American Hooked Wool Rug
Four bold red roses frame a striped centre in this handmade American hooked wool rug, dating to circa the 1920s. Smaller rosebuds and branching stems connect the larger blooms. Generous pale leaves brighten the dark ground and give the floral border a striking outline.
The design combines a traditional floral arrangement with the graphic rhythm of lengthwise stripes. Charcoal, taupe and brown run through the centre. Around them, red and coral flowers contrast with cream, pale yellow and olive-green foliage.
Red Roses and Pale Foliage
A large rose anchors each corner of the composition. Shifts between red and coral define the overlapping petals without sharp changes in colour. Smaller buds appear midway along the sides and between the roses at each end.
The leaves are unusually prominent within the design. Their broad shapes alternate between cream, pale yellow and muted olive. Dark veins give each leaf definition, while slender stems connect the flowers into a balanced frame.
This arrangement keeps the central field open without leaving it plain. The stripes continue the length of the rug, drawing attention between the floral ends. Their earthy colours provide a restrained background for the brighter wool.
Hand-Hooked Wool Surface
Hand-hooked wool gives the pattern a textured, looped surface. The roses have softly rounded contours, while the long stripes reveal subtle variations in width. These differences give the composition a less rigid appearance than a printed pattern.
Age-related wear is visible within the striped field, including localised thinning and small gaps in the hooked surface. The loops vary in height across the rug. Dark binding finishes the perimeter, with minor wear and slight waviness along the edges.
A Compact Floral Accent
At approximately 78.7 × 147.3 cm, the rug has a compact rectangular shape. It works beside a bed or near a reading chair. Its combination of red flowers and earthy stripes pairs particularly well with warm wood and simple upholstery.
The pale foliage also provides contrast against darker furnishings. Keeping nearby patterns restrained allows the roses and stripes to remain the focus. The rug brings colour and handmade texture without requiring a large floor area.
Condition
Good overall condition for its age, with uneven surface wear and localised thinning, particularly within the striped centre. Small gaps and irregularities are present in the hooked surface. Slight edge waviness and minor wear to the dark binding are visible.
Key Details
Date: Circa 1920s
Origin: United States
Material: Wool
Technique: Handmade, hand-hooked
Design: Four red roses, rosebuds and leafy stems around a striped centre
Colours: Red, coral, cream, pale yellow, olive green, taupe, brown and charcoal
Shape: Rectangular
Dimensions: Approximately 78.7 × 147.3 cm / 2 ft 7 in × 4 ft 10 in
Edge finish: Dark bound edges
Condition: Uneven wear, localised thinning, small surface gaps and minor binding wear
SKU: 1B1045
Why It’s Special
The contrast between bold roses and narrow stripes gives this rug its individual character. Oversized pale leaves add brightness and structure. Together, these elements balance floral warmth with a distinctly graphic centre.
