Scandinavian Folk Art

Item Description

51"L, 61"L including fringe, 31.5"W. This handmade "Jungle" rya rug was designed by Danish textile artist, Jette Thyssen, in the early 1960s. At that time Ms. Thyssen was about 30 years old and trying to earn enough money to get her art career started. She sold a design, "Jungle" to C.U.M. Rya of Denmark. Later her style became weaving in clear strong colors and an austere style with geometric figures. However, "Jungle" is a mix of greens and browns. Ms. Thyssen began her work as a craftsperson in the relatively new field of weaving as an artform. As her career progressed she became known as a visual artist and received a number of honors. Ms. Thyssen has work hanging in a number of Museums in Denmark and Norway and participated in numerous exhibitions in Europe and the United States. In the 1960s and 70s, C.U.M. rya materials were sold in specialty shops in many US states. This was at the height of the excitement about "Mid-Century Modern" in the U.S. Maxine Tuve was a ceramic potter in Silver Spring, MD, who decided to try weaving in 1968. Maxine's daughter, Christine Tuve Burris, donated this piece and remembers her mom creating this amazing rug. Maxine started by first separating the long strands of wool sent with the design, into the proper colors (all in Danish). Maxine learned to put each strand of wool close to the next, to properly tie the knot in the strand, then trim the pieces so that there was enough wool for the entire project. After many months the rug took shape and was finished for hanging by her husband. In 1969, they proudly hung it in the front hall where it stayed until each had passed away. Christine inherited it and hung it in her hall, away from the damage that could be caused by the sun. This beautiful handmade rya rug is 55 years old and still in excellent condition. Christine hopes the new owner enjoys this masterpiece created by two women in the 1960s. Jette Thyssen is now 90 years old and lives near Copenhagen. Tag on back reads, "C.U.M. Rya Rug handmade by Maxine D. Tuve." Artist: Maxine D. Tuve.

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