Russian and Scandinavian Rugs

Antique Russian area rug handwoven from the finest sheep’s wool. It’s colored with all-natural vegetable dyes that are safe for humans and pets. It’s a traditional Khotan design hand...

Antique Bessarabian Rugs / Kilims in both pile and tapestry weaving technique are some of the more beautiful carpets to have been produced in Europe. Many of the Bessarabian Kilims were woven around the mid to late 19th century, though some do date back to the 18th century as well. This production that carried into the early twentieth century under late Ottoman Turkish rule in an area corresponding to modern Bulgaria and Romania, they stand right on the cusp of European and Oriental carpet weaving. Many of the designs are floral patterns made in a naturalistic western style utilizing brown or black ground, not unlike certain Karabaghs from the Caucauses. But others, particularly flat weaves, reflect the tradition of Turkish kilims from nearby Anatolia, although in a distinctive Bessarbian palette. In either case they are supremely decorative rugs. History Of Antique Flat Woven Bessarabian Kilim Rugs from Romania Bessarabian Kilims and carpets are flat woven rugs that originate in the Russian provinces of the Ukraine and Moldova in the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s. While most carpet experts will classify the flat woven rugs as Bessarabian they will often refer to the knotted pile carpets as Ukrainian. The Bessarabian carpets differ from antique Persian carpets in many ways. For example, unlike Persian carpets, Bessarabian rugs cannot be classified to a region according to the way the rugs were woven. Their weaves provide indications regarding the area for which they were created rather than for their classification. The markets these antique rugs were designed for could have fallen into different categories such as a rural market or an urban one. But all other attributes were dismissed and all the Romani made area rugs and carpets are referred to as Bessarabian instead. Antique Romanian Bessarabian kilims are ornate and they come in a variety of designs as well color combinations. It’s not uncommon for some Bessarabian kilims to be more floral while others may feature more geometric patterns. Bessarabian carpets are made on carpet weaving looms similar to the ones used to make the French Aubusson rugs. These looms are wooden, and the rugs are flat woven / kilims. The best of these rug types were created in the 1700’s. The Russian Imperial Tapestry Factory was where these Romanian rugs were made, and the factory was created by none other than Peter the Great. He established the Russian Imperial Tapestry Factory following his return from England and France. He was inspired to create the factory after being in awe of the splendid Aubusson carpets, Savonnerie rugs, and Axminster carpets he saw while abroad. The beautiful carpets he admired while in Europe had already caught the eyes of his Russian contemporaries, and importing them was triggering a financial drain for the Russian treasury. For this reason, the Russian Imperial Tapestry Factory was used as a location for copying the French and English carpets Peter the Great and the Russian nobility desired. Demand for these lavishly luxurious rugs grew, and additional factories were created in villages. This region is from where these rugs got the name Bessarabian. The region is divided between two territories: the Republic of Moldova and Romania. Bessarabian rug weavers were country people who had a country taste. Though they were tasked with replicating the elaborate motifs of the European rugs, they added their own unique country’s flair to their borrowed rug patterns and designs. This more folksy or traditional approach to the European patterns...

A multi-color dyed wool carpet designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1960s.

This 10x14 Scandinavian kilim, hand woven in wool, from our celebrated flat weave texture of the titular, award-winning collection, enjoys the finesse of Swedish aesthetics with an h...

Large Pillow made from a Caucasian Karabagh rug. Polyfill and zipper closure included Measures: 16'' x 24''.

Introduce charming textures to your decor with this pure wool, shearling sheepskin rug. The boucle type wool is a short curly wool sheepskin that will transform any interior floor to life. Translating contemporary design paralleled with comfort and an expression of sustainable living, the 100x200cm floor rug preserves the natural and organic shape of each individual sheepskin used. Intricately crafted with Australian craftsmanship paired with genuine sheepskin injects earthy and luxurious elements into an interior landscape. Created by Australian Designer, Emily Barbara, her innovative sheepskin rugs and home decor are offered with customized design and made in any size, shape, and color. The sheepskin rug comes unlined exposing the natural skin and stitch work. The rug offers a versatile design and can be styled as a rug, bed throw, or used for upholstery. Features: Shearling sheepskin Colour: Natural White Rug is unlined Wool pile: 12-14mm (up to 1/2" pile) Made in Australia Natural product: It needs to be celebrated that this shearling rug...

This 3x36 Swedish style kilim is a new addition to Rug & Kilim’s award-winning Scandinavian flat weave collection. Further On the Design: This extra-long runner is a refined mode...

Pre-owned goods are exempt from import duties for U.S. customers. Therefore, no import tariffs will be applicable to your purchase. Scandinavian textile designer. Cotton rya wall t...

