Antique American Hooked Wool Basketweave Rug
This handmade American wool rug dates to circa the 1900s and features a lively grid of striped blocks. Alternating horizontal and vertical bands create a basketweave effect across the rectangular field. Dark outlines separate each compartment, giving the composition a clear, quilt-like rhythm.
Oatmeal, beige, tan and taupe form the main palette. Brown and black deepen the pattern, while scattered rust, olive, plum and slate blue bring quieter colour accents. These small changes reward a closer look without disturbing the overall earthy character.
Alternating Striped Blocks
Each block contains narrow bands of wool arranged in one direction. Adjacent compartments turn those bands through a right angle, creating the impression of interlaced strips. The alternating movement gives a simple geometric idea considerable visual depth.
The individual lines vary in width, colour and texture. Some blend closely into neighbouring shades, while others introduce a stronger dark or muted coloured accent. These differences give the surface a handmade character rather than a mechanically repeated appearance.
A Closely Striped Border
Multiple narrow black and beige stripes frame the basketweave field. Their continuous lines contrast with the changing directions inside the blocks. A dark outer binding finishes the perimeter and anchors the lighter interior colours.
The border follows the slightly irregular outline of the rug. Subtle waviness and softened corners complement the varied hooked surface. Together, these details preserve the character of an antique textile.
Wool Texture and Compact Proportions
The hand-hooked wool creates a textured surface with visible variations in loop height. Close views reveal individual rows and tonal shifts within the striped compartments. Localised thinning forms part of the rug’s aged appearance.
Measuring approximately 157.5 × 91.4 cm, the rug offers a compact rectangular format. Its restrained palette complements natural wood, painted furniture and simpler modern pieces. The geometric design also provides an alternative to more floral antique hooked rugs.
Condition
Good antique condition overall, with uneven surface wear, variations in loop height and localised thinning. Minor edge waviness and light wear to the dark outer binding are visible. The basketweave pattern and closely striped border remain clearly defined.
Key Details
Date: Circa 1900s
Origin: United States
Material: Wool
Technique: Handmade, hand-hooked
Design: Alternating striped blocks in a basketweave-style arrangement
Colours: Oatmeal, beige, tan, taupe, brown, black, muted rust, olive, plum and slate blue
Shape: Rectangular
Border: Narrow black and beige stripes with dark outer binding
Dimensions: 5 ft 2 in × 3 ft, approximately 157.5 × 91.4 cm
Condition: Good antique condition with uneven wear and localised thinning
SKU: 1B1053
Why It’s Special
This rug combines the familiarity of a block pattern with the changing texture of hand-hooked wool. Its quiet colours keep the design versatile. Dark dividing lines and a finely striped frame give the composition its distinctive structure.
