Vintage Swedish Flat Woven Rug by Judith Johansson (Spice hall) BB8029 7'5" × 9'9" $23,000

​The Vintage Swedish Flat-Weave Rug known as “Spise Hall,” designed by the esteemed Judith Johansson, is a remarkable example of mid-20th-century Scandinavian textile artistry. The rug is signed with Johansson’s woven initials, “JJ,” at a corner, authenticating its provenance. The composition features a grid-like structure formed by interlocking vertical and horizontal bands in deep navy and indigo tones. Each square block within the grid contains stylized, abstract shapes resembling simplified letters or architectural forms, rendered in pastel hues of mint green, lavender, blush pink, sky blue, gray, and slate. This rhythmic repetition of shapes creates a harmonious sense of balance and movement throughout the piece. The outer edges are adorned with complementary geometric banding that frames the central pattern and emphasizes its symmetry. The overall design is distinctly Scandinavian—clean, modernist, and deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship. The rug uses a sophisticated mix of colors: cool-toned blues and purples form the base, accented by soft pastel greens, light grays, and delicate pinks. Handcrafted from high-quality wool, this flat-weave rug showcases the durability and craftsmanship synonymous with Scandinavian weaving traditions.

Judith Johansson (1916–1993) was a prominent Swedish textile artist whose work significantly contributed to the revival of ornamental flat-weave röllakan rugs. Born in southern Sweden, Johansson established her private atelier in the late 1940s, producing an impressive collection of rugs and tapestries until the mid-1960s. Her designs often drew from the idyllic Scandinavian countryside, blending natural motifs with geometric abstraction. Johansson’s innovative approach and commitment to quality earned her numerous awards and a lasting legacy in the world of textile design.

As part of the curated collection at Doris Leslie Blau, a brand celebrated for its dedication to quality and design heritage, this rug exemplifies their commitment to originality and artisanry. Doris Leslie Blau offers a vast selection of antique, vintage, and contemporary rugs in a wide range of styles, materials, and price points, making fine textile art accessible to both collectors and designers alike.