1920s American Hooked Wool Rug
This handmade American wool rug dates to circa the 1920s and combines bright red flowers with bold geometric blocks. A quilt-like grid alternates botanical squares with interlocking grey and cream diagonal bands. Fine dark outlines bring definition to the warm cream ground.
Golden-yellow flower centres and curling green leaves introduce lively colour within the orderly composition. The restrained grey blocks balance the red petals without competing with them. Together, the motifs give this compact rug a cheerful folk-art character.
Floral Squares and Angular Bands
Each floral block contains a rounded red flower, a yellow centre and a slender curving stem. Paired green leaves curl in different directions across the cream squares. Small variations in their shapes soften the repeated arrangement.
The alternating geometric blocks use broad grey diagonals crossing narrower cream passages. Their overlapping appearance creates a loose woven-ribbon effect. Dark lines separate the shapes and connect them visually to the borders of the floral squares.
The grid extends along the length of the rug, with flowers facing different directions. This changing orientation keeps the design lively when approached from either end. Its clear structure remains easy to appreciate at a glance.
Striped Border and Hooked Texture
A cream border surrounds the central grid, crossed by narrow brick-red diagonal stripes. The stripes turn into angled points near the middle of the short ends. Dark outlines echo the interior geometry and give the perimeter a strong frame.
The hand-hooked wool surface has visible loops and gentle variations in height. Directional changes add texture to the cream areas and grey bands. Dark fabric binding finishes the outer edge.
The rug measures 3 feet 10 inches by 2 feet 2 inches, approximately 116.8 × 66 cm. The reverse has light-coloured woven fabric with wide tan perimeter tape. Visible securing stitches hold the backing in place.
Condition
Good antique condition overall, with light surface wear, variations in loop height and slight tonal unevenness in the cream areas. Minor edge waviness and rubbing to the binding are visible. A small section of edge tape is lifted.
The backing shows scattered marks and age-related discolouration. The floral and geometric motifs remain clear, with distinct colour contrasts. These signs of age are retained as part of the rug’s present condition.
Key Details
Date: Circa 1920s
Origin: United States
Material: Wool
Technique: Handmade, hand-hooked
Design: Alternating red floral and grey geometric blocks
Border: Cream with red diagonal stripes and dark outlines
Colours: Cream, grey, brick red, golden yellow, green and dark brown
Shape: Rectangular
Edge finish: Dark fabric binding
Backing: Light-coloured woven fabric with wide tan perimeter tape and visible securing stitches
Dimensions: 3 ft 10 in × 2 ft 2 in / approximately 116.8 × 66 cm
Decimal feet: Approximately 3.83 × 2.17 ft
Condition: Good antique condition with light wear, tonal variation, edge waviness, binding rubbing and backing marks
SKU: 1B1060
Why It’s Special
The appeal lies in the balance between simple flowers and confident angular shapes. Bright red and green details animate the quieter cream and grey palette. Its compact format makes an inviting accent beside a bed or in a quiet reading area.
