Saruq rugs of Arak very popular in the West
Saruk, or Saruq, is a type of Persian rug that is produced in Saruq, a town located about 40 kilometers from Arak, the capital city of the central province of Markazi.
The hand-knotted Persian Saruq rugs are among the highest quality rugs originating from the well-established Arak weaving district, catalinarug.com wrote.
Saruq is a mountainous region with a long history of excellence in weaving. Starting in the 19th century, and through the early 20th century, this region became one of the most active carpet-weaving centers of Iran. High quality materials, fine knotting techniques, and attractive designs all contributed to their reputation as one of the finest quality rugs manufactured in Arak.
Saruq rugs have three telltale features: A blue stranded weft, an unusual salmon pink background, and sprays of flowers that are detached. Only some of the floral sprays have a medallion.
Weaving of Saruq rugs
Saruq rugs have a very tight weave on a cotton foundation. The knots used are mostly Persian knots, which are symmetrical, but some of the antique pieces were made using Turkish knots, which are asymmetrical. The weavers preferred not to clip the pile, leaving it long and lush.
The wool used in the weaving of Saruq rugs is of very high quality. With tight knots and a long pile, the finished rug is thick, soft and luxurious. Some of the older Saruq rugs were so skillfully woven that the finished product felt velvety and smooth.
Color and design
Botteh, herati and gol hannai motifs are commonly seen in these rugs. While some weavers preferred to place them in a medallion layout, others preferred to fill the entire rug with these motifs. The tree-of-life motif was another commonly seen feature on several of the older versions. In between the tree of life motifs, you could find realistic animal motifs, as well as motifs of other trees including cypress and willow.
The vase and prayer motif and the medallion-and-corner layout are other commonly seen designs of many older pieces. The medallion-and-corner layout consists of stylized geometric floral motifs that look very natural.
The design of the newer rugs is quite different from that of the older versions. These new rugs feature a large-sized medallion, with pendants or concentric medallions strewn across the background.
Typical colors used in antique Saruq rugs include red, green, bright blue, burnt orange, ivory and champagne. The newer versions have a predominance of salmon pink.
With their high quality materials, fine knotting techniques, and attractive designs, Saruk rugs are very popular and in great demand in Western countries.