79277 Antique Persian Lilihan Rug Runner, 03'02 x 16'02.
Woven in the heart of western Iran during the early decades of the 20th century, this hand-knotted wool antique Persian Lilihan runner is a rare and poetic example of village artistry elevated to heirloom status. A study in bold elegance, the rug unfurls like a visual symphony down its elongated format—perfectly suited for grand hallways, curated galleries, or stately foyers. Its midnight blue field forms a dramatic stage upon which an exuberant floral tableau unfolds in rhythmic, ascending tiers. Each vine, bloom, and boteh-like blossom is carefully orchestrated, offering an experience that feels both timeless and intensely personal. The distressed surface, softened by generations of footfall and filtered sunlight, adds a soulful patina—an authentic testament to a life beautifully lived.
The composition is anchored by a sequence of majestic floral arrangements rising from stylized urns, their symmetrical branches forming arches of richly pigmented rosettes in glowing carnelian, coral, and apricot tones. These forms pulse with vibrancy against the inky backdrop, like flowering constellations in a night sky. The duality between the structural layout and organic flourish speaks to Lilihan’s unique ability to blend the formalism of Sarouk-inspired design with a more playful, freehand village sensibility. This runner doesn’t just guide the eye—it guides the spirit, drawing one deeper into its tapestry of layered meaning and pastoral memory.
Framing the field is a beautifully articulated triple floral border, each band echoing and amplifying the lushness of the interior. The inner and outer guards provide subtle rhythm through repeating petaled motifs, while the wider central border dances with scrolling vines and stylized blossoms, forming a frame that feels both protective and celebratory. The borders do more than enclose—they elevate, bringing a sense of ceremonial grandeur to the composition. The result is not just a rug, but a corridor of beauty—an architectural element woven from wool, tradition, and dreams.
To own this Lilihan runner is to possess a rare textile with soul—a piece of living history that weaves together ethical artistry, cultural preservation, and enduring style. Its distressed elegance offers not only a sophisticated aesthetic, but a commitment to sustainable luxury: a celebration of the handmade, the timeworn, and the irreplaceable. Whether gracing the entry of a heritage home or lending authenticity to a modern design scheme, this runner is a statement of taste, refinement, and reverence for the past. It is not just a decorative object—it is a journey, one knot at a time.
- Abrash.
- Hand knotted wool.
- Made in Iran.
- Measures: 03'02 x 16'02.
- Pile Height: 0.20 of an inch.
- Date: 1910's. Early 20th Century.
