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.

Iran Meched : 2,93 x 1,96 m
Iranian Kurk wool rug, cotton warp and weft, circa 1950. Very good condition. Very
solid carpet. Can withstand intensive use.
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.
Seven 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.

Iran Kashan : 3,09 x 1,96 m
Iranian wool rug, cotton warp and weft, circa 1950. Very good condition. Two small restorations in the center of the rug. A comfortable, sturdy, and durable rug that can withstand heavy foot traffic.
Kashan, a city in central Iran, began producing carpets during the Safavid dynasty (1501–1732), particularly during the reign of Shah Abbas.
A traditional and timeless Kashan medallion rug in the mian farsh format, reminiscent of the academic works of the Safavid dynasty (1501–1732). During the reign of Shah Abbas
(1588–1629), schools and workshops were established where ustads (master weavers) created carpet “cartons.” The designs drew inspiration from Persian tradition, depicting hunting scenes, gardens,
roses, trees, and motifs from mosaics or bas-reliefs (Persepolis)... These works could be found in the cities of Kashan, Tabriz, Isfahan, Mashhad, and Kerman.
Starting in 1936, at the initiative of Reza Pahlavi Shah and continuing until the mid-20th century, the Iranian government established a state-subsidized institution to preserve ancient and
traditional patterns. These carpets are known as “Sherkat farsh,” which can be translated as “state carpets,” and this initiative helped preserve and pass on the craftsmanship and tradition of
Persian carpets.
This Kashan features, in the center, a navy blue medallion enclosing two blue and beige medallions. Four spandrels, echoing the central medallion, along with borders featuring the “Herati” or “Samovari” (flower) pattern, frame the field of the rug, which consists of a multitude of flowers and scrollwork on a deep red background.

Kashan Iran : 1,38 x 1,04 m
Iranian wool kurk* rug, cotton warp and weft, circa 1950. Very good condition.
City in central Iran, the production of kashan began during the Safavid dynasty (1501-1732) and particularly under the reign of Shah Abbas.
Superb Kashan rug with a traditional pattern on a plain red background (kafzadé) with nuances. This rug is a fine example of the mastery of the weavers of the city of Kashan. In the center, two
sky blue and beige medallions are inserted into a navy blue medallion. Four spandrels, reminiscent of the central medallion, as well as borders with a 'herati' or 'samovari' (flower) pattern
frame the field of the rug.
* Kurk wool: fine lamb's wool collected by combing. Strong and durable wool.

Kashan Iran : 2,10 x 1,35 m
Iranian wool kurk* rug, cotton warp and weft, circa 1950. Very good condition. Fine, solid and durable rug.
Very beautiful Kashan in dozar format, with traditional pattern on a red kafzadé (plain) background. Beautifully executed design and choice of colors. The central medallion, the four spandrels and the borders are in perfect harmony. Note the fine abrache** on the red background.
* Kurk wool: fine lamb's wool combed from the wool. Strong, durable wool.
**Abrache: term designating a variation of tones in the same color.

Kashan Iran : 2,15 x 1,42 m
Iranian wool kurk rug*, cotton warp and weft, circa 1950. Very good condition.
This richly worked Kashan rug features a traditional pattern. A central medallion and four darker spandrels stand out against a pronounced vanilla background. A floral motif is prominently
featured on the rug's border and field.
Note: the rug is signed twice.
*Kurk wool: fine lamb's wool collected by combing.
A city in central Iran, the rug-making process began during the Safavid dynasty (1501-1732) and particularly during the reign of Shah Abbas (1588-1629). Schools were established and Ustads
(master weavers) created rug designs. The designs were inspired by Persian tradition, reproducing hunting scenes, gardens, roses, trees, mosaic patterns or bas-reliefs (Persepolis) ... These
creations were found in the cities of Kashan, Tabriz, Isfahan, Meshed, Kerman.

