Bridal Rug
- Date 1675
- Place of Origin Lærdal, Norway
- Creator Unknown
This rug is believed to a brudeteppe, or bridal rug. Lars Michael Ravn brought this rug with him when he emigrated from Lærdal, Norway to Chicago in the late 1800s. According to the family history, would stand on this rug during wedding ceremonies. The Norsk Folkemuseum has similar rugs in its collection.
This wool rug was woven in a straight twill weave. The multi-colored flowers were masterfully embroidered using a variety of stitch techniques. The center imedallion, or wreath, encircles what are believed to be intials of the first couple to use the rug in 1675. The fringe of silk is possibly machine-made and may have been a later addition.
- Materials Wool, Silk
- Dimensions length: 105 inches; width: 76.5 inches
- Identifier / Source 1980.041.001 - Gift of Ellen Christgau