1920s American Hooked Cotton Rug
This handmade American cotton rug dates to circa the 1920s and features an elongated medallion surrounded by sweeping foliate scrolls. Its layered centre combines dusty rose, oatmeal, cream and muted olive. Bold ivory leaves stand out against the deep brown ground.
The composition is richly ornamental without relying on a dense field of small motifs. Broad curves lead the eye around the central shape. Rust-red and golden-ochre flourishes add warmth between the pale leaves and darker background.
Shaped Medallion and Symmetrical Scrolls
The central medallion widens through the middle and narrows towards each end. Concentric bands follow its changing outline, creating a gently stepped effect. Its dusty rose interior contrasts with the cream and oatmeal rings surrounding it.
Ivory foliage curls outward in paired arrangements along the sides. Longer pale stems connect these leaves to the end flourishes. The symmetry gives the design structure, while small variations in contour soften its formal arrangement.
Rust-red motifs and golden-ochre accents sit within the darker areas around the medallion. Their rounded, curling shapes echo the larger ivory scrollwork. A finely mottled taupe-brown surround frames the whole composition with a quieter texture.
Hand-Hooked Cotton Texture
The hooked cotton surface gives each colour area a distinct tactile presence. Visible loops follow the medallion bands and curved leaves. Variations in their height and density add softness to the strongly outlined pattern.
The rectangular rug measures 2 feet 8 inches by 5 feet 4 inches, approximately 81.3 × 162.6 cm. Its elongated format provides enough space for the scrolling design to unfold. The narrow outer surround keeps attention on the dramatic central ornament.
Condition
Good antique condition overall, with uneven surface wear, variations in loop height and localised thinning. Small gaps in the hooked surface remain visible. Loose fibres and fraying occur along portions of the edges.
The perimeter has slight waviness and corner wear, with irregularities most noticeable in close views. The surface shows tonal variation across the coloured areas. These signs of age are retained and form part of the rug’s present condition.
Key Details
Date: Circa 1920s
Origin: United States
Material: Cotton
Technique: Handmade, hand-hooked
Design: Elongated shaped medallion with symmetrical scrolling foliage
Colours: Dusty rose, rust red, cream, oatmeal, golden ochre, muted olive, taupe and deep brown
Shape: Rectangular
Surround: Finely mottled taupe-brown
Dimensions: 2 ft 8 in × 5 ft 4 in / approximately 81.3 × 162.6 cm
Decimal feet: Approximately 2.67 × 5.33 ft
Condition: Good antique condition with uneven wear, thinning, small surface gaps, loose fibres, edge fraying and corner wear
SKU: 1B1058
Why It’s Special
The rug’s character comes from its dramatic light-dark contrast and boldly shaped medallion. Ivory scrolls brighten the brown field, while rose and ochre tones add warmth. It suits a bedside, dressing room or quiet seating area where its ornament and worn hooked texture can be appreciated.
