Oriental workshop rugs:

Sarough, ghoum, veramine, nain, kashan.

 

Inspired by academic achievements of the Safavid dynasty, the rugs in this section take up precious traditional or classic patterns often reinterpreted by 19th and 20th century Ustads.

 

From 1936, on the initiative of Reza Palhavi Shah and until the middle of the 20th century, the Iranian state created a subsidized institution in order to preserve ancient and traditional motifs. These rugs have the name 'Sherkat farsh' which can be translated as 'state rug’ and which allows to safeguard and transmit the know-how and the tradition of the Persian carpet.

Meched 3,15 x 2,08 m
Meched 3,15 x 2,08 m

Iran Meched : 3,15 x 2,08 m

 

Iranian Kurk wool rug, cotton warp and weft, circa 1960. Very good condition. Very solid and comfortable carpet. Can withstand intensive use.

Very beautiful traditional Méched in mianfarsh format consisting of a central medallion and four spandrels, where we appreciate the arabesques with elegant curves. Colors in raspberry tones are typical of these creations. The field of the carpet is dotted with flowers and foliage. Five borders with motifs of 'boteh*', foliage and flowers (samovari or herati) frame the field of the carpet.
Méched or Mashad is the capital of Khorasan, northeastern Iran. Khorasan is the most important region of Iran. Méched is a city whose first carpet productions were made during the Safavid dynasty (1501-1732) and more precisely at the request of Shah Abbas (1588-1629). Production was interrupted in the 18th century and resumed in the 19th century. The vast majority of Meched were predominantly raspberry pink, but some were also made in shades of blue called "peacock feather".
Note: At the beginning of the 20th century, Reza Pahlavi Shah ordered from the Master weaver (Ustad) Amoghli prestigious carpets in Kurk wool which could have a density of one million stitches per square meter. Amoghli was a native of the city of Tabriz but decided to settle in Méched in particular because of the quality of Khorasan wool.
*Boteh: Ancient pattern with different meanings. It can represent the transformation of Zoroaster into a cypress tree, symbol of eternity, but also into a drop of water, into a palm, into a tree. The term boteh means “flowering bush” in Persian. There is a similarity with yin and yang.

Kashmar : 4,00 x 3,03 m
Kashmar : 4,00 x 3,03 m

Iran Kashmar : 4,00 x 3,03 m

 

Iranian rug from Khorasan, North-East Iran, kurk* wool, warp and cotton weft, circa 1970-80. Very good condition. Strong, durable and comfortable carpet.

 

Splendid 'mianfarsh' format Kashmar with 'zilralki' decor. 

This decor is inspired by Persian historical monuments (bridges, palaces) and the ruins of Persepolis (columns, bas-reliefs, vases). Are also represented, in medallions, ancient Persian scenes (characters, animals) recalling the carpets of Kashan and Tabriz.

 

In the upper part of the carpet, above a long cartouche (writing in ancient Farsi), two winged dogs (the Aralez) holding in their paws keys and who would have the power to resurrect the dead. Above, a soothing scene, symbolizes eternity, paradise.

Kashan 3,92 x 2,94 m
Kashan 3,92 x 2,94 m

Iran Kashan : 3,92 x 2,94 m   Sold

 

Iranian wool rug, cotton warp and weft, circa 1960-70. Good condition. Usual wear. Strong and durable mat.

This traditional Kashan (or Kachan) carpet in mian-farsh format is composed of a central red medallion inserting a beige medallion as well as four spandrels recalling the central medallion. A large border on a red background, framed by various small borders with 'hérati' and 'samovari' (flower) motifs, surround the field of navy blue carpet composed of flowers and foliage. Note: a small blue coloring in the fringes ( 10 cm).

A city in central Iran, the achievements of Kashan began during the Safavid dynasty (1501-1732) and particularly under the reign of Shah Abbas (1588-1629) where schools were created. Ustads ( master weavers) created the first boxes of carpets inspired by Persian tradition by reproducing hunting scenes, gardens, roses, trees, mosaic or bas-relief motifs (Persepolis)…

Kachan 3,26 x 2,45 m
Kachan 3,26 x 2,45 m

Iran Kashan or Kachan Iran : 3,26 x 2,45 m  

 

Iranian kurk wool rug (fine lamb's wool), cotton warp and weft, circa 1950. Very good condition. Strong and durable carpet that can withstand heavy traffic.

