Rya (rug)

Rya
Rya
TypeCarpeting
MaterialWool
Production methodKnotting
Production processCraft production
Place of originScandinavia
Introduced15th century

A rya or rye is a traditional Scandinavian wool rug with a long pile of about 1 to 3 inches.[1] They are made using a form of the Ghiordes knot to make the double-sided pile fabric.[2] Though rya means "rug" in English, the original meaning in Sweden of rya was a bed cover with a knotted pile.[3] The first ryas originated in the early fifteenth century as coarse, long-piled, heavy covers used by mariners instead of furs.[4] As time progressed, the rugs have evolved to be lighter and more colorful.[4] The insulation that ryas provide protects against the cold Scandinavian climate.[2][4] Ryas are a knotted pile carpet, with each knot composed of three strands of wool, which enables the rug to exhibit rich texture from all the different shades of color.[5] The name originates from a village in southwest Sweden.[6] The term rya may also refer to a breed of sheep whose wool is used to make rya carpets (see Rya (sheep)).

  1. ^ Mendelson, Cheryl (1999). Home comforts: the art and science of keeping house. New York, NY: Scribner. p. 479. ISBN 0-684-81465-X.
  2. ^ a b Martin, Christina (2005). Weaving: Methods, Patterns, and Traditions of the Oldest Art (Wooden Books). Walker Company. p. 36. ISBN 0-8027-1457-9.
  3. ^ Plath, Iona (1966). The Decorative Arts of Sweden. Dover Publications. pp. 9. ISBN 0-486-21478-8.
  4. ^ a b c "Classic modern spotlight on Ege Rya". classic-modern.co.uk. 2011. Archived from the original on 23 July 2011. Retrieved 5 January 2011.
  5. ^ "Ryas Rugs". Retrieved 5 January 2011.
  6. ^ "Scandinavian Antique Rugs and Carpets". NAZMIYAL Inc. Retrieved 5 January 2011.