Signed Antique Swedish Textile, Scandinavian Folk Art Pictorial - Rug & Kilim

Details

Description

This 2x2 antique Swedish textile and tapestry is an exceptional new collectible among the rare signed works in Rug & … Read more This 2x2 antique Swedish textile and tapestry is an exceptional new collectible among the rare signed works in Rug & Kilim’s collection of Scandinavian treasures—initialed “1902 SA 1957” in the upper border, made with a handwoven wool flatweave and believed to originate from Sweden circa 1920-1930.

On the Design:

Both the border and field are teeming with life and color, as the keen eye will note a variety of tulip floral patterns and pictorials ranging from birds, angels, and the prominent stag in the central field. Though its vibrant polychromatic colorway is inherent to its beauty, the most present among the impressive variety of hues are light blue, green, raspberry red and a creamy beige most featured in the field.

Admirers of the craft may know this particular Scandinavian textile as a Half-flossa (called “Relief flossa” in the original Swedish)—a particular flatweaving style unique to this provenance and a handful of the most iconic names in this movement. To wit, the signature in the upper field “SA” may connote Signe Asplund, who was an influential proponent of the Half-flossa quite celebrated for her brilliant craft. However, given the date range similar to that of an obituary and the feature of an angel in the upper border, it’s entirely possible this rug was made as a memorial to another weaver or a loved one, as some were in this period.

The extremely collectible, rare nature of its origins is perhaps matched only by its quality of craft and outstanding beauty among its kind—exemplary of the rustic charm of early Scandinavian folk art that would inspired some of the greatest works of the mid-century renaissance to come.

Condition:

This antique Swedish textile further enjoys good condition for its age and origin, and is intended as a textile for wall-hanging tapestry purposes only. See less