Serab rugs, produced in Northwest Persia, are prized for their crisp geometric design and drawing, as well as their extensive use of natural, soft camel wool as a major ground color in tandem with soft blues, ivory, and warm red tones. This example is unusual in its use of serrated cruciform medallions in place of the customary hexagonal type, although the latter still appear halved form along the edges of the long field. Highly stylized or linear lattices spread across the camel field, embellished further with colorful floral detail. Hexagonal lattice elements and floral forms fill the various medallions as well, although their floral aspect is not always clear given the animated and highly geometricized style of the drawing. The inner minor border of reciprocal trefoil type is reminiscent of the Caucasian village rugs produced to the north of the Serab region. The main and outer minor borders, however, are classically North Persian vinescroll designs, although, like the field elements, they are unusually geometricized or abstract, especially the ivory ground main border with its angular undulating blue vines, floral palmettes and rosettes. Yet it is the rich yet subtle color of the rug that sets off the design so well, especially amidst the warmth of the golden, glimmering camel ground. Rarely do Serabs display such unexpected animation and excitement.
