Antique American Navajo Wool Rug
This handmade antique Navajo wool rug dates to circa 1900 and features a bold geometric composition in softly varied earth tones. Two serrated brown diamonds anchor an elongated cream field. A black-outlined hourglass separates the medallions and gives the centre a distinctive focal point.
Broad taupe side panels balance the lighter central rectangle. Subtle tonal patterns run through these panels, introducing quieter geometric detail beside the strongly outlined medallions. Cream, taupe, warm brown and black create a restrained palette with clear visual contrasts.
Serrated Diamonds and Stepped Accents
Each large diamond has a warm brown interior edged with sharp black serrations. Small cream motifs sit within the diamonds, offering a delicate counterpoint to their angular outlines. Slight differences in shape and proportion give the repeated forms an individual character.
The central hourglass consists of two opposing triangular shapes joined at their narrow points. Its dark outline echoes the sawtooth edges of the diamonds. Open cream space around this motif keeps the composition balanced and easy to read.
A narrow black frame encloses the central field, with short stepped accents along its sides. At the ends, three small geometric extensions project into the taupe ground. These details connect the interior design to the wider outer panels.
Handmade Wool Flatweave
The flatwoven wool surface has a visible interlaced texture rather than a raised pile. Soft variations in the yarn colours bring depth to the cream and brown areas. The broad side panels reveal their tonal pattern more clearly at close range.
The rug measures 4 feet 6 inches by 7 feet 9 inches, approximately 137 × 236 cm. Its elongated rectangular proportions give the paired medallions room to unfold. The design can be appreciated both as a floor textile and as a supported decorative wall hanging.
Condition
Good antique condition, with light surface wear and minor irregularities along the edges. The perimeter shows slight waviness and small areas of loose yarn. A loose dark yarn is visible near one corner.
Tonal variations and small differences in the woven surface remain visible across the textile. These details accompany the rug’s age and handmade construction. The geometric outlines and small cream medallion details remain clearly defined.
Key Details
Period: Circa 1900
Origin: United States
Attribution: Navajo
Material: Wool
Technique: Handmade flatweave
Shape: Rectangular
Dimensions: 4 ft 6 in × 7 ft 9 in / approximately 137 × 236 cm
Design: Two serrated diamonds, central hourglass and stepped geometric accents
Colours: Cream, taupe, warm brown and black
Condition: Good antique condition with light surface wear, edge irregularities, slight waviness and loose yarn
SKU: 1B1062
Why It’s Special
The appeal lies in the contrast between bold black geometry and softly shifting earth tones. The diamonds provide structure, while the quieter side patterns add depth without crowding the field. Its balanced composition complements rustic, modern and collected interiors.
