American Hooked Wool Rug with Floral Bouquet
An abundant bouquet fills the centre of this handmade American hooked wool rug, dating to circa the 1920s. Dusty pink, burgundy, blue and golden ochre flowers rise against a muted mauve-grey field. Green foliage and curling tendrils connect the blossoms into an elongated composition.
An elaborate olive-green acanthus border frames the flowers with sweeping leaves and spiralling scrolls. Dark outlines emphasise the curves, while black spaces between the leaves create striking contrasts. A narrow dark edge completes the rectangular format.
Shaded Blossoms and Curling Tendrils
The bouquet combines rounded, layered flowers with more open, pointed blossoms. Pale outlines pick out individual petals against the darker burgundy and blue sections. Small green and yellow centres introduce brighter accents within the arrangement.
Dusty pink flowers soften the stronger blue and ochre tones. Burgundy blossoms provide depth through their dark centres and pale petal edges. The varied flower shapes keep the composition lively without relying on a repeated grid.
Leaves turn outward around the bouquet, their dark veins standing out against shaded green wool. Small buds extend towards the surrounding field. Fine curling stems fill the spaces between the larger blossoms.
Scrolling Acanthus Border
Large acanthus forms sweep around all four sides of the rug. Their deeply curved tips spiral inward towards the central field. At the corners, broad leaves turn to continue the decorative frame.
Olive and sage shades give the border a softly modelled appearance. Pale outlines separate the foliage from the mauve-grey background. Dark veins add definition through the centres of the broad leaves.
Black accents between the scrolls make their silhouettes especially clear. These dark spaces belong to the border design. The narrow black outer edge ties the elaborate frame together without adding another pattern.
Hooked Wool and Fabric Backing
The hand-hooked surface shows closely arranged loops and small variations in height. This texture adds depth to the shaded flowers and leaves. Minor tonal differences remain visible across the quieter mauve-grey field.
The reverse has green fabric backing with wide cream perimeter tape. Dark edge binding follows the outline of the rug. The turned-corner photographs show these finishing details alongside the patterned face.
Decorative Proportions
Measuring approximately 162.6 × 96.5 cm, this rug offers a detailed accent in a compact rectangular format. It suits a bedside, dressing room or small seating area. Muted background tones allow the colourful bouquet to stand out.
The green scrollwork pairs naturally with wood, neutral upholstery and softly coloured fabrics. Its broad curves contrast with simpler furniture lines. The floral centre brings a more delicate rhythm inside the bold border.
Condition
Good antique condition overall, with light surface wear, variations in loop height and minor tonal unevenness. Slight edge waviness is visible. The floral details and scrolling border remain well defined.
The green backing, cream tape and dark binding are shown in the turned-corner photographs. Close views illustrate the wool texture, floral shading and border contours.
Key Details
Date: Circa 1920s
Origin: United States
Material: Wool
Technique: Handmade, hand-hooked
Design: Central floral bouquet with scrolling acanthus-leaf border
Colours: Mauve-grey, olive and sage green, dusty pink, burgundy, blue, ochre, cream and black
Shape: Rectangular
Dimensions: Approximately 162.6 × 96.5 cm / 5 ft 4 in × 3 ft 2 in
Backing: Green fabric, wide cream perimeter tape and dark edge binding
Condition: Light wear, varied loop height, minor tonal unevenness and slight edge waviness
SKU: 1B1052
Why It’s Special
The contrast between the abundant bouquet and bold acanthus frame gives this rug its distinctive presence. Blue and burgundy flowers enrich the muted background. Sweeping green scrolls bring the entire composition together.