A smart 3x5 Swedish style kilim from Rug & Kilim’s award-winning Scandinavian flat weave collection. Handwoven in wool. On the Design: This rug enjoys a gorgeous natural movement w...

Beautiful long European style Algerian rug with nice colors and patterns very decorative with a curious design showing Santa Claus on each detail design, a...

Hand knotted carpet in Russia at the beginning of the 19th century. High quality, beautiful graphics and remarkable finesse. . Perfect state of preservation. Measures: 150 x 90 cm ...

Large Contemporary Scandinavian Swedish Design flat weave rug with Modern Design. Keivan Woven Arts rug # RJK-14224-SHB-020-05. Scandinavian flat weave. Measures: 8'6 x 11'11. Thi...

Pre-owned goods are exempt from import duties for U.S. customers. Therefore, no import tariffs will be applicable to your purchase. Scandinavian textile artist. Cotton rya rug. Bro...

This 3x6 indoor-outdoor runner is a bold new addition to the Scandinavian Collection by Rug & Kilim. Hand-knotted in performance polyester, its design reflects a contemporary take on...

a late 19th Century Caucasian Kuba Chila Rug Details rug no. j3338 size 3' 6" x 4' 9" (107 x 145 cm)

Swedish Rug Flatweave by Ingegerd Silow – 197 × 282 cm This exquisite Swedish Rug flatweave rug is the work of the renowned Swedish artist Ingegerd Silow, celebrated for her master...

Soumak rugs (also spelled Sumak) – This construction technique produces a flat-weave rug that is thick, strong and exceptionally durable. Unlike kilims, Soumak rugs are not reversible because non-clipped yarns are left on the back. However, they are also stronger than kilims. Antique Soumak carpets are unique because the wefts are used to produce decorative patterns rather than as a structural element. Antique Soumak rugs are generally very finely woven and feature richly detailed motifs. Traditionally, these spectacular flat-weave carpets are decorated with ancient symbols, tiny birds and geometric animals. Many of these geometric patterns and tribal symbols are associated with the Shahsavan tribe. In the 17th century, these influential warriors served as the personal bodyguards to Shah Abbas according to historic legends. The Shahsavan, who used Soumak weaving techniques widely, inhabited modern-day Azerbaijan and parts of Northwest Persia near Ardabil. Because Soumak rugs were woven in various carpet producing regions, the designs they feature are exceptionally diverse. Although they are fairly rare compared to pile carpets and traditional kilims, antique Soumak rugs feature grand medallions, finely executed repeating patterns, Persian garden designs and tribal motifs that are surrounded by multiple sets of richly detailed borders. Antique Soumak rugs make outstanding floor coverings, but the technique was also used to construct bags, trappings, saddle covers, decorative bed spreads and functional household items. Like other regional handicrafts, antique Soumak rugs are highly decorative and diverse textile pieces that flatter modern furnishings and soften minimalist interiors very well. Soumak or Sumak is a type of brocading or flat-woven pile. Thicker than a kilim carpet, it is accomplished by looping the yarn horizontally around successive pairs of warps in between passes of over-under wefting. When compressed vertically with a weaver’s comb, the resultant texture looks like cabling rising slightly from the surface of the rug. Soumak is named for the village of Shemaka in the Caucasus where this technique was widely practiced, but it certainly was not invented there. Soumak has been practiced extensively across the antique rug producing world, from Central Asia to Iran, the Caucasus, and Turkey. Antique Soumak Weave Techniques: Soumak Weave – The art of fine rug weaving and making is ancient and complex. Over the centuries, a myriad of disparate cultures, from every corner of the globe, have developed methods of creating tight, long-lasting weaves, such as rugs, carpets, and kilims. As such, there is no singular, universal method for creating a fine weave; rather, there are several different, totally distinctive weaving techniques. These techniques and approaches have been developed over time and that are unique to the area, tribe and or people. One specific example of a type of weave that was developed and is still used to this day is the Soumak weave. The widespread adaptation of the Soumak weave by such a wide range of different rug-producing cultures is certainly a rather strong testament to the quality and “reproducibility” of the process — cornerstones of any long-lasted artistic technique. One of the most familiar types of antique weaving from the Caucasus region is the Soumak. These were produced in a wide array of designs, but generally they are typified by a crisp, precise drawing applied to highly abstract or stylized geometric patterns, using a rich and varied palette. In technical terms, Soumaks are flatwoven rugs. Their technique is related to that of kilims, but it is somewhat more complex, thicker in handle, and more durable as floor covering. As opposed to Kilim technique which consists of compacted weft facing simply running over and under the vertical wraps, Soumak weave runs the yarns around the warps in a serpentine pattern, over two, back one, over two back one, and so forth. The rows of this yarn facing or brocading are then separated by wefts like the rows of knots in pile carpets. The origin of this technique is hard to pinpoint, but it is attested literally from one end of the rug-producing world to the other. The term Soumak is apparently a corruption of the name Shemaka, a town in the Shirvan region of the Caucasus, where such rugs, it is often claimed, were made. However Soumaks were made in various areas of the Caucasus and the region north of Kuba seems to have been a major center of their production. Caucasian Soumaks have a very interesting design repertory, with a number of distinct types or groups. From the perspective of carpet history, the most interesting group is the one that utilizes field designs of large polygonal medallions, often in the shape of diamonds or stars. These tend to be modeled on early Turkish pile carpets, especially those of the so-called “small pattern Holbein” and “large pattern Holbein” types produced in Western Turkey during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. A key feature of the Holbein rugs is the use of small squares with horn-like hooked pairs as fillers in the indentations along the edge of the main medallions. Caucasian Soumaks of this type reproduce even these details with remarkable consistency and fidelity. The various smaller motifs used as space fillers seem to come from the common tribal repertory behind most Caucasian and Turkish rugs. The borders of Caucasian Soumaks tend to be made up of small geometric medallions or stylized rosettes, although they can be surprising, as on the example shown here which is adapted from kilim designs. A second major group of Caucasian Soumaks have allover field designs made up of smaller medallions arranged closely in staggered repetition. Some of these which have multi-pointed star-like configuration (the so-called Crivelli-Star) also come from the repertory of early Turkish rugs. But the oval medallions with undulating edges are floral palmettes of classical Persian derivation. Despite the varied origins of the design elements, the Soumaks of this group still convey considerable stylistic homogeneity or integrity. The borders of this second group are much the same as those of the first, although the example shown here has a highly unusual border that derives once again from early Turkish rugs. A third group of Caucasian Soumaks stems from more local traditions. Known as “Dragon Soumaks...

