1940s Vintage Persian Lilihan Carpet with Tea Washed Finish

Handwoven Heirloom of Grandeur with Arabesques and Floral Motifs

The 1940s Vintage Persian Lilihan Carpet with Tea Washed Finish is a masterwork of scale and serenity — a handwoven Persian treasure that captures the essence of timeless design. Measuring an impressive 10'9" x 16'4", this carpet was woven in the village of Lilihan, near the historic weaving center of Sarouk, and radiates the refined elegance for which the region is renowned.

Its expansive field of arabesques and floral motifs unfolds like a classical garden — bell-shaped blossoms, curling leaves, and interlaced vines flowing in a continuous rhythm across a dark navy ground. The palmettes and floral rosettes are arranged with architectural grace, each form echoing centuries of Persian artistry. The composition is intricate yet balanced, allowing the eye to wander through its landscape of interconnected vinery and rhythmic symmetry.

The rug’s tea-washed patina gives the entire piece a soft, luminous glow. Shades of deep navy, sand, and cobalt blue blend seamlessly with beige, powder blue, and pale coffee brown, creating a natural gradation of tones reminiscent of moonlight filtering through water. The abrash striations — those gentle shifts of color within the wool — reveal the organic variations of small-batch vegetable dyes, lending movement and soul to the design.

Hand-knotted from resilient Persian wool on a cotton foundation, this Vintage Lilihan Carpet was made to endure. Its surface shows even wear across to the knot heads, exposing faint traces of the foundation that add depth and authenticity. The original selvages are largely intact or professionally restored, and the edges and ends have been carefully secured. Subtle areas of restoration maintain the rug’s structural integrity without compromising its character. Recently cleaned and prepared for use, it’s ready to grace the floors of a home that appreciates both history and artistry.

Despite its monumental scale, the rug feels intimate and approachable thanks to its softened tones and tactile patina. It pairs effortlessly with Vintage Glamour interiors — lending warmth, refinement, and texture to vast rooms. Imagine it anchoring a grand salon beneath a crystal chandelier or softening the echo of a lofty gallery space. Wherever it resides, this 1940s Vintage Persian Lilihan Carpet with Tea Washed Finish transforms its surroundings with quiet grandeur.

It is not merely a decorative object but a vessel of craftsmanship — a tapestry of patience, history, and human touch. With every fiber dyed, every knot tied, and every inch worn by time, the vintage rug embodies the grace of the Persian weaving tradition — unhurried, enduring, and utterly timeless.

Design Features

• Allover arabesque and floral field with palmettes and vine motifs

• Tea-washed patina for soft, timeworn elegance

• Subtle abrash variation for organic depth

• Interconnected lattice composition of rhythmic symmetry

• Monumental scale showcasing masterful Lilihan artistry

Color Palette

• Dark navy and cobalt blue ground

• Sand, beige, and pale coffee undertones

• Accents in powder blue and oxidized silver

• Naturally faded tones from tea-washed finish

Condition Notes

• Even wear to knot heads; faint foundation visible

• Minor localized restorations

• Original selvages largely intact or restored

• Fully secured sides and ends

• Professionally cleaned and ready for placement

Origin & Construction

• Handwoven in Lilihan, Persia (modern-day Iran)

• Circa 1940s

• Fine wool pile on cotton foundation

• Traditional Persian hand-knot technique

• Medium-low pile with soft, supple texture

Dimensions

• Size: 10'9" x 16'4" (approx. 328 x 498 cm)

• Monumental format ideal for great rooms, salons, or galleries

• Rectangular shape with balanced design flow