Lilihan Rugs

A lilihan rug in a living room.

Introduction to Lilihan Rugs

Lilihan textiles are part of the Persian weaving tradition. These handmade pieces are celebrated for their intricate craftsmanship, bold colors, curvilinear floral patterns, medallion compositions, and botanical designs 

Associated with Armenian weaving communities, Persian Lilihan rugs originate in Iran's Markazi Province, combining Persian design influences with Armenian weaving traditions. This intermingling of Qajar-era weaving techniques resulted in distinctive designs with enduring appeal among interior designers and collectors.

If you’re interested in Persian carpets in general, or Lilihan rugs specifically, Esmaili Rugs is here to help. Explore our extensive, curated selection to discover distinctive designs spanning generations.

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  • The History and Origins of Persian Lilihan Rugs

    The Lilihan weaving tradition is generally traced to the 19th century with Armenians living in Khomeyn, in Iran's Markazi Province. For women living in this region during this period, weaving provided income and helped sustain regional textile traditions across generations. While their weaving techniques are similar to traditional hand-knotted Persian rugs, there are some differences in motifs. Human and animal motifs appear in some Lilihan rugs, although they are scarce. Lilihan designs commonly feature plants and florals, floral bouquets, vases, and central medallion compositions.

  • Lilihan Rugs vs. Lilihan Sarouk Rugs

    Lilihan rugs relate to Sarouk weaving traditions, as they’re geographically close. While they share similar floral motifs and color palettes, they differ in their construction. Lilihan pieces commonly feature single-weft construction, and Sarouk rugs have a denser, double-weft weave. As a result, Sarouk textiles are thicker and more rigid than Lilihan designs. However, some Sarouk weavers adopted the Lilihan technique, resulting in thinner Sarouk rugs that are easier to handle, fold, and store. If you’re interested in other styles of Persian rugs for sale, like Heriz or Kerman, shop the full selection of styles at Esmaili Rugs today.

  • Design Characteristics of Lilihan Oriental Rugs

    Lilihan designs draw deeply from Persian motifs. Here are some of the qualities you can expect:

    • Patterns: Florals, intricate borders, and central medallions inspired by Persian designs, as well as vase arrangements.
    • Colors: Madder reds and deep navy blues, complemented by ivory tones for dramatic contrast.
    • Materials: Weavers typically use traditional wool pile and cotton foundations.
    • Construction: Lilihan rugs are famous for their signature rose-pink or salmon-colored weft threads.

    Explore the Lilihan collection to find Persian design influences combined with the distinctive character of Armenian weaving traditions.

  • Why Choose Esmaili Rugs

    At Esmaili Rugs, we strive to provide access to a distinctive global collection of rare contemporary, vintage, and antique rugs. In addition to sourcing premium rugs from historic weaving traditions, the team at Esmaili Rugs provides hands-on guidance and exclusive concierge services to collectors and interior designers.

    Shop with Esmaili Rugs for expert advice tailored to your design preferences, personalized consultations with a selection of pre-curated rugs based on your interests, and white-glove delivery to ensure streamlined installation in your space.

    Reach out today to schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with the concierge team.

  • White-Glove Delivery Service

  • Rare Antique & New Rugs

  • Expert Rug Curation & Consultation

  • One-of-a-Kind Global Selection

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