A city in central Iran, the construction of kashan began during the Safavid dynasty (1501-1732) and particularly under the reign of Shah Abbas. Very beautiful traditional kashan with medallion, in mian farsh format, recalling the academic achievements of the Safavid dynasty (1501-1732). During the reign of Shah Abbas (1588-1629), schools were created to train ustads (master weavers) who made carpet cartoons. The designs were inspired by Persian tradition by reproducing hunting scenes, gardens, roses, trees, mosaic motifs or bas-reliefs (Persepolis)…

This kashan is the very example of this tradition. In the center, two sky blue and beige medallions are inserted in a navy blue medallion. Four spandrels, reminiscent of the central medallion, as well as borders with a 'herati' or 'samovari' (flower) motif frame the field of the carpet, on a deep red background, which is made up of a multitude of flowers and foliage.
Kashan 2,94 x 1,96 m
Kashan 2,94 x 1,96 m

Iran kashan : 2,94 x 1,96 m 

 

Iranian kurk wool rug, cotton warp and weft, 1960-70. Very good state.

Elegant kashan with a traditional and timeless motif reminiscent of the academic achievements of the Safavid dynasty (1501-1732). During the reign of Shah Abbas (1588-1629), schools were created to train Ustads (master weavers) who made carpet cartoons. The designs were inspired by Persian tradition by reproducing hunting scenes, gardens, roses, trees, mosaic motifs or bas-reliefs (Persepolis)…

On an ivory field stand out a medallion, spandrels and strong beige borders, enhanced by a multitude of floral motifs in shades of blue. Borders with a 'herati' or 'samovari' (flower) motif frame the field of the rug.

Strong and durable mat.

Kashan 2,63 x 1,53 m
Kashan 2,63 x 1,53 m

  Iran kashan : 2,63 x 1,53 m   Sold

 

Iranian wool rug, cotton warp and weft, circa 1950. Very good condition. Strong and durable mat that can withstand heavy traffic.

Elegant kashan representing a tree of life surrounded by deer and birds on a red background. Animals also adorn the main border whose navy blue background complements the red field of the carpet perfectly. These patterns, reminiscent of old academic rugs, have been found in the Persian tradition for centuries.
Note: slight bleeding of colors at the top of the carpet

Kashan 2,10 x 1,45 m
Kashan 2,10 x 1,45 m

Iran kashan : 2,10 x 1,45 m

 

Iranian rug in kurk wool (fine lamb's wool), cotton warp and weft, 1960-70. Very good state. Beautiful achievement. Strong and durable mat.


Beautiful traditional medallion kashan, in dozar format, recalling the academic achievements of the Safavid dynasty (1501-1732). During the reign of Shah Abbas (1588-1629), schools were created to train Ustads (master weavers) who made carpet cartoons. The designs were inspired by Persian tradition by reproducing hunting scenes, gardens, roses, trees, mosaic patterns or bas-reliefs (Persepolis)…

This kashan is the very example of this tradition. In the center, two sky blue and beige medallions are inserted in a navy blue medallion. Four spandrels, reminiscent of the central medallion, as well as borders with a 'herati' or 'samovari' (flower) motif frame the field of the deep red carpet, which consists of a multitude of flowers and foliage.

Iran Ghoum 0,76 x 0,70 m
Iran Ghoum 0,76 x 0,70 m

Iran Ghoum : 0,76 x 0,70 m  Sold

 

Iranian Kurk* wool rug, cotton warp and weft, circa 1970. Very good condition. The breakpoints have been restored in our workshop.

The city of Ghoum or Qum is located about a hundred kilometers south of Tehran. The first projects began in the 20s and 30s, inspired by the achievements of the Safavid dynasty in the cities of Kashan, Tabriz and Isfahan.
Lots of attention to detail in the creation of this pouchti-sized kurk wool ghoum, inspired by traditional academic Kashans. Thin, strong and durable mat.
Note, an abrache (term designating a variation of tone in the same color) at the top of the carpet.
*Kurk wool: fine lamb wool collected by combing. Strong and durable wool.

