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A touch of history

I always say that rugs tell tales by themselves, but in order to grasp the story of this particular one, we must go back in time. Directly to the forced migration of Armenians to central Persia under Shah Abbas I of the Safavid dynasty in the early 17th century; known as the Great Armenian Deportation.

There were various causes for this occurrence as far as we know, one of which was a military plan. Shah Abbas was engaged in a protracted conflict with the Ottoman Empire, which had been vying with Persia for control over territories, including the Armenian region of Eastern Anatolia (primarily, the region of Nakhchivan and Armenia). To weaken the advancing Ottoman forces and deny them resources, Shah Abbas moved Armenians away from their homeland to prevent the Ottomans from benefiting from their economic and strategic support.

Also, in those times Armenians were known for their craftsmanship, trade, and wealth. Shah Abbas, recognizing their economic value, sought to use their talents to boost the economy of Persia. The Armenians, particularly those relocated to the area around Isfahan, were instrumental in revitalizing Persian industries and trade. They were settled in a special quarter of Isfahan called New Julfa (Nor Jugha), named after the Armenian city of Julfa. New Julfa became a vibrant commercial and cultural hub, with Armenians playing a critical role in the Persian silk trade and other industries.

When going deeper in to the history, we see that despite the forced nature of the migration, Shah Abbas generally offered the Armenians a degree of religious and cultural autonomy in their new settlements. He allowed them to practice Christianity and maintain their own community structures, which was relatively uncommon in that period's empires. All of this created a great basis for some fantastic cultural interactions as we progress to the narrative of Lilian rugs.

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Rugswise app identifies rugs origin by picture

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And the Lilian rugs

Lilian rugs are Persian carpets produced in the village of Lilian (also spelled "Lilihan") in the Arak region of west-central Iran. These rugs are deeply influenced by Armenian culture, which is rooted in the history of Armenian communities settling in central Persian territories, as I mentioned above with the forced migration of Armenians under Shah Abbas I. It's unclear whether Armenians had weaving skills before or learnt weaving from Persians, but it's evident that some exceptional masterpieces were created when Armenian traditions met Persian elegance and craftsmanship.

Armenian weavers in Lilian may have infused Christian symbolism, particularly in the use of certain cross-like motifs or abstract symbols derived from Armenian art and architecture. The boldness of design and color could also reflect Armenian artistic heritage, which often emphasized expressiveness and vivid depictions. The settlement of Armenians in the region during and after the Safavid period helped blend Persian and Armenian influences, resulting in a distinctive style that sets Lilian rugs apart from other Persian carpets.

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Characteristics of Lilian Rugs:

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Design and Motifs:

  • Floral Motifs: Lilian rugs are known for their large-scale floral designs, often with roses, palmettes, vines, and botanical motifs. These floral patterns are more exaggerated and less intricate compared to those found in more formal Persian rugs like Isfahan or Tabriz.
  • Geometric Influences: While the primary style of Lilian rugs is floral, some also incorporate geometric designs due to the influence of nearby Hamadan and other regions.
  • Central Medallions: Many Lilian rugs feature a central medallion, a classic Persian rug element, but they are often rendered in a more simplified and bold manner.

Color Palette:

  • Vivid Colors: Lilian rugs are renowned for their bold use of colors, often featuring vibrant reds, pinks, blues, and greens. The pink and rose hues, in particular, stand out as a signature of Lilian weaving, reflecting the Armenians' distinct aesthetic preferences.
  • Rich Contrasts: The contrast between these bright tones and darker borders or backgrounds is a key characteristic. The use of natural dyes gives the rugs a soft, harmonious look, even with bold color choices.

Weaving Technique:

  • Single Weft Construction: Lilian rugs are typically constructed using a single-weft technique, similar to rugs from Hamadan. This results in a slightly more flexible and lightweight feel compared to the double-weft construction found in more tightly woven Persian rugs.
  • Wool Pile: The pile is often made of high-quality, hand-spun wool, which contributes to the rug's durability and soft texture.
  • Cotton Foundation: Like many Persian rugs, Lilian rugs have a cotton foundation, providing structural stability and longevity.

Size and Shape:

  • Most Lilian rugs tend to be medium to large-sized, with smaller rugs less common. Runners are often found in this category, making them popular for hallways or narrow spaces.

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