Vintage Persian Sarouk Carpet — 1940s | 6'2" x 7'8"

The Nowzar is centered on a diamond-shaped medallion, its density built from tightly detailed floral bouquets set against an open field. The corner spandrels loosely reciprocate the medallion's contour, drawing the composition together into a balanced, formal whole. For more on floral and medallion motifs like these, see our guide to common rug motifs.

This is a period-correct painted carpet, meaning select tonal touch-ups were applied by hand at the time of finishing—a practice common to Sarouk carpets of this era. The palette is rich and gem-toned: ruby red, cherry red, sapphire blue, sky blue, jade green, wine red, powder blue, and navy blue combine across the medallion and field. Explore more Sarouk pieces in our guide to the best rug styles for collectors.

At 6'2" x 7'8", the Nowzar suits living rooms, dining rooms, and other formal gathering spaces where its rich color and classical medallion drawing can take center stage.

Sarouk carpets take their name from the village of Sarough in the Arak region of central Persia, and became especially prized in the American market during the early-to-mid 20th century for their dense floral fields and rich, saturated palettes—often built around ruby and wine-red grounds. Many Sarouks from this period were finished with light hand-painting to enhance tone, a well-documented and period-typical practice rather than a later alteration.

Woven circa the 1940s, the Nowzar reflects this classic Sarouk formula at a high level of craft. This piece comes to us from a prestigious New England collection, offered for sale for the first time in over half a century. Browse more pieces from this tradition in our Sarouk collection.

Nowzar is the Persian form of an Avestan name, possibly meaning "new" or "quick." In the 10th-century Persian epic the Shahnameh, Nowzar was a king killed by Afrasiab.

The name reflects the rug's re-emergence after decades held privately in a single collection—new to the market, yet carrying the weight and history of a much older story.

Nowzar captures the Sarouk tradition at its most classically composed: formal, richly colored, and woven with lasting presence.

• Primary material: Natural wool
• Construction: Hand-knotted
• Dye method: Traditional dyes with period-correct hand-painting
• Foundation: Traditional woven foundation
• Condition: Vintage condition, like-new with full original pile height

Like-new condition, with original full pile height maintained evenly across the entire rug.

Original side cord selvages are fully intact. Sides and ends are fully secured.

Recently professionally cleaned and ready for immediate in-home use.

Vacuum gently using suction only. Avoid rotating brushes or beater bars.

Use a quality rug pad to reduce movement and provide support.

Rotate periodically to encourage even wear. For deep cleaning, consult a professional experienced with vintage Persian carpets.

What does "period-correct painted carpet" mean?
It means select tonal touch-ups were applied by hand at the time the rug was originally finished, a well-documented practice common to Sarouk carpets of this era—not a later or modern alteration.

Is this rug one of a kind?
Yes. Vintage Sarouk weavings like the Nowzar are unique in drawing, dye variation, and finishing.

Is it ready for use?
Yes. It has been professionally cleaned and is in like-new condition with full original pile height.