This is a hand-knotted antique Lilian rug, originating from the Markazi province of northwestern Iran. Lilan rugs are celebrated for their fine, dense weave, exceptional wool quality, and deeply saturated floral designs. This piece is approximately 80 years old, dating to the mid-1940s, and measures 155 by 105 centimeters (roughly 5 feet 1 inch by 3 feet 5 inches).
The design of this Lilian rug features a striking “all-over floral medallion” layout, characterized by a large, central radiating star or rosette. From this golden center, graceful, curving tendrils and palmette leaves sweep outward in four directions, creating a highly symmetrical, organic cross-like structure. The weaving style is distinctly curvilinear, with fluid, sweeping lines that are remarkably precise for a hand-knotted village rug. The four corners of the field are filled with quarter-spandrels featuring stylized floral sprays that mirror the central axis. The negative space between the large central structure and the corners is filled with an intricate lattice of smaller floral blossoms, stylized leaves, and angular vines in pink and teal, creating a dense, lush “garden” effect. The main border features a repeating “vine and blossom” pattern, where stylized flowers are linked together by a meandering, organic stem. The guard borders contain small, repeating chevronand stepped diamond motifs, which act as a rhythmic, protective frame around the floral interior.
The color palette is moody, sophisticated, and deeply layered. The primary field is a dramatic, midnight black or deepest charcoal that provides a dark, velvety canvas. Contrasting sharply against this dark background are motifs woven in soft teal blue, coral pink, peach, and ivory. The central focal point features a glowing golden-orange and yellow rosette, radiating warmth from the center of the rug. The border is framed in terracotta red and black, with repeating floral and geometric elements in blue, pink, and gold, creating a beautifully contained, architectural frame.
Age: 80 years old (circa mid-1940s).
Size: 155 x 105 cm (5’1″ x 3’5″), a versatile small-medium area rug.
Colors: Midnight black/charcoal field, teal blue, coral pink, peach, ivory, golden-orange, and terracotta red.
Design: Curvilinear “all-over floral medallion” layout with a radiant central rosette and sweeping tendrils.
Motifs: Central sunburst rosette, sweeping palmette leaves, quarter-spandrel floral sprays, and a repeating vine-and-blossom border.
Symbolism: Sun/divine energy, Garden of Paradise (fertility/abundance), and hope/resilience.
Condition: Excellent vintage condition; even, lustrous pile; full fringes; secure edges.
Value: A sophisticated, fine-weave collector’s piece with a moody, dramatic color palette and elegant floral movement.
