Röllakan & Rya Rugs possess a truly special presence in any room. Their geometric patterns and balanced colors create an expression that feels both classic and modern, making them suitable for both traditional and contemporary interiors.
The name röllakan comes from the old word ryglakan, meaning “back cloth,” referring to textiles that were once hung behind benches and chairs. The weaving technique as we know it today blossomed among the rural population during the 18th century, with its roots in Skåne, southern Sweden.
During the 20th century, this tradition was embraced by modern design. The auction showcases the wide range of expressions: Ingegerd Silow, one of the most prolific and influential röllakan designers of the period, is represented by several works in various formats and color schemes. Erik Lundberg demonstrates how the strictness of the geometric heritage can merge with modernist expression. We also encounter personal interpretations by Ida Rydelius, Irma Kronlund, Birgitta Södergren, and Anna-Johanna Ångström, alongside works by Gitt Grännsjö-Carlsson. Together, they illustrate how röllakan evolved from folk tradition to an artistically articulated form of design.
This theme brings together rugs that unite tradition with a modern sensibility. Röllakan & Rya rugs are as much a part of Sweden’s cultural heritage as they are timeless interior design objects – expressions of Swedish form that fit just as well then as they do now.
