In the early 20th century, the Persian Sarouk was the rug every American home wanted: deep red, densely woven, with sprays of flowers across the field. It was natural that Karastan would make its own. The #785 Red Sarouk and #760 Ivory Sarouk of the Original Collection became two of Karastan's most loved designs, and they remain favorites with collectors today.
| Collection | Original Collection (700 Series); Classic Traditions (800) |
|---|---|
| Designs | #785 Red Sarouk, #760 Ivory Sarouk, #800/803 Black Antique Sarouk |
| Inspired by | Persian Sarouk rugs, especially the "American Sarouk" |
| Style | Curvilinear floral designs |
#785 Red Sarouk
The #785 is the classic red Karastan Sarouk, with floral designs on a deep red field framed by floral borders. It recalls the red Sarouks that filled American homes from the 1910s onward and suits traditional rooms especially well. It was woven in many sizes, including runners, and a #785 runner is a prized find.
#760 Ivory Sarouk
The #760 sets Sarouk florals on a light ivory field. The result is lighter and more open than the red Sarouk while keeping its graceful flowers, and it works well in rooms where a red rug would feel too heavy. On labels it often appears as 700/760.
#800/803 Black Antique Sarouk
The Classic Traditions collection, numbered in the 800s, included a Black Antique Sarouk, #800/803, with Sarouk florals on a dark ground. It shows how Karastan returned to the Sarouk in later collections with new colorways. See Other Karastan Collections.
The Persian Sarouk connection
Sarouk rugs come from the Arak region of west central Iran. In the early 20th century, weavers there made rugs especially for the American market, with deep red fields and detached floral sprays; these became known as American Sarouks. Their popularity shaped American taste for decades and made the Sarouk a natural choice for Karastan. See Sarouk Rugs and Farahan Sarouk Rugs.
