Sample

Object/Artifact

-

Swedish American Museum

2010.52.2.a_front

2010.52.2.a_front

Name/Title

Sample

Entry/Object ID

2010.52.2

Description

Sample of the Rya rug technique.

Context

The sample was made by Vicky Wallbrach. She made this piece while she was being taught the Rya technique by Hjordis Olson. Rya is one of the oldest techniques of Scandinavian rug making, dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally, they were made with wool and used for bedding. In 1690, women in Stockholm began weaving a new kind of rya with patterns that mimicked Baroque floral patterns. This rya style had shorter piles of wool and incorporated designs and motifs, ultimately changing the function of rya rugs from formative to decorative. In the 1970s, rya rugs became popular in the United States and had a similar appearance to shag carpets.

Acquisition

Accession

2010.52

Source or Donor

Wallbrach, Vicky

Acquisition Method

Gift

Credit Line

Gift of Vicky Wallbrach

Made/Created

Artist Information

Artist

Vicky Wallbrach

Role

Artist

Place

Country

United States

Continent

North America

Lexicon

LOC Thesaurus for Graphic Materials

Handicraft, Embroidery, Rugs, Textile art

Search Terms

Textile crafts, Rya

Dimensions

Height

13-1/4 in

Width

15-3/4 in

Depth

1/4 in

Material

Paper, Linen, Wool

Reproductions

Notes

Reproduction of the Museum's artifacts for publication, commercial use, or distribution requires written permission.