Carpet

This mid-century flatweave carpet, produced in Sweden during the 1950s by an unknown designer, exemplifies the era’s exploration of color structure and modernist abstraction within textile traditions. The composition is divided into three distinct vertical fields: a wide central panel in rich brown tones composed of horizontal striations, flanked on either side by intricate, mosaic-like arrangements of square and rectangular blocks. These side panels display a dynamic rhythm of pattern and color, constructed from earthy and muted hues including rust, ochre, cream, charcoal, tan, steel blue, and beige. Occasional patterned inserts with contrasting linear or wavy stripes are interspersed to further accentuate the sense of movement and textural depth.

The rug is woven using the rölakan technique, a traditional Swedish flatweave method known for its durability and ability to render precise geometric designs. The surface reveals a dense, tight weave structure and carefully balanced color palette that is indicative of high craftsmanship, with subtle irregularities that mark its handmade origin. The textile’s design suggests both rational order and organic improvisation, resonating with the Scandinavian modernist interest in harmonizing visual logic with warmth and tactility.

While the designer remains unidentified, the aesthetic approach is closely aligned with the broader trends in Swedish textile design of the 1950s, when artistic experimentation was encouraged within craft-based production. Workshops across Sweden during this period often embraced modular and asymmetrical compositions inspired by architecture, natural geometry, and the emerging language of international modernism.

The condition is good vintage, with minor signs of wear and use, including light surface irregularities and patina that are consistent with the age of the piece. The dimensions are 207 centimeters in width and 166 centimeters in depth, which translates to approximately 81.5 inches by 65.4 inches. The rug’s format and visual density make it well suited for floor display in architectural interiors or as a textile wall composition. It stands as a testament to the refinement of Swedish mid-century textile traditions in their abstract and functional expressions.