Vintage Polish Woven Tapestry Lions by Maria Janowska for Wielkopolskiej Spółdzielni Pracy Przemysłu Artystycznego, 1970s

This original Lions tapestry or carpet was designed by Maria Janowska for the Wielkopolska Spółdzielnia Pracy Przemysłu Artystycznego in Poznań during the 1970s. The original polish name is “Lewki”. This piece of art is hand-woven, one-side with the utmost precision. Fabric made of wool and cotton in expressive shades of brown, yellow, orange and green. The composition presents a motif of nine lions. The tapestry can be used as a carpet or as a decorative wall hanging.

Maria Janowska was born in Warsaw in 1929. In the years 1947-1951 she studied at the Faculty of Textiles, at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. She created unique kilims and tapestries. Since 1953 she has collaborated with Cepelia. She has held many individual exhibitions throughout the country. She has won numerous awards in Cepelia competitions and reviews for artistic fabrics. It won a gold medal at the Munich Fair in 1962, and a gold medal at the exhibition Fine Artists in the Cepelia Circle in Warsaw in 1973.

The tapestry is in original vintage condition. It has signs of wear related to age. The fringes are worn in places. It will be professionally cleaned before shipping and will be ready for use.