Lot 78

SAROUK RUG

High quality hand knotted wool carpet on cotton warp, a masterful work belonging to the revival of Persian urban carpets. The Sarouk region was particularly famous for the production of floral carpets for export to the USA between about 1914-1940, and part of this distinct category of Persian carpets is still known as 'American Sarouk'. The market for these iconic pieces was partly spawned by the need to export luxury carpets outside of warring Europe, but just as the onset of World War I in Europe affected carpet production in Persia, so too did the onset of World War II in 1939 - but this time in reverse, as it brought about the definitive end of the American Sarouk era. This unique type of Persian carpet gained fame for its impeccable technical workmanship, quality natural colours, attractive design and last but not least, its thick and lustrous highland wool of unusual quality. The entire central composition very artfully and attractively refers to the blooming garden of Eden, and the wide floral border with its distinctive golden flowers is of the same tone. The blending of the fleece proves that only the finest wool from mountain sheep was used to make the refined Sarouks, which were also hand-spun. Professionally cleaned on both sides.