An exceptional antique Persian Sarouk rug from the first quarter of the 20th century, handwoven with remarkable craftsmanship and preserved in excellent condition with a full, lush pile that speaks to the extraordinary quality of the wool and the skill of its construction. The rug features an elegant open allover floral design set against a rich burgundy field — a warm, deep variation of the classic Sarouk red that gives this piece a particular richness and gravitas.
The accent colors of ivory, navy, and a rare touch of green lend a distinctive vibrancy and freshness to the composition — the green, in particular, is a color seldom found in Sarouk weavings of this period, and its appearance here marks this as an unusually original and desirable example of the tradition. The Sarouk rug tradition, originating in the village of Sarouk near Arak in Western Persia, represents one of the most celebrated and widely collected categories of 20th century Persian carpet. Sarouk rugs are distinguished by their lush, heavy wool pile, their allover floral bouquet designs, and a richness of color — particularly the deep, saturated reds and navy blues — that has made them among the most recognizable and sought-after Persian rugs in the American and European collector markets since the early 20th century.