Original Scandinavian high-pile, Rya rug carpet, Denmark design, 1970s

Abstract autumn swirling design with tan, brown, and cream hues.

Good conditions, the carpet has been cleaned (old stains on the back).

Vintage rug from 1970s.

This rug is part of a trove of Danish Rya rugs.

A rya or rye is a traditional Scandinavian wool rug with a long pile of about 1 to 3 inches. They are made using a form of the Ghiordes knot to make the double-sided pile fabric. Though rya means “rug” in English, the original meaning in Sweden of rya was a bed cover with a knotted pile.
The first ryas originated in the early fifteenth century as coarse, long-piled, heavy covers used by mariners instead of furs. As time progressed, the rugs have evolved to be lighter and more colorful. The insulation that ryas provide protects against the cold Scandinavian climate.
Ryas are a knotted pile carpet, with each knot composed of three strands of wool, which enables the rug to exhibit rich texture from all the different shades of color.
The name originates from a village in southwest Sweden.
The term rya may also refer to a breed of sheep whose wool is used to make rya carpets.