Folk Art Textile Appraisal

Folk Art Swedish Textile Wall Hanging

This item is a textile wall hanging or tapestry featuring a vibrant folk art scene. The primary colors are a rich blue for the border, earthy greens and browns for the interior setting, and accents of bright orange-red. The image depicts a cozy, traditional interior scene with multiple figures engaged in domestic activities. On the left, an older man in a red jacket reads next to a table where a young girl is seated. On the right, an older woman in a blue and red outfit is tending to a cooking stove, while a young boy plays with string, and a cat watches a mouse. A dog is also present on the floor. The textile itself appears to be a woven fabric, likely linen or a linen blend, given its texture and somewhat coarse appearance, consistent with traditional Scandinavian textiles. The edges of the main pictorial area are framed by a decorative band featuring a repetitive, stylized red and orange pattern on a light background, encased within a solid blue outer border. The textile exhibits some raw, unfinished edges along the bottom and right sides, suggesting it might have been cut from a larger bolt or intended for a different finishing treatment. The overall condition appears good, with no obvious signs of significant damage, tears, or staining visible in the provided images. The colors are still vibrant, indicating good preservation or a relatively newer origin. The style suggests a Scandinavian folk art influence, possibly from the mid-20th century, characterized by its illustrative quality and homely subject matter. The craftsmanship seems solid, typical of printed or woven domestic textiles of that era, intended for decorative purposes in a home setting.