1920s American Hooked Cotton Rug
This handmade American hooked cotton rug dates to circa the 1920s and features flowering branches on a rich burgundy ground. Cream blossoms shaded with peach pink mingle with green leaves and slender brown stems. A plain black border frames the asymmetrical composition.
The design balances a large diagonal branch with a smaller floral spray in the opposite corner. Generous open space allows each cluster of flowers to stand out. The result is a botanical composition with a strong contrast between pale petals and deep wine-red colour.
Flowering Branches and Veined Leaves
The larger branch extends across the lower field, dividing into finer stems carrying blossoms, buds and leaves. Peach-pink accents trace the edges of many cream petals. Their irregular shapes create a lively rhythm rather than a rigid repeating pattern.
Leaves combine sage and deeper green shades, with clearly defined veins adding detail to the hooked surface. Some curl gently beside the flowers, while others follow the direction of the stems. Brown branches provide a quiet framework beneath the brighter botanical colours.
The smaller corner spray repeats these details in a lighter cluster of cream flowers. Its position creates a visual link across the open burgundy field. This spacing gives the arrangement an uncluttered character despite the intricate floral work.
Hand-Hooked Cotton Texture
The cotton surface shows the texture of individual hooked loops and small variations in height. Tonal shading changes across the burgundy ground, giving the open areas a softly varied appearance. The black surround creates a simple, contrasting edge without introducing additional ornament.
Measuring 5 feet 2 inches by 2 feet 10 inches, the rug has a compact rectangular format. These dimensions correspond to approximately 157.5 × 86.4 cm. Its proportions suit a bedside, dressing area or intimate seating arrangement.
Condition
Good antique condition overall, with uneven surface wear and variations in texture across the burgundy field. Tonal shading and faint linear marks are visible in the open areas. A small contrasting patch is present near one long side.
The edges show slight waviness, with wear along the plain black border. These signs of use remain visible alongside the detailed flowers and leaves. The condition photographs form an important part of the presentation.
Key Details
Date: Circa 1920s
Origin: United States
Material: Cotton
Technique: Handmade, hand-hooked
Design: Asymmetrical flowering branches with an open field
Colours: Burgundy, wine red, cream, peach pink, sage green, deeper green, brown and black
Shape: Rectangular
Border: Plain black surround
Dimensions: 5 ft 2 in × 2 ft 10 in / approximately 157.5 × 86.4 cm
Decimal feet: Approximately 5.17 × 2.83 ft
Condition: Good antique condition with uneven wear, tonal shading, linear marks, a contrasting patch and border wear
SKU: 1B1061
Why It’s Special
The distinctive appeal comes from the contrast between delicate blossoms and the expansive burgundy ground. Shaded green leaves and peach-edged petals reward a closer look. The asymmetrical branches bring movement to a composition defined equally by flowers and open space.
