[Illustration: SARABAND RUG Size 3' 4" × 5' PROPERTY OF MRS. THOMAS E. MATTHEWS, MT. CLEMENS, MICH.]
DYES.--As a rule are excellent. In the modern products some of these colors are liable to be aniline, especially the greens.
DESIGNS.--The field is almost invariably covered with the pear design arranged in rows, the stems of each successive row running in the opposite direction. This is nearly always the case and with the exception of the Shiraz it seems to distinguish the field from that of other rugs such as the Khorasan products, where the same design is frequently used but where the stems usually run in the same direction. The Mir Saraband sometimes has a Herati centre.
SIZES.--Three to five by four to nine, three to nine by twelve to twenty-four.
REMARKS.--Sarabands are usually firm in texture, lie well, never grow monotonous, and, on the whole, are most satisfactory.
This piece beautifully illustrates the most common Saraband designs. The field is covered with rows of the pear motif upon a background of rich dark red. The main border stripe carries the characteristic Saraband border design upon a background of old ivory. The woof is dyed light blue, which shows in the webbing at each end.
WHY SO NAMED.--After Saruk, a small village in the Feraghan district, from whence they come.
KNOT.--Always the Senna and usually as many to the square inch as any rug excepting the Senna. Number vertically eight to twenty-two; number horizontally six to twenty; number to square inch forty-eight to four hundred forty.
WARP.--As a rule cotton, occasionally linen.
WOOF.--As a rule cotton, occasionally linen.
SIDES.--Overcast with dark wool or silk. They frequently curl on account of the tightness of the weave.
ENDS.--Narrow web and loose warp threads at each end.
BORDER.--Three to five border stripes, usually three. Generally the Herati border, occasionally the modern form of the Shah Abbas border design.
PREVAILING COLORS.--Usually dark seal browns, greens, and reds. Generally a field of ivory, blue or red.
DYES.--Generally good except in some of the modern pieces.
DESIGNS.--There is always a medallion. Flowers freely introduced. Often queer-shaped floral figures.
SIZES.--Three to five by five to twenty feet. Usually oblong.