Farahan Sarouk production transitions to Mohajeran Sarouk which transitions into American / European and German Sarouk.  These are going to be the major carpets to look for and differentiate between.  Variations of carpets with Sarouk suffix are often offshoots of these major types either in design and proximity, and/or related in technical characteristics.

Detailed overview:

19th Century

To clarify a common blurred overlapping distinction and attribution due to similarity, Feraghan is generally not to be confused with Farahan Sarouk. Fereghan is an outlying carpet of the Arak area and is generally considered its' own entity aside from Sarouk rugs as a whole, although woven within relatively close proximity.  Fereghan carpets are typically very thin in characteristic, loose in knotting although of good weave, wool, and brilliant colors most often featuring rectilinear designs. The most popular of these designs includes Guli Hanai and Herati although they come in a wide array of styles, designs and motifs.  While highly sought after and still considered Arak weaving overlap they are not to be confused with Sarouk or Farahan Sarouk production which is closer to the cities. Fereghan rugs are generally more related to Sultanabad, Mahal and general Arak weaving which exhibit looser weave density overall.  Farahan Sarouk / Sarouk Farahan is is town/workshop weaving with mostly curvilinear mapping.

An antique Palace Size Fereghan Carpet. These are among the most sought after 19th century carpets known for wonderful depth and saturation in color, as well as rhythmic geometric motif in allover design. Although woven in relatively close proximity to Sarouk, these carpets are made in what was the Fereghan Plains area of Persia, more removed from the city, and more village and town oriented weaving.  Fereghan carpets generally are documented as having approximately 90 knots per inch, with roughly 30-45 degree warp offset (meaning both nodes of the knot may be seen, one portion more so than the other). Most commonly the span of weaving covers the early 1800's through 1915. The majority of examples will be found in the 1880-1910 range.

Farahan Sarouk (or Farahan Sarouk) carpets are often colorful, semi-formal, and full of character. See example below of a very expressive and rare cloudband motif Farahan Sarouk:

 

Note the even balance in design, excellent execution and rendering of curvilinear design elements such as the cloudband and other clearly defined flowers. A unique and rare example of Farahan Sarouk carpets circa 1900.

Farahan Sarouk typically feature a dense weave with knot count in the range of 130 - 240 knots per inch with the average example showing in the area of 140-180. We have seen rare and exceptionally fine examples to have in excess of 300 knots per inch. A very limited run of silk Farahan rugs made between 1860's-1890's feature multi-color silk warps and exceptionally high knot count in the range of 300 - 450. Farahan Sarouk rugs are very solid rugs generally woven with great wool, weave and colors. Earlier examples date back to the first half of the 1800's, and later examples go a bit into the 20th century. However, most Farahan Sarouk rugs will be found in the 1875-1915 range, with earlier examples having rather large designs with open color space and fine knotting, and later examples showing higher level of details and rather low density of open area. 

Covering third quarter 19th century weaving through 1920, the more "affordable" alternative to Farahan Sarouk would be Josan Sarouk:  slightly coarser, often a bit more open in design, slightly more garish in colors, at times even a bit more irregular in design mapping or even shape.  These too can have tremendous character, and with the right attributes, can appeal to the collector community.  Another alternative to Farahan and Josan Sarouk carpets are third quarter 19th century through end of 1st quarter 20th century Malayer Sarouk.  Malayer Sarouk carpets are often similar to Josan Sarouk in color character and design, although Malayer Sarouk is single wefted, and weave may appear to have finer horizontal knotting.  Since the structure is different, many simply call these Malayer rugs, although they are closely related to the Sarouk in proximity and design.  Similar to Josan, some of the garish colors and irregularity of a village weave may be evident.

20th Century:

With movement into the 20th century, finer Farahan Sarouk workshop manufacturing transitions into Mohajeran Sarouk in the late 1800's.  Mohajeran Sarouk carpets a draw an important relation and connection between 19th century and 20th century production of Sarouk Iran.  Mohajeran catered to an increasing European demand:  Persian designs and execution, some with a hint of a looser more airy space between designs in the field and a more "blossom" oriented design and particularly heavy emphasis on a willow tree motif.  Typically bolder and more traditional reds and blues were main colors of choice.  Mohajeran Sarouks are often feature deep rich cobalt blue backgrounds with a hint of a royal blue or, more commonly, deep red fields.  Often the colors paired are inverse: Red with blue border, or blue with red border.  However, there are unique exceptions to this.  Some blue carpets may be found with a salmon terra cotta border, and others with a deep ruby, or even an eggplant tone.  Other than a willow tree repeating across the carpet - designs may include delicate vines, floral clusters and open space between motifs.  In comparison to its predecessor, overall, a highly decorated Mohajeran Sarouk would likely have slightly fewer quantity and range of colors than the Farahan Sarouk.  Some hint this may be a reflection of the times in and around WWI, although much of Mohajeran production precedes this.  Medallions were less frequently woven in Mohajeran as they were in Farahan Sarouks.  Many Mohajerans have covered fields, or allover designs.  Some earlier pieces have horizontally elongated medallions.  In these pieces, you can often clearly see similarities and transitional use of borders and outlines as strong reminders of the Farahan Sarouk. 

