Rya – Finnish Weaving Process

Carpet (Known as a "Ryijy" or "Rya"), Finland,
Carpet (Known as a “Ryijy” or “Rya”), Finland, 1701/25. Artist Unknown. (Photo by Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images

Rya is a Finnish weaving process, it is a traditional type of weaving practised in Finland. Rough yarns are hand-woven into thick tapestries intended for use as carpets, marriage-bed covers, and wall hangings.

Eva Brummer set up a studio in Helsinki in 1929 to revive the technique, which involves cutting the pile unevenly in order to create a thick relief effect. As rugs, the weavings became popular in the 1950s and were closely identified with the exuberant Scandinavian Modern style.

Sources

Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing. https://amzn.to/3ElmSlL

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