In 1930, modernism made its breakthrough in Sweden with the landmark Stockholm Exhibition. This era marked a shift in aesthetics—moving away from ornamentation toward a more functional and accessible design language. 

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Amidst this wave of radical change, Märta Måås-Fjetterström created her whimsical tapestry Korna (The Cows). In the piece, three different breeds of cows are arranged in a playful, geometric pattern, grazing among blooming flowers. Scattered throughout the meadow are piles of cow dung—just as one might find in the fields surrounding the MMF studio.

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When asked why the cows graze on a purple field instead of a green one, Märta replied, “A green field would be too obvious,” demonstrating her signature ideal of always choosing her own point of view.

For thousands of years, cows have roamed the Swedish landscape. From Viking-age farms to modern dairies, they’ve nourished communities and shaped rural life. Korna is a symbol of the enduring presence of cattle in Sweden’s cultural and natural heritage—a living link between past and present.