Swedish Rug by Josef Frank (Flora) Decorated with Illustrations from the Book Svenskteam BB8107 12'10" × 16'5" $80,000

A masterful blend of Swedish naturalism and modernist expression, this exceptional vintage Swedish rug, titled Flora, is the work of the renowned Austrian-born architect and designer Josef Frank (1885–1967). Designed in the mid-20th century, the rug features a lush and dreamlike floral pattern, drawn from botanical illustrations found in the influential 18th-century Swedish book Svensk Botanik (Swedish Botany), a meticulous compendium of the region’s flora.

Set against a tranquil sage green field, the rug displays a garden in full bloom—featuring detailed renderings of native Scandinavian plants such as clovers, daisies, buttercups, and wild violets. The flowers are not arranged in strict symmetry, but scattered freely across the rug in a way that reflects nature’s own rhythm. The soft palette of pastel pinks, golden yellows, fresh greens, and pale lavenders adds an airy, almost watercolor-like impression to the piece. This subtle color interplay is harmonized with a restrained border design that gently frames the composition without overwhelming it.

Crafted with meticulous hand-knotting in wool, this rug not only embodies Frank’s philosophy of “accidentism”—the idea that interiors should reflect the organic spontaneity of life—but also captures the optimism and charm of Scandinavian design during a time of deep cultural introspection.

This exquisite rug is part of the diversified Doris Leslie Blau selections, renowned for its curated selection of antique, vintage, and contemporary rugs. 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.