Kashan Iran : 2,95 x 2,00 m
Iranian kurk wool rug (fine lamb's wool obtained by combing), cotton warp and weft, circa 1950. Very good condition. A solid and durable rug.
A beautiful and elegant Kashan (or Kachan) rug, in a "mian farsh" format, with a
traditional and timeless motif reminiscent of the academic works of the Safavid dynasty (1501-1732). Against an ivory background, a medallion, richly worked gray spandrels and borders stand out,
enhanced by a multitude of floral motifs.
Note: a small line in the velvet.
During the reign of Shah Abbas (1588-1629), schools and workshops were established where Ustads (Master Weavers) produced rug cartoons. The designs were inspired by Persian tradition, reproducing
hunting scenes, gardens, roses, trees, mosaic motifs, and bas-reliefs (Persepolis). These creations could be found in the cities of Kashan, Tabriz, Isfahan, Mashhad, and Kerman.
From 1936, at the initiative of Reza Pahlavi Shah, until the mid-20th century, the Iranian state established a subsidized institution to preserve ancient and traditional designs. These carpets
are called 'Sherkat Farsh,' which can be translated as 'state carpets,' and this institution helped safeguard and transmit the know-how and tradition of Persian carpet making.

Kashan Iran : 2,40 x 2,04 m
Iranian kurk wool rug (fine lamb's wool), cotton warp and weft, circa 1950. Very good condition.
Interesting format for this Kashan rug with a traditional pattern. In the center, a rounded navy blue medallion inserts a beige medallion. Four spandrels recall the central medallion. A wide
border with a 'herati' or 'samovari' (flower) motif frames the field of the rug, which is composed of a multitude of flowers and foliage on a deep red background.

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 Kashan : 3,54 x 2,54 m
Iranian Kurk* wool rug, cotton
warp and weft, circa 1950. Very good condition. Strong and durable mat. Beautiful patina.
Very beautiful traditional medallion kachan, in mian farsh format, recalling the
academic achievements of the Safavid dynasty (1501-1732). Under the reign of Shahs Abbas (1588-1629), schools were created to train Ustads (Master Weavers) who made carpet cartons. The designs
were inspired by Persian tradition by reproducing hunting scenes, gardens, roses, trees, mosaic or bas-relief motifs (Persepolis).
*Kurk wool: fine lamb wool collected by combing. Strong and durable wool.

Kashan Iran : 2,96 x 2,00 m Sold
Iranian wool kurk* rug, cotton warp and weft, circa 1950. Very good condition.
Elegant Kashan (or Kachan) with a traditional and timeless pattern reminiscent of the academic achievements of the Safavid dynasty (1501-1732). On an ivory field stand out a rosette-shaped
medallion, spandrels and gray borders, enhanced by a multitude of floral motifs in shades of mauve, red, beige, ... Borders with a motif (herati' or 'samovari' (flowers) frame the field of the
carpet.
* Kurk wool: fine lamb's wool collected by combing.

Iran Naïn : 1,95 x 1,15 m
Iranian rug, kurk wool* and silk, silk warp and weft, circa 1970. Very good condition. Note: the colors have faded slightly on one side.
This beautiful Nain Sheshla rug features a traditional medallion motif on a navy blue background, surrounded by flowers, scrolls, and botehs** in beige and hazelnut. A richly worked beige border
is framed by two smaller hazelnut borders. A rust-colored edging borders the rug.
The city of Nain is located approximately 150 km east of Isfahan. The first creations began around 1930, inspired by Isfahan carpets. Legend has it that the city of Nain was founded by one of
Noah's sons, Naen.
There are different qualities of Nain carpets:
- The first is commonly called "Nain tabbas." These are standard carpets that can be beautiful and of good quality, but sometimes unfortunately mediocre (some are made in Khorasan and still bear
the name "Nain").
- The second quality is called "Nain nohla": nine strands of cotton make up each warp thread. These are well-made rugs that remain affordable in sizes of 6 or 9 square meters compared to the
following quality.
- The third quality, like this one, is called "Nain chichlah or sheshla": six strands of cotton or silk make up each warp thread. These are very fine rugs.
Note: near Nain, the rugs from the village of Tudeshk are inspired by Nain rugs and are renowned for their high quality.
The pile of Nain rugs is made of Kurk wool and silk, the latter highlighting the details of the designs and motifs. This technique is called "gharty."
* Kurk wool: fine lamb's wool obtained by combing. Strong and durable wool.
** Boteh: An ancient motif with various meanings. It can represent the transformation of Zoroaster into a cypress tree, a symbol of eternity, but also into a drop of water, a palm tree, or a tree. The term boteh means "flowering bush" in Persian. There is a similarity to yin and yang.

