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Handwoven Wall Art Textile by Elsa Montell-Saanio for Lapin Raanu, Finland 1970s
$2,152.91
£1,598.65
€1,800
CA$2,957.77
A$3,215.70
CHF 1,704.97
MX$38,548.03
NOK 21,669.23
SEK 19,851.97
DKK 13,721.77
About the Item
A rare and exceptional example of Finnish textile design - the “Karhun talviuni” (“The Bear’s Hibernation”) raanu by Elsa Montell-Saanio, handwoven at the Lapin Raanu Art Weaving Studio in Lapland.
Handwoven in pure wool with a rhythmic stripe composition, the textile combines natural white, deep brown, and a restrained touch of brick red - a strikingly contemporary palette that still feels rooted in northern craft tradition. The tactile weave structure and precise color balance reflect Montell-Saanio’s mastery of blending folk aesthetics with modern design sensibility.
Designed in 1974, the Karhun talviuni raanu represents one of the later works in Montell-Saanio’s production. It was woven using the pelkkaraanu technique - a traditional Northern Finnish method in which raised patterns are formed with a wooden slat behind the reed, creating longer weft floats on the textile’s surface. The result is a subtle play of texture and rhythm. Inspired by Lapland’s natural cycles, Montell-Saanio interpreted the idea of a bear hibernating in its winter den through abstraction and geometry, turning a folk motif into a modern visual meditation on rest and renewal.
Every raanu from Lapin Raanu was woven by local artisans following Montell-Saanio’s sketches and detailed instructions. Characteristic details - such as the braided corner tassels and knotted fringe - mark the textile’s beginning and end, emphasizing its hand-crafted integrity and completeness.
This piece stands out not only for its refined rhythm of color and form, but also for its historical and cultural significance. Elsa Montell-Saanio (1926–2019) transformed the centuries-old raanu tradition into an art form of modern expression. Her work gained international recognition at the Milan Triennale (1957) and the Brussels World Expo (1958), helping to establish Finnish textile design on the global stage.
A rare find in excellent vintage condition - ideal as a wall hanging, bed throw, or collector’s textile. Its bold geometry and earthy tones bring both warmth and quiet graphic strength to a contemporary interior.
• Handwoven wool
• Original woven label intact
• Height 125 cm (+ 9 cm fringe) × Width 92 cm
• Period: 1970s
• Made in Finland
• Excellent vintage condition with only minor signs of age
About the Designer:
Elsa Montell-Saanio (1926–2019) was a pioneering Finnish textile artist and weaver who redefined the raanu, a traditional handwoven wool textile of Lapland. After graduating from the Central School of Industrial Arts in Helsinki, she founded the Lapin Raanu Art Weaving Studio in 1955 in Rovaniemi, where she collaborated with local weavers to produce vivid, modern interpretations of northern craft traditions. Her raanus - characterized by rhythmic stripes, masterful color gradations, and braided corner tassels - became symbols of Finnish design heritage. Montell-Saanio’s work was exhibited internationally, earning acclaim at the Milan Triennale (1957) and the Brussels World Expo (1958).
- Dimensions:Height: 49.22 in (125 cm)Width: 36.23 in (92 cm)Depth: 0.79 in (2 cm)
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:Wool,Hand-Woven
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1970s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent vintage condition. Minor natural signs of age consistent with material and technique; no tears, visible stains, or repairs.
- Seller Location:Karis, FI
- Reference Number:Seller: FM0341stDibs: LU3154347059172
About the Seller
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Karjaa, Finland
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