Marta Maas Fjetterstrom Rugs

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Who was Märta Måås-Fjetterström?

Marta Maas Fjetterstrom ( Märta Måås Fjetterström ) (1873-1941) was one of the foremost central figures in Mid Century Swedish Woven / Textile Art. She placed high importance on quality and execution of the designs with the idea that one could experience first hand a vision of nature with each line and every form.

With her vision guiding every single line, choice of colors, patterns and attention to detail it is no wonder why her works are viewed as truly great works of art and treasured by collectors, dealers and private consumers from all four corners of the world.

Marta Maas opened her workshop in 1919 in the beautiful coastal town of Båstad Sweden and continued running it until her death in 1941 at the age of 68. The factory was moved in 1948 from her original location named “Strandgården” to a house that was designed by the architects Ivan & Andres Tengbom where it still resides today. Her works can be found in many museums such as: The Victoria & Albert Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art , The Louvre, Trondheim’s Museum in Norway, The National museum (located in Stockholm), The Röhsska Museum of Design and Decorative Arts in Gothenburg, Nordiska museet (Stockholm) and many others.

Today, Scandinavian rugs and carpets are more desirable than they have ever been. All over the world, collectors of antique rugs have been honing in on pieces from Finland, Norway, Denmark and Sweden. While there is no one reason for this explosion in popularity, a great deal to with it is certainly the magical and enduring beauty of the best Scandinavian rugs, which are true masterpieces.

Scandinavia boasts one of the oldest and richest rug-making traditions in the world, and has for a long time produced some of the very best rug designers anywhere. By the early twentieth century, Scandinavian rugs were really beginning to come into their own, largely due to the efforts of one remarkable woman who would go on to leave behind one of the most important legacies of any rug designer ever Marta Maas!

Marta Maas Fjetterstrom is such an important figure in the rug world that it is almost impossible to talk about modern rug design without mentioning her. Beginning in 1919, Marta Maas Fjetterstrom started crafting textiles of her own design at her workshop in the small Swedish town of Bastad. Initially, Maas-Fjettertstrom focused on creating design patterns that were largely inspired by the natural beauty of rural Sweden.

These designs were then often hand-woven by local women, generally in their own homes. Fifteen years later, in 1934, Maas Fjetterstrom experienced her first real breakthrough as a designer with an exhibition of her work at a gallery in Stockholm. After a tremendously positive reception there, Maas Fjetterstrom went on to show her work in London in 1936 and in New York in 1939.

In a very short space of time, Maas Fjetterstrom had gone from a modest designer to an international celebrity and widely respected artist. The gallery in Bastad originally opened by Maas Fjetterstrom almost one hundred years ago remains very much in operation today, housing designers of the very highest caliber. Upon her death in 1941, Maas Fjetterstrom left behind more than 700 original designs, many of which were turned into beautiful rugs and textiles by those individuals Maas Fjetterstrom trusted to run her gallery – and many of those 700 original designs are still being turned into beautiful rugs to this very day.

It is difficult to overestimate the influence of Marta-Maas Fjetterstrom on the world of rugs. Her phenomenal designs – naturalistic, abstract, complex and simplistic all at the same time – are now considered paragons of fine rug design. Below are just some of the extraordinary Maas Fjettersttom pieces currently available from the Nazmiyal Collection.

Effortlessly modern and beautiful, the designs of Marta Maas Fjetterstrom are true treasures. As the demand for Scandinavian rugs continues to increase, rugs such as these are certain to grow more desirable all the time, making them not only beautiful works of art, but valuable commodities as well.

What made Marta Maas Fjetterstrom famous and notable?

Marta Maas Fjetterstrom became famous for her distinctive rug and textile designs that embodied the essence of Scandinavian design principles. Her creations often featured intricate geometric patterns, nature-inspired motifs, and a rich, earthy color palette, reflecting the natural beauty of the Swedish landscape.

One of her remarkable achievements was reviving and popularizing the traditional Swedish flat-weave rug technique known as “rölakan.” She also incorporated elements from other weaving traditions, such as the Middle Eastern “kelim” technique, into her designs, creating a unique and timeless style that captured the essence of Swedish craftsmanship.

The Career Marta Maas Fjetterstrom

Throughout her career, Marta Maas Fjetterstrom collaborated with several talented artists and designers, including Barbro Nilsson, who later became her successor. Together, they produced numerous handwoven rugs and textiles, many of which are considered iconic examples of mid-20th-century Scandinavian design.

Marta Maas Fjetterstrom’s work gained international recognition and received acclaim at various exhibitions, including the Paris World Exposition of 1925 and the Stockholm Exhibition of 1930. Her designs have remained popular and influential to this day, and her workshop, now known as MMF (Marta Maas Fjetterstrom AB), continues to produce high-quality handwoven rugs and textiles, preserving the legacy of this esteemed textile artist.

Why are Marta Maas rugs so popular today?

The Marta Maas Fjetterstrom rugs have always been quite popular.

Maas’s area rugs continue to be popular today for several reasons:

• Timeless Design: Marta Maas Fjetterstrom’s rug designs are timeless and have a classic appeal that transcends passing trends. Their geometric patterns, nature-inspired motifs, and sophisticated color palettes make them suitable for various interior styles, from traditional to modern, allowing them to complement a wide range of décor.
• Artistic Craftsmanship: Each Marta Maas rug is a handwoven masterpiece created with exceptional craftsmanship. The rugs are made using traditional weaving techniques, such as the rölakan and kelim methods, which require skilled artisans to bring the designs to life. The attention to detail and dedication to quality contribute to their lasting popularity.
• Heritage and Legacy: Marta Maas Fjetterstrom was a pioneering figure in the world of Scandinavian textile design. Her work symbolizes a rich cultural heritage, and her rugs are celebrated as significant pieces of Swedish design history. Collectors and enthusiasts value them for their cultural and artistic significance.
• Rarity and Limited Production: Marta Maas rugs are not mass-produced but rather crafted in limited quantities. The time-consuming and intricate weaving process ensures that each rug is unique and carries a sense of exclusivity. This rarity adds to their desirability and collectibility.
• Sustainable and Eco-Friendly: Marta Maas Fjetterstrom’s commitment to using natural materials, such as wool and cotton, aligns with modern-day eco-consciousness. As consumers become more aware of sustainability issues, the use of eco-friendly materials in these rugs resonates with a broader audience.
• Influential Design Legacy: Marta Maas Fjetterstrom’s impact on the world of textile design is undeniable. Her work has influenced subsequent generations of designers, and her rugs serve as a source of inspiration for contemporary textile artists and interior designers.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Marta Maas rugs often feature warm and inviting colors, making them excellent choices for adding coziness and character to living spaces. Their visual appeal, along with their practicality, makes them sought-after elements in interior design.
• Investment Value: As with many collectible and high-quality art pieces, Marta Maas rugs can appreciate in value over time. Their historical significance, craftsmanship, and limited production contribute to their potential as valuable investments.

Overall, the enduring popularity of Marta Maas Fjetterstrom rugs can be attributed to their artistic beauty, cultural significance, and representation of the best of Scandinavian design principles, all of which continue to captivate and inspire people around the world.