Iran Kerman : 1,06 x 0,61 m
Iranian wool carpet, warp and weft cotton, circa 1980. Very good condition.
The breakpoints were restored in our workshop.
Located in the south-east of Iran, at 1,800 m altitude, the city of Kerman has a reputation as one of the most prestigious centers for carpet making.
Elegant 'zarsharak' Kerman rug consisting of a mihrab. In the navy blue field of the carpet, there are floral patterns reminiscent of ancient Kerman Laver, as well as birds. The whole thing is highlighted by beautiful flowered borders.
A bit of history ...
Marco Polo (1254-1324), who stayed in Kerman, wrote about this city. Here are some passages:
"Creman is a kingdom in Persia." "In this kingdom, stones called Turquoises are born in great abundance." The ladies and damsels embroider very finely and very nobly, with needle, on silk sheets of all colors representing beasts, birds, trees, flowers".
It should be noted that at that time it was shawls and not carpets.
In the Carpet Museum of Meched (Khorasan, northeast of Iran), a fragment of Kerman carpets dating back to 1476 is preserved. The achievements of Kerman’s workshop carpets gained momentum during the Safavid dynasty (1501-1732) and more precisely under the reign of Shahs Abbas (1588-1529), which corresponds to the golden age of academic carpets in Persia.
Wanting to develop art in Persia, Shah Abbas created schools where Ustads (master draughtsmen) practiced their art. The latter made 'cartons' of carpets. The drawings consisted of motifs with medallions, scenes of hunts, flowers, trees, gardens, mihrabs but also mosaics.
The major carpet creations were made in the cities of Kashan, Kerman, Tabriz, Meched and Isfahan. The carpet became academic.
A sudden stop in the production of Kerman carpets occurred at the fall of the Safavid dynasty, notably due to Afghan invasions. In 1794, under the Qajar dynasty, the city of Kerman was destroyed. It was from the nineteenth century that workshops were recreated by local artisans but also by European companies for the European market and from 1920 for the American market.

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.

Iran Ghoum : 0,57 x 0,81 m
Iranian wool kurk* rug*, cotton warp and weft, circa 1970. Very good condition.
Charming "zarsharak" rug depicting a "nomadic scene." The scene takes place by a stream in the spring.
A man plays the flute while his wife milks a cow. Other animals graze and drink. Two yurts have been set up. Birds take flight against a cloud-filled sky. On the right, mountains—possibly
representing the Zagros Mountains—rise majestically.
A “herati” (flower) border serves as a frame, surrounding this scene.
The colors used are very fresh, and the craftsmanship is superb.
Note: In the yurt on the left, there are numerous boteh** motifs.
* Kurk wool: fine lamb’s wool obtained through combing. A strong and durable wool.
** Boteh: An ancient motif with various meanings. It can represent the transformation of Zoroaster into a cypress tree, a symbol of eternity, but also into a drop of water, a palm tree, or a tree. The term boteh means "flowering bush" in Persian. There is a similarity to yin and yang.

Iran Tabriz : 1,60 x 1,10 m Sold
Iranian rug, kurk wool* and 1% silk, cotton warp and weft, circa 1970-80. Very good condition. A sturdy and durable rug.
A harmonious combination for this beautiful Tabriz rug in zaronim format, featuring a traditional and timeless medallion design. Four spandrels and intricately worked borders frame the rug's
field, which includes a multitude of flowers, scrolls, and botehs**. Bright and vibrant colors. Great skill is evident in the creation of this luminous Tabriz rug.
Located in Iranian Azerbaijan, in northwestern Iran, the city of Tabriz dates back to 791 AD. It gained importance from the 10th century onward due to its climate and strategic location. The main
seat of the Seljuks (a tribe from eastern Turkey) in the 11th century, it was later chosen as the capital by the Mongols. Art and culture flourished in Tabriz: a library, a painting school, and
more. In 1392, Timur (Tamerlane) conquered Tabriz. Over the decades and through numerous changes, the city of Tabriz became a magnificent city. In 1502, Ismail I, founder of the Safavid dynasty
(1502-1736), made Tabriz his capital.
The art of carpet weaving in Tabriz dates back to ancient times and developed over the centuries. The finest and most significant academic achievements date from the reign of Shah Abbas
(1588-1629) and were produced in the cities of Kashan, Kerman, Mashhad, Isfahan, and Tabriz. From the late 19th century until the 1930s, European companies established themselves in Tabriz,
attracted by the skill and reputation of Tabriz's weavers.
* Kurk wool: fine lamb's wool obtained by combing. Strong and durable wool.
**Boteh: An ancient motif with various meanings. It can represent the transformation of Zoroaster into a cypress tree, a symbol of eternity, but also into a drop of water, a palm tree, or a tree.
The term boteh means "flowering bush" in Persian. There is a similarity with yin and yang.

