Through a description of a nun’s belongings and equipment from the end of the 15th century we know that a rya, a long-pile knotted rug, was included in the bedclothes. Thus from the beginning it had a purely practical character and was used as a bedcover with the pile side downwards. Even when the rya obtained some degree of decorative importance, the smooth side was considered to be the right side. Originally the rug showed only the initials and year, with perhaps a simple pattern.
Archive for the ‘Hand Woven’ Category
The Scandinavian Rya Rugs
Tuesday, January 13th, 2009The Bayeux Tapestry
Thursday, January 8th, 2009
The Bayeux tapestry, probably made in England around 1070 is considered to be the most distinguished example of preserved textile pictorial art from Norman times.
In its size this tapestry is monumental, 229.6ft long and 1.6ft high, and made in one piece containing eight different colors, embroidery in wool on a linen base.
Although not an actual tapestry, it explains the events leading up to the 1066 Norman invasion of England as well as the events of the invasion itself.
Ulrika Leander
Tuesday, January 6th, 2009
I design tapestries and hand-weave them on vertical looms in my studio and gallery. I am the only person involved in the entire process from the creation of the watercolor design through to the ancient craft of hand-weaving the tapestry. Each tapestry is a unique creation using the highest quality natural fibers; the designs are never repeated. My large custom-built vertical loom enables me to work over a wide range of size scales with some of my larger tapestries being 12 ft. in one dimension and over 30 ft. in the other.
I grew up in South Eastern Sweden where, to this day, textile art is one of the most frequent forms of artistic expression found in public buildings and private homes. The rich history and tradition of textile art and design endemic in that region became part of my consciousness at a very early stage. My interest and respect for this art-form grew so strongly that by the age of thirteen, I had already woven my first tapestry inspired by an old wagon pillow, and from that point on, I knew that my future was going to be as a tapestry designer and weaver.
Read more about my studio, Contemporary Tapestry Weaving, and the rest of the my biography at ctw-tapestry.com.