Ghoum 3,00 x 2,00 m
Ghoum 3,00 x 2,00 m

Ghoum Iran : 3,00 x 2,00 m

 

Iranian kurk wool rug, cotton warp and weft, circa 1950-60. Very good state.

The realization of this ghoum is typical of the workshops of the 50s and 60s.
On a navy blue background stand out various bouquets of polychrome flowers around a carmen red oval medallion. A wide border with a floral motif and on a carmen red background is framed by two small turquoise borders with a "herati" (flower) motif. Beautiful achievement. Strong and durable mat.

The city of Ghoum or Qum is located about a hundred kilometers south of Tehran. The first achievements began in the 20-30s, inspired by the achievements of the Safavid dynasty of the cities of Kashan, Tabriz, Ispahan.

Tabriz Iran 1,19 x 98 cm
Tabriz Iran 1,19 x 98 cm

Iran Tabriz : 1,19 x 0,98 m

 

Iranian Kurk wool rug, circa 1970. Very good condition. Two small restorations on the back of the carpet, not serious. (Note: trapezoidal carpet: top width 0.92 m, bottom width 0.98). Great achievement.

Located in Iranian Azerbaijan, northwest Iran, the city of Tabriz dates back to 791 AD. It gained importance from the 10th century because of its climate and its strategic position. Main seat of the Seljuks (tribe of present-day eastern Turkey) in the 11th century, the Mongols later chose it as their capital. Art and culture developed in Tabriz: library, painting school... In 1392, Tamerlane conquered Tabriz. Over the decades and with many changes, the city of Tabriz became a splendid city. In 1502, Ishmael I, founder of the Safavid dynasty (1502-1736), made Tabriz his capital. The art of carpeting in Tabriz dates back to ancient times and developed over the centuries. The finest academic and major achievements date back to the reign of Shah Abbas (1588-1629) and were carried out in the cities of Kashan, Kerman, Meched, Isfahan and Tabriz. From the end of the 19th century until the 1930s, European companies settled in Tabriz attracted by the skill and reputation of the weavers of Tabriz.

This painting rug represents a young woman (shepherdess) sitting on the edge of a stream. Two goats come to drink. The scene takes place in spring, the trees are in flower. At the top right, two Zoroastrian cypresses are represented. The cypress refers to Zoroaster, an Iranian prophet (6th century BC) who is said to have planted two cypresses in the Khorasan desert in order to fight against the ogres. A legend has it that, upon his death, Zoroaster was reincarnated as a cypress, or as a tree, as a palm, or as drops of water (boteh). A clean border frames this scene. Lots of freshness in the colors used and great mastery in the production. Painting rugs are mainly made in the cities of Tabriz, Kerman and Kashan. At the end of the 19th century and especially the beginning of the 20th, in the city of Isfahan, on the initiative of traders from Tabriz and Kashan. Later, from the 30s-40s, in the town of Ghoum.

Tabriz Iran 0,96 x 0,71 m
Tabriz Iran 0,96 x 0,71 m

Iran Tabriz : 0,96 x 0,71 m

 

Iranian wool rug, cotton warp and weft threads, circa 1960. Very good condition.

Elegant Tabriz in zarsharak format reminiscent of Kerman carpets in its graphics. On a plain salmon background (kafzadé), a flowered medallion stands out. A border on an ivory background, incorporating four spandrels, takes up a motif of vases and roses (göl farang).

Iran Ispahan 2,20 x 1,45 m
Iran Ispahan 2,20 x 1,45 m

Iran Ispahan : 2,20 x 1,45 m  sold

 

Iranian kurk* wool rug, cotton warp and weft, circa 1900. Used condition on the entire rug. Restored breakpoints and borders. Very solid carpet despite its age.

Isfahan rugs are among the finest and finest rugs in Iran. The first productions began during the Safavid dynasty (1501-1732) and more precisely under the reign of Shah Abbas the Great (1588-1629). Interrupted in the 18th century by an Afghan invasion, production only reappeared at the end of the 19th century. But it was especially at the beginning of the 20th century that the achievements gained momentum thanks to the initiative of traders from Kashan and Tabriz. By tradition, these achievements were family, homestay.

