Antique American Hooked Cotton Floral Rug
This handmade American hooked cotton rug dates to circa the 1920s and combines colourful flowers with bold scrolling foliage. An elongated cream cartouche forms the centre of the composition. Its shaped outline contrasts with a muted grey-green field and dark outer surround.
Pink and ivory roses mingle with purple, blue, coral and golden-yellow blossoms. Olive-green leaves spread between the flowers, while delicate striped stems connect the arrangement. The restrained ground allows these varied colours to stand out clearly.
A Colourful Floral Centre
The floral arrangement extends along the length of the cream panel. Rounded rose heads anchor the middle, with smaller blossoms and pointed buds reaching towards either end. Dark outlines distinguish individual petals, leaves and stems.
The flowers vary in scale and shape, creating an informal rhythm within the balanced design. Purple bell-like forms contrast with open yellow blossoms and tightly curled roses. Pale blue accents introduce a cooler note among the warmer pinks and coral tones.
Oversized Acanthus Scrollwork
Large cream acanthus scrolls frame the centre against the grey-green field. Their curling tips and layered leaves create a strong graphic outline. Black contours sharpen each motif and repeat the dark edging around the rug.
Small circular ornaments accompany the larger scrolls near the ends. These simple rings provide a quieter contrast to the elaborate foliage. The repeated cream shapes link the outer decoration with the central cartouche.
Cotton Texture and Rectangular Proportions
The hand-hooked cotton surface shows individual rows and variations in loop height. Its texture adds softness to the crisp contrast between cream, grey-green and black. Uneven wear and localised thinning remain visible within the field.
Measuring approximately 83.8 × 154.9 cm, the rug has a narrow rectangular format. Its proportions suit a bedside, dressing room or intimate seating area. The floral centre also works as a decorative counterpoint to simple furniture and neutral textiles.
Condition
Good antique condition overall, with uneven surface wear and variations in loop height. Pale linear areas of wear and localised thinning are visible near both ends of the grey-green field. Minor edge waviness and light wear to the black outer border and binding are also present.
Key Details
Date: Circa 1920s
Origin: United States
Material: Cotton
Technique: Handmade, hand-hooked
Design: Central floral cartouche with acanthus scrollwork and circular accents
Colours: Grey-green, cream, black, pink, coral, purple, pale blue, golden yellow and olive green
Shape: Rectangular
Border: Black outer surround with dark edge binding
Dimensions: 2 ft 9 in × 5 ft 1 in, approximately 83.8 × 154.9 cm
Condition: Good antique condition with pale wear lines and localised thinning
SKU: 1B1054
Why It’s Special
The design balances a richly coloured floral centre with oversized cream foliage. Its black outlines give the scrolling decoration unusual clarity. Together, the muted field and lively flowers create an expressive antique accent.