Eventually this Mohajeran style was overlapping what is now referred to as the American and European Sarouks which began transitioning around 1915-1925, then later gained a great deal of momentum in the late 30's.  Floral sprays in allover covered fields become very popular in American Sarouks of the late 1920's through 1950's with continual refinement along the way.  The design is so well identified in Western and European markets the motif is even adapted in village and even nomadic weaving.  Such is the case with Lilihan Sarouk (single weft) which in the early late 19th century, and moreso in the 20th century) designs were quite similar to end of run Mohajeran style and American Sarouk.  The main difference being structure - single weft construction and generally a more cost conscious investment.  Mid century Lilihans pieces are to be considered commercial grade rugs with coarser weave, and lower grade wool.  Many Lilihan Sarouks were also painted similar to American Sarouks.

Sarouk Rugs and Offshoot Sarouk Variety:

American Sarouks, European Sarouks and German Sarouks: Primarily made from 1920 - 1960. The style of these carpets predominantly encompasses traditional Persian and European flavor with floral bouquets and sprays atop red or blue fields. Many of these rugs were painted to satisfy market demands for highly enriched saturated colors rather closely related to jewel tones in intensity. Intense salmon pink backgrounds of American Sarouk rugs were often painted with a rich raspberry / cherry red giving the carpets an unmistakable and brilliant ruby tone. Sarouks were not only painted red - other colors aside from field color that were altered include greens, blues, yellows, and more. Sarouk rugs of this type are generally very ornate, curvilinear and formal. Knot density for Sarouks of this variety generally remains between 100 - 180 knots per inch, with some examples venturing into the 225 kpsi range.  An interesting point that is often overlooked in comparing Sarouk rugs of similar age and character but different size is this: It is common for Sarouk rugs of this 1920's-60's vintage in sizes smaller than 5x7 to have up to 30% higher knot count on average than larger sizes. This was a correction made to compensate for design detail often lost when scaling motifs smaller. The average example in 9'x12' often has approximately 120 knots per inch, while a small Sarouk of the same vintage and type may have 150 knots per inch or more.  The pile of Sarouk rugs vintage 1920-60 is comparably thicker ranging from 1/4" to nearly 3/4". Similarly, Sizes are generally small scatter sized carpets all the way up to mansion, palace and highly unusual large dimensions exceeding 14' x 24'. Runners are a bit more unusual to find as are rugs with a blue background.

Arak - Some post WWI American Sarouks and Mir Sarouks are incorrectly attributed as Sarouks when they are really Arak:  Although all come from the Arak area, if a suspected 'Sarouk' carpet is double wefted and under 100 kpsi, it is more properly and simply attributed to Arak, implying more rural, looser weave with less of a workshop oriented production.

Farahan - See above.

Fereghan - Typically older carpets pre-1920's.  These are rectilinear design with repeating herati or tree/pomegranite and Guli Hannai motif.  From afar, the affect is somewhat similar.  Distinguishing characteristics thin carpets often featuring a minor color of copper green / celadon often found in the border. Very early examples from the first half of the 1800's have green dye/mordant which is of detriment to the wool, and therefor tends to recess the pile height.  Predominant field colors are Dark blue.  Harder to find is red, and even more rare is ivory or any other color.  Some medallion Feraghans were made, although disproportionately smaller numbers.  These carpets are woven relatively close to the major trading post in Arak.

 

Josan Sarouk - Generally 19th century examples through 1920 will be 20-40% coarser version of a Farahan Sarouk ranging in weave density of 130 - 180 kpsi.  Often found to have slightly more garish color tones:  Exaggerated reds, orange or other minor colors.  This can be attributed to the types of dyes available to and procured by the weavers of the area.  1920's - 1960's Josan rugs are may be found closer to 200 kpsi.  A common identification for mid century Josan Sarouks is Sarouk quality and technical structure with a minor scalloping detail around running border and field motifs.

Malayer Sarouk - Similar to a Jozan Sarouk in design and color, yet single wefted and finer in weave.

 

Mohajeran - See above.

Mir Sarouk - Some very old Farahan carpets have a Mir [boteh] design, although the Mir Sarouk really has characteristics more closely related in structure to American Sarouk carpets.  Mir Sarouk is truly an adaptation of Serbend or Malayer style, simply created in the thicker mid-century weave.


