Space Copenhagen Russian and Scandinavian Rugs

Needlepoint rugs were created using the traditional needlework weaving technique that is used to make everyday items from furniture to carpets and artwork. However, it has a fascinating history both as a hobby and as an industry. When many people think of carpets, they think of pile carpets or flat weave kilims, but needlepoint has also been used to create beautiful carpets. These carpets are durable and an important part of carpet history. Archaeologists and scholars consider the roots of needlepoint to have been around 1500 BC. They consider the first needlepoint to include the fine diagonal stitches that were used to sew tents together by the ancient Egyptians. The art eventually evolved into tapestry weaving. However, a tapestry weaving differs significantly from needlepoint in that it uses a loom and vertical warp. Tapestry weaving is closer to the weaving of kilims and pile rugs than canvas work. However, some still include tapestry weaving in the category of needlepoint because of the fine work that appeared during the late Renaissance. It can have a similar appearance to the untrained eye. Technically, tapestry weaving and needlepoint are not the same, and they do not use the same technique. The first actual needlepoint rugs and needle-points began to appear in the late Renaissance. Needlepoint is worked by creating stitches on a stiff canvas. The canvas is typically made from jute or linen and is quite durable. Pieces from the Renaissance were used to cover footstools, chairs, pillows, bed headboards, and other furnishings. They were also used as table coverings and wall coverings. You could also find them on many small items such as purses, shoes, and various adornments for clothing. During the Renaissance, the craft reached a high level of skill, and the designs became incredibly detailed and realistic. They mimicked many of the subjects and styles of famous paintings of the time. They created florals, still life designs, scenes, and geometric tiled pieces. Some of them mimicked the designs found in Persian Carpets. Needlepoint reached its peak popularity in the 19th century when it was considered a proper occupation for a lady. Needlepoint and embroidery held a similar place in societal status at the time. During this time, the work became finer, with some of the canvas reaching a high level of detail. The level of detail is determined by counting the number of mesh in an inch. During this time petit point by French needlewomen could have a mesh count as high as 45 mesh. This allowed women to create highly intricate designs with incredible levels of detail. It is possible to find many antique pieces of needlepoint besides rugs. Needlepoint rugs were popular in France and Spain, where the technique was adapted to create highly intricate designs that mimicked the designs in architecture and fashion. They were popular because they were durable, and it could be fashioned into a variety of items. The canvases themselves were durable, and the wool that they used was also strong, which means that many of the pieces were able to withstand daily use. We have many artifacts that have survived from this time period. Needlepoint rugs are important collectibles because they are different from the pile rugs and kilims that are typically found on the market. Needlepoint carpets are special because they take many hours to create, especially larger works. Needlepoint pieces of any type became popular throughout Europe during the 19th century. It is still a popular hobby today, but perhaps one of the most interesting stories is that of the Portuguese needlewomen of Arraiolos. The story of these women and their beautiful carpets begins in 1492. Needlepoint was a popular occupation in Spain, which had a large population of Moors and Jews. They were an integral part of Spanish culture. However, in 1492, Queen Isabella of Spain issued a proclamation that gave these ethnic groups the order to pack their bags and board ships headed...

Vintage Kilim rug in a design called named "Dellen" by Ingegerd Silow. Named after a lake in the Hälsingland province in northern Sweden this piece has a beautiful geometric pattern ...

Brita Svefors Vintage Swedish Carpet, Sweden 1960s. This handwoven wool vintage Swedish Scandinavian rollakan rug is named "Opal". Brita Svefors designed this masterpiece for Axeco ...

A warm-tone Rya rug by Swedish designer Marianne Richter in her "Lofstad" pattern. This rug was part of the Östergyllan series produced by Wahlbecks in Linköping, Sweden during the 1...

This Scandinavian Rollakan rug, measuring 166 x 235 cm, is a beautifully woven flat-weave masterpiece, signed by the artist IS. The design embodies traditional Scandinavian aesthetic...

Scandinavian Rug – Geometric Design in Earthy Tones (230 × 170 cm) This Scandinavian flat-woven rug, measuring 230 × 170 cm, beautifully embodies the essence of Nordic design with it...

Beautiful vintage rug in a design called "Blomsteräng" by Swedish Textile designer Anna Greta Sjöqvist. A geometric pattern in blue, yellow and green sits against a brown background ...

Flat wave rug by RAKEL CARLANDER with artist monogram RC. Blue /brown wool.Sweden, Circa mid 20th Century. Dimensions: 117" x 77". Damage on one short side.

78463 Ingrid Sterling Vintage Swedish Rya Rug, 03'05 x 09'03. This vintage Swedish Rya rug, designed by Ingrid Sterling for the renowned Marks Rya Company, embodies the essence of Sc...

An 8x10 Swedish style kilim rug from our award-winning Scandinavian flat weave selections. The piece showcases a sophisticated play of beige brown with gray blue for an intrica...

Swedish flat-weave Rug by Gunilla Lagerbielke Sweden, circa 1950. Designed by Gunilla Lagerbielke.

78510 Vintage Swedish Rya Rug, 03'11 x 05'09. Birgitta Salenius is a notable Swedish textile designer who worked with Nordiska Ryor NIAB, a prominent Swedish rug manufacturer. She is...