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).

Veramine Iran : 2,79 x 2,03 m
Iranian wool kurk rug, circa 1970. Good condition, some old restorations (see photos). Borders and stop stitches restored.
Beautiful Véramine on a blue background, in mianfarsh format in kurk wool (fine wool taken by combing from the necks of lambs). This great classic is made with the 'mina khani' motif (daisy
motif). Four small "hérati" borders frame a wider border featuring the "samovari" and boteh* motifs. These five borders highlight the entire rug. It is becoming difficult to find Véramine rugs in
this dimension.
*Boteh: Ancient motif with different meanings. It can represent the transformation of Zoroaster into a cypress, symbol of eternity, but also into a drop of water, a palm tree, or a tree. The term boteh means "flowering bush" in Persian. There is a similarity with yin and yang.

Veramine Iran : 3,14 x 0,91 m
Iranian Kurk wool rug, cotton warp and weft, circa 1970. Very good condition.
Located southeast of Tehran, the small town of Veramine produced rugs that most often featured the timeless “mina khani” (daisy) pattern, an interpretation of the “Herati” or “mahi” pattern. This pattern, of Kurdish origin, is also found on Bidjar rugs. Becoming increasingly rare.
An elegant Veramine on an orange background, in the size kénareh made of kurk wool (fine wool sheared in the spring from the necks of lambs). This great classic features the “mina khani” pattern (daisy motif). Three small “herati” borders, typical of Véramine rugs, frame the rug’s field.

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).

Sarough djosan Iran : 1,58 x 1,03 m
Iranian rug from the Arak region, kurk* wool, cotton warp and weft, circa 1950. Very good condition. Fine workmanship. Strong and durable rug.
Located southwest of Malayer, the Djosan are inspired by the creations of Sarough rugs. Thanks to the quality of the water in this region, the washing of the wool allows for excellent results
(shine and colors). Sarough Djosan are held in high esteem for their quality wool, designs and colors. These rugs have different decorative motifs such as medallions but most often based on a
floral theme.
A lot of work and mastery went into the making of this zaronim-sized rug. A central medallion, including 'boteh'** stands out against a plain navy blue background (kafzadé), surrounded by floral
motifs. In the spandrels as well as in the borders we find a multitude of flowers and scrolls.
* Kurk wool: fine lamb's wool collected by combing. Strong and durable wool.
** Boteh: Ancient motif with different meanings. It can represent the transformation of Zoroaster into a cypress, symbol of eternity, but also into a drop of water, a palm tree, or a tree. The
term boteh means "flowering bush" in Persian. There is a similarity with yin and yang.

Sarough Iran : 1,30 x 0,64 m Sold
Iranian rug from the Arak region (southwest Iran), kurk wool*, cotton warp and weft, circa 1960-70. Very good condition.
Beautifully made.
Elegant Sarough (or Sarouk) rug featuring the 'Zi il sultan'** motif on a red background. A multitude of flowers and scrolls, some forming 'boteh'***, create a beautiful harmony. A border on a
beige background frames the rug's field.
*Kurk wool: fine lamb's wool, obtained by combing. Strong and durable wool.
**Zi il sultan: a motif of Persian origin representing a vase of flowers with a bird on each side.
***Boteh: An ancient motif with various meanings. It can represent the transformation of Zoroaster into a cypress tree, a symbol of eternity, but also into a drop of water, a palm tree, or a
tree. The term boteh means "flowering bush" in Persian. There is a similarity with yin and yang.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Iran Sarough : 1,50 x 1,10 m
Iranian rug from the Arak region, wool, cotton warp and weft, 1970. Good condition.
Elegant sarouk or sarough in zaronim format, with a floral design typical of
academic achievements from the beginning of the 20th century. On an ivory background, a multitude of flowers and foliage stand out. The main border composed of flowers, on a pink background,
highlights the area of the carpet. Four small, delicate borders frame the main border.

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.

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.