c1940s ANTIQUE FLORAL PERSIAN LILIAN RUG 5.3x6.6
South of the City of Arak(formerly Sultanabad) and about ten miles west of Khomein lies a small area called Kemerah, this is where LILIHAN (Lylyan) used to be located. Now, Lilian pieces are woven in the Province of Markad by Persian Armenians. In the sixteenth century, Persia was a region divided between various powers. The Ottoman Empire controlled Persia either militarily or as a suzerainty and the eastern border fluctuated during the wars with the Timurids, Uzbeks, Turkmen, and Mughals. Finally, in the closing years of the century, Abbas Safavi, called "Abbas the Great," finally slipped from the bonds of Turkish control and established what we know as modern Persia. To help pay for the effort, the Shah moved loyal Armenians into the interior of the country and helped them in business. In fact, a system of grants to Armenian Merchants made them, in effect, partners with the crown. The classical carpets of Isfahan were also Armenian and were a leading trade of the time. Lilian pieces are woven in a Hamadan style which conspires to a sturdy, single-weft construction or these pieces can also be woven in a Sennah Baft style in which the wefts are sturdy and the warps are construed in a flexible pattern. Carpets made in Lilihan (Lylvan) usually have curvilinear patterns composed of traditional floral motifs accentuated with subtle geometric patterns. On occasion, pieces from Lilihan can have the famous Herati or "fish and turtle" design, the Boteh design (immature flower or palm leaf), or the Gul Hannai design (leaves with vines). These listed designs can either have an all-over or medallion layout which can be hexagonal, oval, diamond shape, round, or angular floral in shape. All-in-all, these rugs are related to the Sarouk rugs, with and exception to the single-weft construction. The pink color of the weft is the main characteristic of Lilihan (Lylvan) rugs and carpets. A truly beautiful Lilihan (Lylvan) rug is a brilliant addition to any setting. The quality of Lilihan (Lylvan) carpets and rugs varies. They are very durable. In reference to size, these carpets vary, but the majority of them are mid-sized ranging with dimensions from 4 x6 to 8x10 feet. Pinks, browns, and khakis are the predominate colors in these rugs. They are usually made of a lustrous wool and have a thick, long, and tight pile. The warp of the foundation is mostly cotton; the weft is either cotton or wool. Weavers in Lilihan (Lylvan) use flat-woven knots. In summation, Lilihan (Lylvan) carpets are to be among the finest quality carpets. Although not too as popular in Europe, (Lilihan)Lylyan rugs are extremely popular in the United States. Lilihan(Lylyan) carpets are thick, attractive, exceptionally long-wearing rugs that offer an enlightened feel to one's home.
