Vintage Swedish Röllakan Wool Rug by Ingegerd Silow, 1950s

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Description

Large authentic Scandinavian handwoven masterpiece by Ingegerd Silow, signed with monogram "IS". This is a flat-woven rölakan with a geometric … Read more Large authentic Scandinavian handwoven masterpiece by Ingegerd Silow, signed with monogram "IS". This is a flat-woven rölakan with a geometric pattern in beautiful earth colors.

Swedish rölakan rugs are flat-weave wool rugs that represent one of the proudest and most iconic textile traditions in Swedish design. The rugs are known for their dense structure, geometric patterns, and incredible durability.

The word rölakan originates from the Old Swedish term for back sheet. This refers to the fact that these tightly woven textiles were originally hung on the cold walls of farmhouses to act as insulation against drafts.

The patterns are often stylized interpretations of Nordic nature, flowers, or traditional folk motifs. The color palette ranges from early natural tones to the vibrant, warm earth tones, pastel patterns, and graphic color gradients of the 1960s and 70s.

Although the technique has roots dating back to the Viking Age, the Swedish rölakan tradition truly took shape in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in southern Sweden. Here, women wove them as part of their bridal dowries.

In the 20th century, the rölakan rug experienced a massive modernist renaissance. from the 1930s to the 1960s, iconic Swedish textile artists like Märta Måås-Fjetterström, Barbro Nilsson, Ingegerd Silow and Judith Johansson transformed the traditional folk craft into internationally recognized decorative art. Great modernists, including architects Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright, fell in love with these rugs and used them in their minimalist interiors.

The rugs are woven using a special pattern-forming technique where the threads are interlocked. This means that the rug looks completely identical on both the front and back. Often, only the weaver’s woven signature in the corner reveals which side was originally meant to face up.

They are traditionally handcrafted from 100% heavy wool on a linen or cotton warp. The natural lanolin in the wool makes the rugs extremely dirt-resistant and durable.

Dimensions:
Length: 281 cm (305 cm including fringes)
Width: 196 cm
Weight: 13.3 kg

This rug is made from wool on a linen warp with a symmetrical pattern. Initialed "IS".
This rug is double-sided and reversible, and both sides are shown in the photos.

This classic Scandinavian Mid-Century wool rug is suitable as a carpet, wall art or headboard. The last photo shows the rug used as wall decoration.

All rugs have been checked and ozone treated. Ready for use.

Good original condition with only light patina consistent with age and use. Wear to some of the fringes. This piece has an attribution mark,
I am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less