The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of August 8, 2026

A vertical black linen textile features a dense botanical pattern in vibrant red, yellow, blue, and green. Large, multicolored striped leaves grow alongside clusters of drooping orange and blue bell-shaped flowers. Small white and blue blossoms scatter among fan-like foliage, creating an intricate floral field. The repeating composition features columns of interweaving wildflowers, their bright primary colors popping against the solid dark background.

Under Ekvatorn (Beneath the Equator)

1941
designer

Josef Frank

(Swedish, born Austria, 1885–1967)
manufacturer

Svenskt Tenn

(Swedish, est. 1924)
Sweden, Stockholm, Svenskt Tenn, 20th century
Plain weave bleached linen, loom width, printed
Overall: 192.4 x 127 cm (75 3/4 x 50 in.)
The Harold T. Clark Educational Extension Fund 1954.202
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

All the flowers depicted in this design are imaginary flowers created by Josef Frank.

Description

Though this pattern is titled Under Ekvatorn or Beneath the Equator, the design and textile were both produced in Sweden. Frank’s use of brightly colored flowers on a black background suggests a warm equatorial environment brimming with vitality.
  • purchased from Bonnier's, New York
  • Harrison, Stephen and Houblou, Kate M. “Swedish Modern Design: A new exhibition looks at the fresh fabrics and furnishings that revolutionized interior decoration.” Cleveland Art: Cleveland Museum of Art Members Magazine 59, no. 1 (January/February 2019): 10-11. Reproduced: P. 10 archive.org
  • Color and Comfort: Swedish Modern Design. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (February 11, 2019-February 10, 2020).
    Flowers in Art. Karamu House (organizer) (June 30-September 30, 1965).
  • {{cite web|title=Under Ekvatorn (Beneath the Equator)|url=false|author=Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn|year=1941|access-date=08 August 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1954.202