SKANE, SOUTH SWEDEN, DATED 1801

The röllakan weaving technique is widely associated with Scandinavian textile design and when translated from Swedish, rö means 'back' and lakan; 'cloth' or 'cover'. This example combines a number of design features typical in weavings produced in the Ingelstad district situated in the south east corner of Skäne, in particular the use of broad horizontal bands of angular octagons alternating with the star-shaped lozenges. Woven in two parts and sewn together, they were used as bed covers or wall hangings and were often part of a young girl's dowry. For similar design examples see Viveka Hansen, Swedish Textile Art, Traditional Marriage Weavings from Scania, The Khalili Collection: Volume I, London, 1996, pls.15, 32 & 38. A related example sold in these Rooms, 23 April 2013, lot 4. The woven date of 1801 on the present lot places it much earlier than many and its particularly fine and supple handle would support its early manufacture.