''Rya'' is the term for a traditional Scandinavian wool rug with a long shaggy pile and a loose weave. Ryas have been woven for centuries and were often used as bedcovers in the cold climate. They usually have very high wool quality, with heavy pile. The designs are often highly original derived from Scandinavian folk art. This charming piece is quite typical. Dating to the early 20th century, it has the typical technical characteristics with fine quality wool and a high pile. The design is quite interesting. The central floral bouquet seems to be emerging out of a vase at the base of the field which also forms part of a stylised neo-classical leaf border. The black background is striking and gives the painterly composition a three-dimensional effect. Interestingly this piece is reminiscent of designs seen of contemporaneous kilims from Moldova in the Balkans and from Karabagh district of modern Azerbaijan. Could there be a common ancestry to the design? Highly decorative and in very g...