Beautiful modern Swedish-style wool rug with a gray field. This piece has beige and purple accents featuring a gorgeous all-over geometric design. This runner measures: 3' x 24'1...

79059 Ingegerd Silow Vintage Swedish Rollakan Rug, 04'05 x 06'09. This handwoven wool vintage Swedish rollakan rug, designed by Ingegerd Silow and titled "Sparreholm," embodies the u...

The technique for creating needlepoint rugs and other objects made from needlepoint has remained unchanged since its beginnings in the 17th century. It all begins with a canvas with ...

30796 New Swedish Style Kilim Rug Inspired by Barbro Nilsson and Marta Maas-Fjetterstrom 10'00 x 13'05. With its simplicity, geometric design a...

Hand-knotted in semi-worsted wool, this 13x19 finer weave Scandinavian flat weave features pink, beige-brown and gold tones underscore geometric patterns inspired by the Swedish mini...

A fine quality Early 20th-century wide Turkish runner with a floral motif in warm colors Measures: 4'5” x 10'10”.

This is a Finnish vintage rug signed by textile artist, Alestasalon Mottokutomo, from the mid-20th century and in excellent condition. It is handwoven ...

The Mansour Modern Swedish collection is primarily inspired by vintage Swedish flat-weave rugs whose geometric designs are relevant as ever in the 21st century. The collection utiliz...

One of a kind Persian Deco rug in various shades in brown Measures: 4'1” x 6'3”.    

This 5x8 flat weave is a new addition to the Scandinavian Kilim collection by Rug & Kilim. Handwoven in wool and natural yarns, its design reflects a contemporary take on mid-century...

This 5x7 Kilim is a bold new addition to the Scandinavian Collection by Rug & Kilim. Handwoven in wool and natural yarns, its design reflects a contemporary take on mid-century Rolla...

This exquisite mid-century modern rya rug, crafted by a Swedish textile artist in the 1960s, showcases the finest Scandinavian craftsmanship. Handmade from premium "Kamgarn" Persian ...

Ancient Roots Of Needlepoint Rugs 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. Historical Needlepoint Carpets and Rugs 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...

Made with hand-knotted wool, this 10x14 contemporary rug is an exciting new addition to Rug & Kilim’s Scandinavian rug collection—a contemporary reimagining of Swedish minimalism and...

This 6x10 Kilim rug is from the flatweave line in the Scandinavian rug collection by Rug & Kilim. Handwoven in wool, cotton and natural yarns, its design is a modern take on Rollakha...

A smart 8x10 Swedish style kilim from our award-winning Scandinavian flat weave collection. Handwoven in wool. On the Design: This rug enjoys a playful sense of movement and color,...

A fantastically Swedish Rag Rug in beautiful color & pattern. Handwoven in Boden Northern Sweden . The rug is freshly washed. Vintage & antique Swedish Rag Rugs from Sweden comes in ...

