Sarough / Saruq
The best and the most beautiful Saruqs come from Arak. This opinion of carpet connoisseurs is probably true when applied to the export trade, but despite this, not only the name but also the town of Saruq, approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) north of Arak, has great significance for the carpet market. After a brief period during which the quality dropped, good carpets, and some of the very highest quality, are being exported all over the world, and especially to Europe and America. The importance of Saruq as a carpet provenance developed during the 19th century; there is no information about weaving in the town in earlier periods.
Size: all the usual formats are made, including specially large carpets and pieces on commission.
Colours: beige, blue or red are used for the field, with yellows, greens and rose shades for the designs.
Patterns: many different designs are used for modern Saruqs, including those borrowed from other provenances, among them the Herati and Mir-i-Boteh patterns, medallion designs and various different floral and lattice patterns. Multiple borders and guard strips often emphasise a narrow field.
Foundation: warps and wefts are of cotton.