Beautiful achievement for this Isfahan in dozar format made with great mastery and in kurk wool. A multitude of flowers and foliage surround an atypical medallion, on a navy blue background. The main border, carmine red, enhances the whole carpet. It should be noted that the Ustad (master weaver) has produced a remarkable 'cardboard'**.
*Kurk wool: fine lamb's wool taken by combing. Strong and durable wool.
**Carton: Mat diagram. This is a design made up of small colored squares, each corresponding to a node. The Ustad is the master who makes the boxes.

Moud 2,50 x 2,00 m
Moud 2,50 x 2,00 m

Iran Moud : 2,50 x 2,00 m

 

Iranian wool and silk rug (1%), circa 1980. Very good condition. Beautiful achievement. Interesting format.

The carpets of Khorassan, North-East of Iran are among the most appreciated creations of carpet lovers. The "garden" or "four seasons" motif which was originally made on the "tabriz" during the Safavid dynasty (1501-1732), and more precisely during the reign of Shah Abbas (1588-1629), is found on the "bakthiar", the "ghoum" as well as on the "moud".
Elegant coffered moud featuring weeping willows, trees and boteh* motifs. In the main border on an orange background, birds, butterflies and deer are represented. The göl-e-bölbül motif. (Nightingale and flower) is found in the small blue borders, which surround the main border. A lot of attention in the realization of this carpet.
*Boteh: Ancient pattern with different meanings. It can represent the transformation of Zoroaster into cypresses, symbol of eternity, but also into a drop of water, a palm, a tree. The term boteh means "flowering bush" in Persian. There is a similarity with yin and yang.

Veramine 2,15 x 1,60 m
Veramine 2,15 x 1,60 m

Iran veramine : 2,15 x 1,60 m

 

Iranian wool rug, 1950-60. Cotton warp and weft. Good condition. Strong and durable mat.

Located in the south-east of Tehran, the small town of Véramine produced rugs most often using the timeless 'mina khani' (daisy motif) motif, an interpretation of the 'herati' or 'mahi' motif.

Harmonious combination of colors for this veramine with original graphics including a central medallion on a red background, inserted in an ivory medallion. In the borders, various "cartridges", take again floral motives, but also, animal representations (weasels, or ferrets).

Veramine 3,00 x 2,00 m
Veramine 3,00 x 2,00 m

Iran veramine : 3,00 x 2,00 m

 

Iranian kurk wool rug, 1970-80. Very good state.
Beautiful veramine on a blue background, in mianfarsh format in kurk wool (fine wool taken in spring from the necks of lambs). It is a real veramine and not a veramine made in Khorassan (north-eastern Iran). This great classic is made with the 'mina khani' pattern (daisy pattern). Five elegant borders, "herati" and "samovar" enhance the whole carpet.
It becomes difficult to find veramine carpets in this size.

Veramine 1,58 x 1,06 m
Veramine 1,58 x 1,06 m

Iran veramine : 1,58 x 1,06 m 

 

Beautiful veramine with a floral pattern. In the center of the medallion, we notice a daisy from which leave a multitude of flowers and scrolls. The four spandrels are defined by four bouquets whose vases take up the daisy motif. Two small "herati" (flower) borders frame a "cartridge" border where weasels or ferrets are represented. A lot of attention in the realization of the design, work of the Ustad (Master weaver) who made the cardboard of the carpet. The work of the weaver is also remarkable.
* Kurk wool: fine lamb's wool taken by combing. Strong and durable wool.

Sarough 2,88 x 0,85 m
Sarough 2,88 x 0,85 m

Iran sarough : 2,88 x 0,85 m

 

Iranian rug from the Arak region, wool, cotton warp and weft, 1970-80. Very good state.

Beautiful khenareh format sarough. On a salmon pink background, a multitude of flowers, leaves and foliage stand out harmoniously. Two small blue borders and an ivory with floral motifs enhance this rug in soft colors.

Sarough 3,10 x 0,85 m
Sarough 3,10 x 0,85 m

Iran sarough : 3,10 x 0,85 m

 

Iranian rug from the Arak region, wool, cotton warp and weft, 1950. Very good condition. Beautiful achievement. Strong and durable mat.

Beautiful patina for this sarouk (or sarough) in kenareh format. On a salmon pink background, a multitude of flowers, leaves, scrolls and a few botehs stand out harmoniously. Different borders, more sustained, with floral motifs, enhance this rug in soft colors.

