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Common Sizes: Most common are larger, room size carpets such as 9' x 12'. However, many unusual sizes may be found from 2' x 3' all the way to 12' x 20'.
Approximate KPSI: Generally 100-180, although higher density exist. Below 100 kpsi may indicate an arak weaving.
Materials: Wool pile with cotton foundation.
Common Motif: Traditionally an allover design/covered field with floral sprays although medallions with both covered and open field are not atypical.
Distinguishing Characteristics: One of the only rugs in the market to be acceptable with a 'painted' field.
Approximate vintage: 1920's thru late 1950's.
Typical Price Points**: The 'average' 9' x 12' American Sarouk in fair condition may be found in or around $1750 at retail. Exceptional condition and quality may be found as high as $10,000 for the same size. Very high qualities, unique designs, and smaller pieces A 2' x 3' to 4' x 7' in exceptional condition can command as high as $300/sq.ft.
Signatures/dates: Atypical
Alternative Spellings: Saruq, Sarook, Saruk
Common Colors: Wine red, navy blue, golds, some colorful accent top colors as well.
The American Sarouk is perhaps one of the more popular designs of the 20th century. The American Sarouk was a genre of rug which was woven in Sarouk, Persia. The demand, importation and production of such carpets was very high from the 1920's through the 1950's. While the American Sarouk varied greatly in thickness, some of the more identifiable characteristics include the following:
1. American Sarouks often feature a red background with blue border, or blue background with red border. While the color of red varied greatly from a dusty rose to a deep wine red, the use of these reds was almost guaranteed to come with a deep blue. There were few exceptions to these color combinations. Blue backgrounds seem to be less commonly found. Another less commonly found field color was a ivory.
2. American Sarouks were most often produced with an allover "floral spray" pattern. While some American Sarouks did feature medallions, they are found in far less frequency. The floral sprays basically were set into proportion with the size of the carpet, however looked like a cluster bouquet of flowers often in a diamond shape covering the field. American Sarouks almost never had spandrels in the corners of the field, and most common sizes were 9x12. It is not unusual to find unique and oversize American Sarouk pieces too.
Low Investment Range:
Take a look at American Sarouk Design Rugs up for bid on eBay!
Medium Investment Range:
Take a look at American Sarouk Design Rugs up for bid on eBay!
* Image above: Semi-Antique American Sarouk, approximately 9ft. x 12 ft. Circa 1930. Photograph as seen on Dilmaghani's Rug Database.
American Sarouks which were actually made in Sarouk were made of a very
solid quality wool on cotton foundation. In the beginning of
production starting in the 1920's tended to be fairly thin yet dense.
As time went on, changes in demand rendered the rugs a slightly thicker
production, and the application of a paint pigmentation to the field of the rugs.
Perhaps one of the more problematic aspects of acquiring American
Sarouk rugs in actually identifying them. To the expert, it's fairly
easy to differentiate a rug from Sarouk or an outlying city. To the
novice, it's very easy to get confused between authentic American
Sarouks, Araks with American Sarouk Designs, and sometimes even
Hamadan's with American Sarouk designs.
Here are some simple tips to prevent expensive rug burn:
To differentiate an American Sarouk from an Arak: an Arak rarely ever has greater than 100 knots per square inch.
To differentiate an American Sarouk from a Hamadan: take a look at the
reverse side of the rug. If you see the knots are woven on alternating
warps, this is a Hamadan or a rug other than a Sarouk.
One or more example(s) photographed above courtesy Dilmaghani & Co.
from the
inventory of their NY Oriental Rug Warehouse
Outlet
or NY showroom of Oriental
Rugs
Currently rated 4.3 by 3 people - Currently 4.333333/5 Stars.
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