Analyzing Structural and Aesthetic Elements of Sarouk Carpets of the Claremont Collection

Problem Definition: 

Sarouk rugs are one of the most crucial rug brands in Iran and one of the most famous rugs among the world audience, which were produced from the middle of the 19th century until the beginning of World War II under the management of French companies, especially Ziegler. There are samples of these rugs with Corner and Medallion designs and a unique structure in the Claremont collection, which differ from common samples regarding the type of design pattern. The limitation of comprehensive and salient research resources about Sarouk rug and its exquisite and export samples that were produced in the past reveals more of the necessity of research on this issue. The main research question is "What are the features, visual qualities, and structural elements of Claremont Collection rugs?"

 In the present research, the structural elements of Sarouk rugs of the last quarter of the 19th century, which are preserved in the Claremont Collection, will be analyzed. This article's structural and aesthetic elements include the background space, Medallion (Toranj) and space above Medallion (Sar Toranj), Corner, Margins, and the colors used.

 This research is qualitative and fundamental, and the research method is descriptive-analytical. The method of collecting data is library-based in addition to searching the websites.

 The Sarouk rugs produced in the late 19th century, which were woven for export, are all of the Corner and Medallion design and are unique in their design pattern and color. They are often produced on large scales with vegetable dyes. The color of the Margin and background change between red, navy, and ivory colors. In some rugs, the color of the central Medallion is the same as that of the Margin and Corner. All these rugs are various in Corner and Medallion design, and the central Medallion forms the structure and identity of Shakhe Shekasteh motifs (cursive-curve). The structure of the designing pattern, the logical color scheme and the visual order of the motifs are the differences between Sarouk rugs and other Iranian rugs.