Sarough 2,96 x 0,79 m
Sarough 2,96 x 0,79 m

Iran sarough : 2,96 x 0,79 m

 

Iranian rug from the Arak region, wool, cotton warp and weft, circa 1970. Very good condition. Great achievement. Strong and durable mat.


Elegant sarough rug in kenareh format, composed of floral motifs on an ivory background.
Saroughs are rugs held in high esteem for their quality of wool, designs and colors. These rugs have different decorative designs like medallions but most often based on a floral theme like this one.

Sarough djosan 1,53 x 1,00 m
Sarough djosan 1,53 x 1,00 m

Iran sarough djosan : 1,53 x 1,00 m

 

Iranian rug from the Arak region, wool, cotton warp and weft, circa 1940. Very good condition. Beautiful achievement. Strong and durable mat.


Located southwest of Malayer, the djosans are inspired by the achievements of Sarough carpets. Thanks to the quality of the water in this region, wool washing provides excellent results (gloss and colors). A lot of work and mastery in the realization of this zaronim format carpet. A central medallion stands out against an abraded salmon pink background*, surrounded by floral motifs. In the spandrels as well as in the borders we find a multitude of flowers and scrolls. Note: the colors are brighter on the back of the rug.
*Abrache: term designating a variation of tones in the same color.

Sarough 1,46 x 1,02 m
Sarough 1,46 x 1,02 m

Iran sarough : 1,46 x 1,02 m

 

Iranian rug from the Arak region, kurk wool, cotton warp and weft, 1970-80. Very good state. Slightly asymmetrical.

Fine work for this zaronim format sarough. On a 'dughi'* pink background stand out a multitude of floral motifs that surround a central medallion. A 'flowery' sea ivory border enhances the entire rug.

*The so-called "dughi" color is a salmon pink color typical of sarouks from the 20s and 30s called "American sarouks" exported to the USA for American demand. The flower branches are characteristic of these sarouks.

Sarough 2,12 x 1,35 m
Sarough 2,12 x 1,35 m

Iran sarough : 2,12 x 1,35 m

 

Iranian rug from the Arak region, kurk* wool, cotton warp and weft, 1970-80. Very good state.

Elegant rug with floral motifs. The main ivory border highlights the field of the carpet in soft colors. Beautiful patina. This sarouk shows the refined work and sensitivity of Persian weavers. The so-called "dughi" color is a salmon pink color typical of sarouks from the 20s and 30s called "American sarouks" exported to the USA for American demand. The flower branches are characteristic of these sarouks.
*Kurk wool: fine lamb's wool taken by combing. Strong and durable wool.

Sarough 2,10 x 1,36 m
Sarough 2,10 x 1,36 m

Iran sarough : 2,10 x 1,36 m

 

Iranian carpet from the Arak region, kurk wool, cotton warp and weft, 1960. Very good condition.

Beautiful patina for this traditional and timeless sarouk in dozar format. A lot of attention in its realization reminiscent of the American sarouks. On the field of the carpet, elaborate floral motifs surround a discreet medallion. A border worked on an ivory background, with floral motifs, frames this elegant sarouk. This sarouk shows the refined work and sensitivity of Persian weavers.
Sarouks, known as "American sarouks", were exported to the USA for American demand. They had the particularity of having a thicker pile.

Sarough 2,26 x 1,41 m
Sarough 2,26 x 1,41 m

Iran sarough : 2,26 x 1,41 m

 

Iranian rug from the Arak region, kurk* wool, cotton warp and weft, 1970-80. Very good state.

Academic sarouk comprising a multitude of refined floral motifs, scrolls and botehs**.
Note, a small restoration in an angle (see photo).

* Kurk wool: fine lamb's wool taken by combing.
**Boteh: Ancient pattern with different meanings. It can represent the transformation of Zoroaster into cypresses, symbol of eternity, but also into a drop of water, a palm, a tree. The term boteh means "flowering bush" in Persian. There is a similarity with yin and yang.

Indian 'sarough' 1,83 x 1,22 m
Indian 'sarough' 1,83 x 1,22 m

Indian 'sarough' : 1,83 x 1,22 m

 

Indian rug, kurk* wool, cotton warp and weft, 1960-70. Very good state.

