A Rare Large Vintage Tapestry by Eva Nemeth – Mid Century Textile Art at Its Finest
A Rare Large Vintage Tapestry by Eva Nemeth – Mid-Century Textile Art at Its Finest
I’m beyond excited to introduce the newest piece in my collection: a spectacular large vintage tapestry by Hungarian textile designer Éva Németh. This handwoven wool tapestry is not just a decorative statement—it’s a work of art, deeply rooted in folk tradition and filled with hidden stories.
Handwoven Wool Tapestry – Overflowing with Detail and Symbolism
The moment I saw this tapestry, I was captivated by the rich detail and dreamlike atmosphere. Two elegant peacocks stand at the center of a lush, symbolic garden. Around them, celestial bodies — the Sun and the Moon — radiate warmth and mysticism. Eleven human-like “doll” figures stand guard along the edges, offering a sense of balance and watchfulness.
The color palette is soft and serene — olive green, beige, blue, and purple — while pops of yellow in the sun and moon lend warmth and contrast. The natural texture of the wool adds depth and comfort, making this piece perfect for cozy, curated interiors.
Large handwoven tapestry by Eva Nemeth – 10'9" x 6'4" (328 x 192 cm)
A Statement Piece for Spacious Interiors
This vintage wall hanging measures an impressive 10'9" wide by 6'4" tall, making it a true statement piece. It deserves a large space to fully showcase its beauty — think grand living rooms, open lofts, or gallery walls. Similar Eva Nemeth tapestries are displayed in public venues like marriage halls in Ajka and Nyíregyháza, Hungary — testament to their scale and cultural value.
Eva Nemeth’s large wool tapestry in a living space - couch for scale
Folk Art Meets Modernism in Eva Nemeth's Design Language
Being Hungarian myself, I find deep cultural resonance in Eva Nemeth’s work. But her style goes beyond borders — it’s a celebration of European folk traditions at large.
Her tapestry designs blend influences from Hungarian, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, and Finnish folk art. She distills traditional motifs — birds, floral trees, celestial forms, and human figures — into bold, symbolic shapes. The result is a pan-folkloric aesthetic that’s both nostalgic and strikingly modern.
Birds of happiness in Eva Nemeth’s garden tapestry
Symbolism Woven Into Every Thread
This piece features many of Eva Nemeth’s signature elements:
- Peacocks, often symbols of happiness and eternal love
- Floral trees symbolizing growth and fertility
- The Moon and the Sun, radiant and glowing in golden yellow
- Eleven human figures, placed intentionally outside the garden’s core
There’s even a small visual path — a narrow green passage — linking the figures to the central "love zone" of the birds. Is it a symbolic umbilical cord? A biblical reference to Eden? Interpretations may vary, but that’s the beauty of Nemeth’s work — it invites reflection.
The glowing Sun motif, woven in dyed wool
A Masterpiece of Hungarian Mid-Century Design
This tapestry was handwoven in the Csaba Cottage Industry Cooperative in Békéscsaba, Hungary, during the 1970s or early 1980s. Eva Nemeth worked as a lead designer there from 1966 until the cooperative closed. Her pieces from this period are especially rare and valuable, crafted with dyed wool and incredible attention to symbolic composition.
Now Available – A Similar Tapestry for Sale
If you’re searching for a large, handwoven vintage tapestry to add character and soul to your home, I have good news. A very similar Eva Nemeth tapestry just became available in my shop. It features many of the same themes and design elements — and it's ready to bring a story into your space.
Tapestry available now – 79" x 55.5" (201 x 141 cm)
Visit my shop for this stunning large tapestry! Don’t miss the chance to own a true piece of textile history — a vintage tapestry that blends art, culture, and timeless beauty.
With love,
