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Ryijy is a form of Finnish tapestry or cloth rug.
The name ryijy originated with the Scandinavian word rya, which means "thick cloth". The decorative ryijy rug is an art form unique to Finland. In the late 19th century, ryijy rug weaving developed as a folk art. Some of the most beautiful tapestries were woven then.
Ryijys date from as early as the 9th century. Similar in nature to a knotted Persian carpet, the ryijy knots are further apart and are much larger and longer. Originally woven for use as coverlets and bedding, they were mainly in natural colors, white, gray, and black. Some tones of yellow, red, green, and blue were introduced with vegetable dyes. Later, aniline dyes added another dimension of color and design.
The use of color and pattern is especially unique to the Finnish ryijy. Dating back to the 18th century, a ryijy was often used as a prayer rug during wedding ceremonies; the tapestry was then hung for display in the couple's home. Ryijy weavers traveled with their looms throughout the villages and towns getting commissions to weave a ryijy for special occasions. Different regions had designs specific to the event and colors specific to the local plants for dyes. Designs were often geometric shapes and florals, or figures of humans, animals, or birds. A very typical motif was the Tree of Life signifying family heritage.
Modern ryijys in the 20th century are often works of art designed by textile artists such as Laila Karttunen and Kirsti Ilvessalo. But also painters such as Akseli Gallen-Kallela designed ryijys, one of the most famous is Liekki ('Flame'). They are mainly used in homes but also in churches and other public places. The materials and designs for ryijys designed by famous designers are on sale for anyone to make them. It used to be a popular hobby down the decades in the past century and still is.
Today ryijy-making techniques include new fibers such as paper string, available in hundred of colors, as is the traditional wool. They are designed for a multitude of places and purposes, but each is an individual work of art.