It is from the 15th century that the art of the hand-knotted carpet began in India and more precisely in Kashmir. The most beautiful achievements are under the reign of the Mughal emperors who unified India in the 16th and 17th centuries. Their qualities and perfection were equal to those of Persia at the same time. It is interesting to note that Nadir Shah (1688-1747), King of Persia, who sacked the city of Delhi in 1734, brought Indian weavers back to Persia. Subsequently, troubled times in India led to an impoverishment of Indian achievements. The revival was at the Universal Exhibition of 1851 in London. As in Iran, English companies created workshops in India to conquer the Western market.

In dozar format and in shades of blue, beige and ivory, this Indian 'sarouk' is a fine example of a work that required a lot of attention and skill. On an ivory field stands out a beautiful medallion highlighted by a multitude of floral motifs. More discreet spandrels blend into the fields of the rug. A main border as well as two small borders with the "herati" motif frame the field of the carpet.
To note ; Different colors in the realization of the medallion (see photos).
*kurk wool: fine lamb's wool taken by combing. Strong and durable wool.

Sarough 2,36 x 1,65 m
Sarough 2,36 x 1,65 m

Iran sarough : 2,36 x 1,65 m

 

Iranian rug from the Arak region, kurk* wool, cotton warp and weft, 1970-80. Very good state. Strong and durable mat.

Sarough (or sarouk) on a navy blue background consisting of bouquets of polychrome flowers. A border on a beige background enhances the field of the carpet. This carpet is a perfect example of the know-how of the weavers of the Arak region.
* Kurk wool: fine lamb's wool taken by combing.

Sarough djosan 2,17 x 1,40 m
Sarough djosan 2,17 x 1,40 m

Iran sarough djosan : 2,17 x 1,40 m

 

Iranian rug from the Arak region, wool, cotton warp and weft, 1960-70. Very good state.
Strong, durable and comfortable mat.

Located southwest of Malayer, the djosans are inspired by the achievements of Sarough carpets. Thanks to the quality of the water in this region, wool washing provides excellent results (gloss and colors). This carpet, with an academic motif, is inspired by the influence of central Persia. The floral decoration is very similar to that of the "sarouk". Can withstand heavy traffic.

Iran sarouk djosan 1,07 x 0,62 m
Iran sarouk djosan 1,07 x 0,62 m

Iran sarouk djosan : 1,07 x 0,62 m  Sold

 

Iranian rug from the Arak region, wool, cotton warp and weft, circa 1960. Very good condition. Strong, durable and comfortable mat. Restoration of breakpoints in our workshop.

Charming djosan in 'zarsharak' format consisting of a multitude of floral motifs typical of these creations from the mid-20th century. Located southwest of Malayer, the djosans are inspired by the creations of Sarough carpets. Thanks to the quality of the water in this region, washing wool allows you to obtain excellent results (shine and colors).

Sarough 3,20 x 1,95 m
Sarough 3,20 x 1,95 m

Iran sarough : 3,20 x 1,95 m 

 

Iranian rug from the Arak region, wool, cotton warp and weft, 1960-70. Very good state. Strong, durable and comfortable mat.

Beautiful sarough with traditional pattern. A blue and ivory medallion stands out against a red background. Four spandrels are in harmony with a wide navy blue border surrounded by various smaller borders (herati*, göls ...). One can appreciate on the whole of the carpet, the flowers, the scrolls and the arabesques which make the particularity of many sarough.

*Border herati (or samovari): this pattern consists of small flowers (göls) represented on the borders that surround the carpet. It is found on the majority of Iranian carpets.

China Beijing 'Hankung' 1,88 x 1,22 m
China Beijing 'Hankung' 1,88 x 1,22 m

China Beijing (Pékin) Hankung : 1,88 x 1,22 m

 

Chinese wool rug, cotton warp and weft, circa 1980. Very good condition. Strong and durable mat. Beautiful achievement.

In the 1980s, a new production in the Beijing workshops was inspired by Persian rugs. The appellation was "Hankung". These rugs were made with excellent quality wool and tight knotting. The aim was to compete with Oriental rugs by imposing themselves on Western markets.

This dozar-size rug is inspired by academic Iranian rug designs. The central medallion as well as the field are reminiscent of an ispahan as for the main sky blue border, of a kerman lavar. It is sporadic to find 'Hankung', because to our knowledge the production has ceased.