Scandinavian Modern Handmade Rug bz Unika-Væv & Ross Littell, Denmark, 1960s

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Large handmade "Rya" rug by Ross Littell made in Denmark in the 1960s at Unika-Væv. Hand woven in the Scandinavian … Read more Large handmade "Rya" rug by Ross Littell made in Denmark in the 1960s at Unika-Væv. Hand woven in the Scandinavian Rya-tradition with a long pile in wonderful blue, grey and brown colours. This design was made by American designer Ross Littell who was an important figure in Danish Design in the 1960s through his collaboration with Nanna Ditzel and Verner Parton among others. This unique piece was used to decorate a Danish Modern furniture store in the 1960s and has been kept in storage ever since. The condition is therefore very good with few signs of wear. Though rya means "rug" in English, the original meaning in Sweden of rya was a bed cover with a knotted pile. The first ryas originated in the early fifteenth century as coarse, long-piled, heavy covers used by mariners instead of furs. As time progressed, the rugs have evolved to be lighter and more colorful. In the 1960s the Rya rugs was reinvented as an important part of the Danish Modern movement by designers such as Nanna Ditzel, Verner Panton and Ross Littell. American textile designer, artist and furniture designer Ross Littell was a passionate advocate of Scandinavian design. After receiving a degree in industrial design from Pratt Institute in New York Littell soon began an illustrious career producing designs for the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller in the 1950s and 1960s. He moved to Copenhagen in 1960 where his appreciation for Scandinavian design developed. Littell later moved to Italy before finally returning to his native California. During his time in Europe, Littell worked with a number of prominent textile and furniture manufacturers. Geometry, nature and motion proved constant inspirations for Littell throughout his career. In particular, he developed innovative fabric patterns based on mathematical combinations and rhythm. The resulting optical designs proved influential and are now a familiar image of the 1960s. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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