Design Title: "Power" This is a hand knotted carpet that talks about Power. There is always someone who has more power and want to show it to you. The big red circle symbolize pow...

These type of Russian prints that are also called 'trade cloth' since they were made for Central Asian markets. They were used to make blankets and dresses, and also used for the lin...

Handmade antique Caucasian Kazak rug in red color. The rug is from the end of 19th century in distressed condition. -condition: original, distressed, -circa: 1880s, -size: 3...

Nine foot long 100% wool runner by Ege Axminster. This is part of the Ege Country series and titled Mountain Life. This whimsical rug depicts elements o...

Antique Bessarabian Rugs / Kilims in both pile and tapestry weaving technique are some of the more beautiful carpets to have been produced in Europe. Many of the Bessarabian Kilims w...

This flatweave rug features a modern Swedish design with a charcoal base. It is complemented by gray-blue, beige, and brown geometric patterns throughout the design. This rug measu...

A multi-colored flat-weave wool carpet model "Blå Taggen" designed and produced by Märta Måås-Fjetterström, Sweden, 1950s.

A mid-20th-century Swedish rag rug, it features a geometric stripe design in muted ecru, white, grey, and black tones. Black and ecru fringes in perfect condition. 80x240 cm In exce...

Antique Samarkand Rugs: The desert oasis of Khotan was an important stop on the Silk Road. The people of Khotan were expert carpet weavers who produced high quality antique rugs and ...

Antique Samarkand Rugs: The desert oasis of Khotan was an important stop on the Silk Road. The people of Khotan were expert carpet weavers who produced high quality antique rugs and ...

Antique Samarkand Rugs: The desert oasis of Khotan was an important stop on the Silk Road. The people of Khotan were expert carpet weavers who produced high quality antique rugs and ...

This is a vintage Scandinavian Kilim rug woven circa 1950s with quite a beautiful composition. It features an elegant display of floral ...

Turkish rugs (also referred to as Anatolian rugs) are, arguably, the rugs that started it all. These carpets were among the first wave of Oriental antique carpets to be exported into Europe. The vintage Turkish rugs were prized commodities and artistically influential pieces. The designs of Turkish rugs such as the iconic guls, prayer rugs and small repeating patterns found on these carpets, worked their way into the iconic paintings of the European masters, including Memling, Lotto, Bellini, Hans Holbein and many others. These painters were inspired so much by Turkish rugs and the design motifs they feature that the artists have lent their names to some of these famous Turkish patterns. One of the most famous artists that incorporated rugs from Turkey in his painting was the great and iconic 16th century painter Hans Holbein. The styles of Turkish rugs...

An early 20th-century high-quality Russian Karabagh pictorial rug depicting a happy go luck deer Measures: 4'5'' x 6'9''.

This stunning high-pile rya rug is a standout example of 1960s pop art-inspired interior design. Expertly hand-knotted in Sweden using the premium rya technique, it is crafted from ...

Vintage Swedish Flat-Weave Rug Röllakan Geometric Design in Shades of Brown, Sweden 1980s. Genuine Röllakan made of wool, hand-woven, the soft sienna field features an outline geomet...

Vintage Swedish Rug by Marta Mass Fjetterstrom Size: 9'1" × 12'2" (276 × 370 cm) ​This vintage Swedish flat-weave rug, crafted circa 1948, is a testament to the visionary artistry of...

These type of Russian prints that are also called 'trade cloth' since they were made for Central Asian markets. They were used to make blankets and dresses, and also used for the lin...

Antique Caucasian rug with a dazzling color combination. 3'6'' x 4'8''

A Scandinavian Modern all wool rug made with "rollakan" flat weave technique. A variety of colored threads are closely combined to create a fine heather ...

78836 Ingegerd Silow Vintage Swedish Rollakan Rug, 05'06 x 07'09. Ingegerd Silow (1916-2005) was a renowned Swedish textile artist celebrated for her rollakan rugs, which utilize a t...

This Swedish style 9×12 kilim rug joins the new “Watson yarn” line of Rug & Kilim’s award-winning Scandinavian Collection. Further On the Design: This rug is the first major repre...

The Jute Collection is woven with strong all-natural plant fibers in a modern rustic design. Equally as rugged as minimalist. Available in three different patterns using our signatur...

Beautiful sol moss green rug, made of Hand Spun Baby Lambs Wool, in warm shades of green and beige, hand-knotted, stylized floral décor, large size 200x310cm (6.56' x 10.17'). In exc...

Antique Amritsar Rugs – The spectacular rugs of Amritsar capture the exotic style of India while incorporating a subtle colonial influence. This convergence of eastern and western st...

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 fascinat...