Dughi The Living Coral Of Antique Sarouk Rugs
While Living Coral may be Pantone’s color of the year 2019, it’s not a new invention. In fact, ancient Persians were familiar with this shade long before the renowned color institute declared its significance. This isn’t an isolated incident – fashion trends often have a cyclical nature, with styles that are touted as ‘fresh’ and ‘the latest’ actually drawing inspiration from centuries-old designs.
Take Dughi, for example – an iconic oriental pink shade that’s been featured on antique Persian rugs from the Sarouk weaving center in Markazi Province, Iran. Despite being old news, these timeless patterns continue to captivate our attention, highlighting the enduring appeal of classic styles.
The Colors of Sarouk Rugs
In ancient oriental rug designs, each color and motif carries a symbolic meaning that conveys a message. This importance is echoed in the traditional practices of Sarouk weavers, who have always prioritized the selection of colours to convey a specific narrative.
Despite the advent of synthetic dyes in the late 19th century, Sarouk artisans continued to employ natural, plant-based and animal-derived dyes for their carpets.
The result is a rich tapestry of colors, with shades of blue, yellow, brown and the distinctive dughi pink being particularly prominent.
The Pink of Sarouk
In the world of antique Persian Sarouk rugs, one shade stands out for its unique charm: dughi, a captivating pink with salmon undertones. This distinctive hue was achieved by introducing special substances to the dyeing process, which involved transforming the natural color red into a vibrant ‘living coral’ effect. The secret to this extraordinary color lay in the root of madder, a wild-growing plant whose properties have been cultivated on plantations since ancient times.
To create dughi, the first step was to dissolve dried and pulverized madder root in water, creating a solution that would eventually give the wool fibers their characteristic pink hue. The mixture was then combined with yogurt or fermented milk – both of which contain lactic acid, an essential component for turning the wool fibers yellowish and luminous while also making them durable. The yarn was left to soak in this custom dye for a couple of hours before being thoroughly rinsed and dried.
And so, the result was a beautiful, dughi-colored rug that has become synonymous with antique Persian Sarouk design.
The Trendiest of Sarouk Designs
In the late 19th century, dughi emerged as a highly sought-after color on the North American market. As a result, numerous dughi rugs were produced with export to the USA in mind, primarily during the latter half of the 19th and early 20th centuries. This influx of dughi rugs even earned their own unique moniker – ‘American Sarouks.
‘ To cater further to Western tastes, American Sarouks featured naturalistic, curvilinear botanical and floral designs that flowed across the rug in an allover pattern or medallion format, a departure from traditional geometric Sarouk motifs. This aesthetic appeal was likely influenced by the ornate, lush patterns found in European art nouveau design.
Dughi in Contemporary Interiors
While Dughi and Living Coral may appear indistinguishable at first glance, subtle variations can arise from traditional dyeing processes. These minor differences, known as the ‘abrash effect,’ are common in antique rugs. If you’re looking to complement your 2019 décor with an authentic Sarouk rug, this colour is a perfect match. The versatility of Dughi is noteworthy, making it suitable for various interior styles.
It will blend seamlessly into earthy-toned spaces featuring beige, gray, and white hues. The Scandinavian or Rustic aesthetic also benefits from its presence, as the wood accents are amplified by the rich tone. Additionally, Dughi’s elegance makes it a fitting choice for Mid-Century Modern or Classic interiors.
