The Feraghan district located south of Tehran, encompassed the cities of Arak, Qum and Kashan, an area with a long and illustrious history of rug and carpet weaving. In the nineteenth century, many British companies opened oriental carpet factories and began to produce fine Persian Feraghan rugs and carpets for export to Europe. Antique Feraghan carpets and rugs are prized for their sturdy construction and their quiet, all-over patterns.
During the Islamic occupation of the eleventh century, Medieval Spain was the first European country to make knotted pile rugs. The Hispano-Moresque society was a tremendously cultured civilization with diverse populations: Muslim Arab, Jewish, Christian and Berber, all intermingling for many centuries. In addition, other prevailing design influences came from Persia, Italy, and France. Along with tapestries, cushions, bed sets and chests, oriental style rugs were indispensable to the nomadic life of the Spanish nobility.
Sarouk (also Saruk or Sarough) rugs are those woven in the village of Saruk and also the city of Arak, Iran and the surrounding countryside. Sarouk rugs have been produced for much of the last century. The early successes of the Sarouk rug are largely owed to the American market. From the 1910s to 1950s, the “American Sarouk” also known as the “Painted Sarouk” was produced. American customers had an affinity for the Sarouk’s curvilinear and floral designs.
Ushak rugs have been in production since the 15th century with superb wools and natural dyes. Unlike other Turkish rugs, Ushak rugs influenced after Persian rugs and they woven with Ghiordies knots and all double knotted, their design is feature intricate motifs of vines and leaves and typically based on geometric motifs.
Persian Mazandran Kilim 7'1" X 9'1". Hand made Persian Oriental vintage rug
Mazandaran kilims are unique, decorative and textiles that hail from a remote part of north central Iran. The Mazandaran Province is bound by the snow-topped Alborz Mountains and the southernmost shores of the Caspian Sea. Its striped kilims and primitive "sofrehs" (literally spreads) come in several styles. The district of Hezarjerib produces striking black-and-white striped kilims.. Solid fields and horizontal stripes are prevalent designs.
To the south east of Persia is the city of Kerman or Kirman and to the north of Kerman is the village of Laver or Raver which has a rug weaving history at least as long as that of Kerman. during the 1920s produce many rugs for the US market but the rugs been produce in this region since the sixteen century.
Ushak rugs have been in production since the 15th century with superb wools and natural dyes. Unlike other Turkish rugs, Ushak rugs influenced after Persian rugs and they woven with Ghiordies knots and all double knotted, their design is feature intricate motifs of vines and leaves and typically based on geometric motifs.
The city of Sultanabad (now known as Arak) was founded in 1808 to become the major center of rug production in Iran.[1] Sultanabad carpets are distinguished as the highest quality of Mahal productions manufactured in the Arak region. Other types of Sultanabad designs may include production from Mushkabad. Farahans and Sarouks were also made in the Arak region, though are wholly different.[2]
