A FINNISH RUG,

Early Finnish rugs, or "ryor" were mainly used as cushion or seat covers, rather than for the floor. Dated 1807, this lot displays the best characteristics found in these rare Finnish weavings, including bright, colorful stylized floral arrangements (here tulips), within a geometric border. Many of these ryor were woven as part of the bridal dowry and were handed down from generation to generation. For a very similar example please see U. T. Sirelius, Finlands Ryor, Helsingfors, 1924, pl. LX.