Scandinavian flatwoven rugs with geometric designs are the European equivalent of Anatolian or Turkish kilims, although they represent an entirely independent folk art tradition reaching back to the Middle Ages. The richly variegated or ‘abrashed’ field in shades of golden ochre has a pattern of stepped medallions and rail-like motifs in staggered arrangement. The same elements are used to make up the border but set instead against a grayish ivory ground. Here the overall design relies on an astute use of variation within a consistent set of components.
