Lot 5038

Vintage Scandinavian Marta Maas Swedish Rug 8 ft 3 in x 6 ft 6 in (2.51 m x 1.98 m)

Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$100 $100
$1,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
Beautiful Vintage Scandinavian by Barbro Nilsson for Marta Maas Rug, Country Of Origin: Scandinavia, Circa Date: Mid-20th Century

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Description

This gorgeous, earthy carpet is the unmistakable work of midcentury Swedish icon Marta Maas-Fjetterstrom. Fjetterstrom’s work reflected the natural world in the shapes and colors that she used. Her pieces reflect the natural beauty surrounding her early experiences in the quaint coastal town of Bastad, Sweden. This piece uses earthy browns, neutrals, and simple shapes to give it an organic quality and to express a connection with the soil that brings forth life.

This piece is reminiscent of the many different colors of earth and soil. Each square is slightly different in hue. Some of them are bluer brown, while some of them are more red or green in tone. Each square in the design has a different texture and orientation. Each one stands out as unique, but yet, blends into the design as a whole. The small round circular shapes contrast with the larger squares, softening it, and creating interest.

This carpet bears the initials BN in the corner. Marta Maas passed away in 1941. For a time, her siblings closed her Studio. In 1942, the Studio reopened under the direction of Carl Malmsten, King Gustav V of Sweden, Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf, and Erik Wettergren, the director of the National Museum of Stockholm. They saved the Studio from being dismantled.

In 1942, Barbro Nilsson took over the Studio and operated it from 1942-1970. Nilsson was a renowned artist at the time, and Marta Mass-Fjetterstrom hand-selected her has a replacement. BN indicates that this was work created by Nilsson. When Marta Maas died, she left a collection of over 700 rug designs that had not yet been created. Barbro Nilsson took it upon herself to work from these designs and finish some of the work that Marta Maas left behind.

The work of the Marta Maas-Fjetterstrom was an international success. Her pieces were favored by wealthy visitors to the area near her Studio. After her death, her work lived on and is considered iconic as an example of midcentury design. This marvelous piece would be the perfect complement to a contemporary design that reflects the natural world. It is an authentic mid-century piece that is a breathtaking inspiration for a vintage or retro-inspired room. It is a gorgeous Scandinavian rug and an important piece of midcentury artwork.

Condition

Overall excellent condition. Good full pile throughout. Sides and ends complete and original. Rug is clean and floor ready. Please contact our rug experts at auction@nazmiyal.com or call us for any questions you may have at 212.545.8029.. Please contact our rug experts at auction@nazmiyal.com or call us for any questions you may have at 212.545.8029.

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