The angular style of antique carpets from Serab bears some similarity to tribal Bakshaish rugs and those made by Kashgai weavers. These decorative runners are traditionally made in the county of Sarab and the eponymous city, which is located in the northern province of East Azerbaijan, also known as Azarbaijan-e-Sharqi.
The Serapi designation is quite controversial. Although fine rugs produced in neighboring Heriz are often sold as Serapi rugs internationally, they are typically sold as Heriz carpets in the USA. The traditional rugs from Serab feature an elongated composition that is bounded by ornamental borders. Local styles favor bold lozenge shaped medallions and angular floral motifs that are typical of Persia’s northwestern region.
Although camel colored fields are the most common, mulberry red backgrounds and brick-colored fields are also common. The camel fields of antique Serab rugs are traditionally accented with Persian blue motifs and tricolor patterns that include robust blues, warm terracotta reds and sunny yellows. Color palettes used in antique Serab rugs tend to be somber and slightly oxidized, which makes them ideal for complementing traditional western decor. Unlike the large-room sized rugs from Heriz, antique rugs from Serab typically feature an elongated runner-style format.
Occasionally, large room-sized rugs are also found. The elongated size of antique Serab rugs is traditionally associated with carpets that were produced for Persia’s domestic market. While these sizes were more practical for Persian consumers, they are also excellent for decorating hallways and visually portioning spaces within a room or behind furniture arrangements. The rustic style, soft colors and elongated format make antique Serab rugs particularly useful in today’s interiors.
History Of Antique Persian Camel Hair Serab Rugs
Situated in the northwestern area of Iran is the Sabalan mountain range. Located in the range is a remote village of Serab weavers that produce a fine grade of beautiful Persian rugs constructed primarily of locally sourced camel hair.
Due to Serab’s isolated location, the rug weavers of this village have developed their own unique geometric design patterns that have not been influenced by the commercial trade. The style of the Persian Serab rugs has evolved through time based on the materials available in the area as well as personal use. Surrounding villages, as well as nomads passing through, have shared their weaving creativity allowing limited influence.
The antique Persian Serab rugs are mostly found in runner sizes. This is mostly due the area’s housing architecture, combined with the fact that these village industry rugs were woven in villages and by nomadic and semi nomadic people. While Serab’s in large rug sizes, such as area and room size rugs, can be found but are not the norm.
Characteristics of the geometries used include a large rectangular field that hosts medallions around the border that are often embellished diamond shapes. The center may include a crisscrossed patterned backgrounds that resembles latticework or a type of fencing. These rug design patterns and elements mimic the area’s long and narrow architecture as does the shape of the long rectangular runner.
One of the particular attribute of the antique Serab rugs, is that most were woven using camel hair. The camel hair fibers are quite sturdy and they tend to be pretty resistant to wear and use. This allows the Persian Serab rugs to remain supple as the earthy undyed camel hair color tones remain vibrant.
Lovely to look at, the artistry and craftsmanship involved in the weaving of the antique Persian Serab rugs speak for itself. Knowing that the carpet weavers gleaned the yarn from their personal camels, gives an additional level of appreciation that is both personal as well as valuable. The typical lack of adornment on the outer border along with the use of camel hair is one of the unique aspects of a beautifully tribal Persian Serab rug.
Emitting a natural warmth in tone and texture, these amazing tribal rugs tend to blend into many different interior design surroundings. This applies in office and home settings, lending a subtle elegance without pretense. The palette is limited to the natural tones of the earth and night sky.
American Southwestern interiors are a natural fit for these antique Serab rugs, but they are not limited to this culture and design element. Though most of the Serab rugs are camel hair, you may find other Serab carpets resembling other types of Persian rugs, with characteristics such as primary colors of red and blue.
The finest antique Persian Serab carpets are identified by the craftsmanship of their weavers. Beautifully made with extremely tight, close knotting augmented with a delicately crafted tribal design, these antique tribal Persian rugs are rare and highly sought after by antique rug collectors and interior designers. During the late 1800’s through the early 1900’s, the public trend shifted to larger Persian rugs.
Brighter pops of rug colors were favored over the more subtle Serab earth tone. Consequently, since the demand for these magnificent Persian rugs has always been strong, this lessens the availability of the antique examples. With every passing year, its is becoming increasingly more difficult to find the best antique Persian Serab rugs. This trend has no way of revering itself but rest assured that we at Nazmiyal are always on the lookout for beautiful Serab rugs to buy!
