Three Flowers, Strong Folk Art Character
This handmade American hooked wool rug features three large flowers against a densely mottled black-and-cream ground. Dating approximately to the 1920s, it combines a straightforward floral arrangement with a bold, layered border.
Coral red, soft pink, and muted blue distinguish the three principal blossoms. Smaller buds extend from brown stems, while green and teal leaves bring movement between the flowers. The simplified forms give the composition its appealing folk art character.
The flowers follow the rug’s longer axis, creating a clear central arrangement. Their rounded petals contrast with the angular lines of the surrounding frame. Small changes in outline and spacing add individuality to the design.
Layered Borders and Textured Wool
Successive bands of cream, pale sage, and dusty blue surround the central field. A broader pale textured strip separates these inner bands from the black outer border. This dark frame gives the softer colours a strong visual anchor.
The hooked wool surface has a visibly textured appearance. Closely grouped loops and irregular colour transitions give the ground a speckled effect. Solid-coloured flowers stand clearly against this busy background.
The pale border strips vary in texture and height. Their uneven surface forms part of the rug’s present condition. Please examine the close-ups to appreciate both the construction and areas of wear.
Colour and Decorative Use
The palette combines black, cream, dusty blue, pale sage, coral, pink, and several shades of green. It balances a dark outer frame with brighter floral accents. The result feels graphic without relying on a complicated pattern.
Measuring approximately 139.6 × 104.2 cm, this is a compact rectangular textile. Its floral composition could suit a quiet reading corner or a carefully arranged textile display. Given the visible border wear, gentle use is preferable to heavy traffic.
Condition
The rug shows age-related wear, uneven texture, and variations in surface height. Pale border areas appear worn and irregular, with visible threads and small gaps between some sections. The outline is slightly uneven.
The black outer border shows surface wear and scattered fibres. Edge binding is visible around the perimeter. The photographs do not establish the condition of the entire reverse.
An attached sales tag is present, but it does not establish the maker or production history. No specific restoration history has been supplied. Please review all photographs for the condition of this individual rug.
Key Details
Origin: United States
Period: Circa 1920s
Material: Wool
Technique: Handmade hooked construction
Style: Floral folk art
Dimensions: Approximately 139.6 × 104.2 cm
Imperial dimensions: Approximately 4.58 × 3.42 ft
Design: Three large flowers, smaller buds, leafy stems and concentric rectangular borders
Colours: Black, cream, dusty blue, pale sage, coral red, pink, green and teal
Condition: Age-related surface wear, uneven pale borders, visible threads and irregular outline
SKU: 1B1033
Why It’s Special
The three-flower arrangement is direct and expressive. A mottled ground, layered pastel borders, and broad black frame create a distinctive contrast. Its appeal lies in the combination of simple botanical forms and richly varied surface texture.