What to look for:

Sarouk rugs are among the most sought after rugs in the World.  Simply because a carpet is attributed to any one of this type or vintage does also not necessarily reflect a certain quality.  However, distinguishing between the different types is since it educates you as a consumer about a product which is relatively unbranded.  Hopefully you will be able to use information provided to you to cross reference information in this article.  In the long run, you should know what you have.  Is the carpet more appropriately considered a Farahan Sarouk, Josan Sarouk, or maybe neither?  Is it a late Farahan or early Mohajeran?  Is the carpet you are shown an American Sarouk being placed as 30 years older than American Sarouks were made?  These are helpful distinctions to be able to ascertain as a buyer since part of the fun of rug ownership is understanding the lineage and progression of designs, and of course, being able to tell your friends about it!

When looking for the right Sarouk to purchase, bear in mind the following points and tips.

For 19th century Sarouk -
Some Farahan Sarouks were made extremely tight on the loom, which prevents some varieties from being folded like a blanket.  Understand a carpet with hard spots or long splits will likely be a purchase purely for decorative value.  Ivory grounds are considered more unique and desirable.

20th century Sarouk.  This variety are often considered as more formal in nature.  Therefore, condition is of utmost importance.  Always look for well cared for carpets if purchasing Mohajeran, American/European, Lilihan, Mir or other Sarouks of the 20th century.  Late 1st quarter and second quarter Sarouks were often painted.  Most commonly the rose-red would be darkened to a burgundy.  Other colors to be painted were dark blue.  Even further was painting of lime green, rose, medium blue and even orange.  Painting is not a problem, but you will want to be cautious of :

1.  stripped painted rugs
2.  poorly painted rugs or severely worn painted rugs.

Stripped or painted rugs will often be a rose tone with a slight overcast color of brown/orange/gold.  If you part the pile deep, you may find the true color.  Sarouks stripped of their paint tend to be less desirable.  At 1' away from the pile of a poorly painted Sarouk it will look sloppy and hurried.  A worn painted Sarouk will have a Halo appearance around floral bouquets.  As with most carpets, the most desirable of the type will be that which is well cared for.  This is especially true for any carpet with "formal" appeal.

Purchase from a trusted source and consider every rug on an individual basis.  Most important, buy what you love since a fine hand knotted rug will last for many years if not generations.

 

PHOTO GALLERY

A unique Farahan Sarouk with mir boteh field.  Approximate weaving date circa 1890. (NFS)

A familiar border design, although very rare field design featuring samovars, pomegranates and herati design. Formerly NFS, this Sarouk Farahan circa 1900 is now available for purchase.

 

A fine Farahan Sarouk circa 1890. 

 

A very fine Josan Sarouk circa 1915.

 

A very old Lilihan Sarouk circa 1895 or earlier.  (sold)

 

A very fine and unusual Lilihan Sarouk.  Minor painting circa 1930, carpet may pre-date 1915. (sold)

 

A very late Mohajeran Sarouk mat circa 1920.

 

A very late Mohajeran Sarouk circa 1920.  Note the border similarity to Farahan Sarouk, and field similarity to later American Sarouk.  (sold)

 

An unpainted American Sarouk Circa 1925. (sold)

 

A typical design of American Sarouk (painted).  Weave of exceptional density, age circa1930. (sold)

 

A typical painted American Sarouk circa 1935.

A fine, unpainted American Sarouk circa 1950. (sold)

An unusual and rare orange Mir Sarouk circa 1940. (Formerly NFS, this Mir Sarouk is now available.)

 

Where are some famous places you may find Sarouk Rugs?

In the public eye, Sarouk rugs can be found in many corporate and museum collections, state and government buildings, colleges and universities as well as historic homes.

One example is the Gamble House in Pasadena California, which for many years was home to a variety of Farahan, Lilihan and American Sarouk rugs. A historic national landmark iconic of the Arts & Crafts style designed by Charles and Henry Greene in 1908 for David and Mary Gamble of the Procter and Gamble Company. This home has a tremendous legacy and history, with unbelievable detail, amazing quality and a masterpiece of the era. Among other cameos in film, the Gamble House appeared in the Back to the Future films as Doc Brown's home in 1955. Read more about the Gamble House on Wikipedia. 

Image ©Tim Street-Porter, The Gamble House.

 

See how many Farahan Sarouk rugs you can spot in an Arch Daily article on The Gamble House.

 

What is the most expensive Sarouk to ever sell?

Sotheby's Lot 151, CARPETS, November 25, 2008 sold for $50,000.

Relative to size and sale price, among the most expensive wool Sarouk rugs to sell in a public venue was an allover cloudband design ivory Farahan Sarouk circa 1900 measuring 4'4" x 6'8" which sold in 2008 at a NY Sotheby's for $50,000 USD, or $1,730 per square foot.

Sotheby's Lot 158, CARPETS, November 25, 2008 sold for $50,000.

Relative to size and sale price, among the most expensive silk Sarouk rugs to sell in a public venue was a center medallion ivory field Sarouk Farahan carpet circa 1900 measuring 4'4" x 7' with polychromatic silk warps which also sold in Sotheby's NY for $50,000 USD, or ~$1,650 per square foot.

 

OLD NEW HOUSE