Mid-19th Century North and South American Rugs

Rare American Hooked rug with a happy colorful motif. Dated 1963 and initialized IEV. Not sure whose name is in the initials Measure: 30'' round.

This amazing hand hooked mounted rug with multi braided borders is 19th century and in very good condition. This fantastic work of art comes from Ex Stephen Score Antiques Inc. colle...

Antique Tabriz rugs are distinguished by their excellent weave and by their remarkable adherence to the classical traditions of antique Persian rug design. But they cannot be disting...

A vintage American rag rug handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 3' 6" x 5' 8" North American rugs & carpets: North American has never developed a unified handmade rug tradition, but rather it is the unassimilated confluence of several. From Mexico comes the Saltillo serape wearing blanket, and this stimulates the Navajo and Rio Grande (Colorado) weavers, first as blankets, then as rugs. The thrifty habits of rural America gave rise to the New England (and Western Canadian) hooked rug types, while the farmers of the Midwest recycled their disused garments into braided and rag rugs. The closest to a real ongoing tradition are the Southwestern (New Mexican) Navajo rugs. By the 1860s the native tribes were weaving wearing blankets with wool from the Spanish churro sheep. These were in stripe design, with combinations of undyed wool with cochineal reds and indigo blues. The multi-phase “Chief’s Blankets” from the 1870s-80s are a natural outgrowth of these. Machine spun red wool from Germantown in Pennsylvania appeared in the 1870s with a bright red hitherto unobtainable. The weavers loved it and blankets appeared with bright reds, generally aniline, in “eye dazzler” patterns. Anglo traders established posts beginning in the 1890s. Navajo weavings were perfect accompaniments not only for Western-themed decors, but for East Coast apartments, only they needed to be thicker and more rug like to be truly accepted. The traders brought Caucasian and Turkish village rugs to copy, borders were introduced and central medallions devised. The weavers continued to create on vertical looms, with a shared warp (dovetailing) weft structure to avoid slits. The warps were cotton string. Sizes were generally scatters, but occasionally a special order came in, hence antique room size Navajos are very rare and very pricey. Distinct village/pueblo styles developed. Among the best are: Two Grey Hills (considered the tightest, closest of all Navajo weaving), Crystal Springs, and Ganado. Certain new patterns such as the “Storm pattern” with jagged lightning bolts emanating from a dark cloud developed. The Yei rug with dancing Kachina doll figures became popular. The palette has been expanded beyond the classic grey, tan, dark brown, and cream natural wool combination to again include reds, blues, and greens. Navajo pictorials include American flags, trains, and automobiles, domestic and local scenes and scenery. Individual artist weavers now command gallery shows and correspondingly elevated prices. There are several levels of Navajo work, and antique and vintage scatters with simple flat designs, medium weaves, and tritonal palettes, and in good floor worthy condition are still available reasonably. The Native American weaving tradition extends into Colorado with two-piece scatters with sharp sawtooth medallions and striped end borders, with wool tapestry weave on cotton warps. These descend from the Saltillo blankets...

This charming early American hand-hooked rug was crafted in the early 1900s in the New England region of the United States. Featuring a classic floral design, the rug displays blossoms in brilliant vintage tones, radiating warmth, character, and nostalgic beauty. Antique hooked rugs are celebrated for their unique blend of folk art creativity and unpretentious simplicity. This piece is a wonderful example—both artistic and heartfelt—showcasing the resourcefulness and imaginative spirit of its maker. Created from repurposed materials and hand-dyed wool, it reflects a tradition where everyday utility met artistic expression. A delightful and authentic piece of Americana, ideal for collectors of folk art or anyone drawn to the beauty of handmade heritage. Dimensions: 2’ 1” x 3’ 4” Date of Manufacture: Early 1900s Place of Origin: America Material: Wool and cotton pile on a burlap foundation Condition: Wear consistent with age and use The Persian Knot, SKU 1451 American Hooked Rugs, Vintage Hooked Rugs, Early American Hooked Rugs, American Rag Rugs, Antique Rug, Antique Rugs, Antique Carpets, Vintage Carpets, Handwoven Rugs, Vintage Artisan Rugs, Antique Handmade Rugs, Sustainability, Vintage Distressed Rugs, Allover Design Rug, Mid Century Modern Rugs, Vintage Rag Rugs, Vintage Wool Rag Rugs...

A vintage American Braid round/circular accent rug handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 7' 1" x 7' 1".

A vintage American Braided oval room size carpet handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 9' 5" x 12' 3" North American has never developed a unified handmade rug tradition, but rather it is the unassimilated confluence of several. From Mexico comes the Saltillo serape wearing blanket, and this stimulates the Navajo and Rio Grande (Colorado) weavers, first as blankets, then as rugs. The thrifty habits of rural America gave rise to the New England (and Western Canadian) hooked rug types, while the farmers of the Midwest recycled their disused garments into braided and rag rugs. The closest to a real ongoing tradition are the Southwestern (New Mexican) Navajo rugs. By the 1860’s the native tribes were weaving wearing blankets with wool from the Spanish churro sheep. These were in stripe design, with combinations of undyed wool with cochineal reds and indigo blues. The multi-phase “Chief’s Blankets” from the 1870’s-80’s are a natural outgrowth of these. Machine spun red wool from Germantown in Pennsylvania appeared in the 1870’s with a bright red hitherto unobtainable. The weavers loved it and blankets appeared with bright reds, generally aniline, in “eye dazzler” patterns. Anglo traders established posts beginning in the 1890’s. Navajo weavings were perfect accompaniments not only for Western-themed decors, but for East Coast apartments, only they needed to be thicker and more rug like to be truly accepted. The traders brought Caucasian and Turkish village rugs to copy, borders were introduced and central medallions devised. The weavers continued to create on vertical looms, with a shared warp (dovetailing) weft structure to avoid slits. The warps were cotton string. Sizes were generally scatters, but occasionally a special order came in, hence antique room size Navajos are very rare and very pricey. Distinct village/pueblo styles developed. Among the best are: Two Grey Hills (considered the tightest, closest of all Navajo weaving), Crystal Springs and Ganado. Certain new patterns such as the “Storm pattern” with jagged lightning bolts emanating from a dark cloud developed. The Yei rug with dancing Kachina doll figures became popular. The palette has been expanded beyond the classic grey, tan, dark brown and cream natural wool combination to again include reds, blue and greens. Navajo pictorials include: American flags, trains and automobiles, domestic and local scenes and scenery. Individual artist weavers now command gallery shows and correspondingly elevated prices. There are several levels of Navajo work, and antique and vintage scatters with simple flat designs, medium weaves and tritonal palettes, and in good floor worthy condition are still available reasonably. The Native American weaving tradition extends into Colorado with two piece scatters with sharp sawtooth medallions and striped end borders, with wool tapestry weave on cotton warps. These descend from the Saltillo blankets...

Monumental 19th American hooked rug mounted as a wall hanging.

A vintage American square Quilt handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 6' 1" x 6' 4"

Ingenious in style, color and composition, the features in this spectacular, antique American Hooked rug create an illusion of depth and texture. The beautiful basket-weave pattern, ...

A handmade mini-size American hooked rug from the middle of the 20th century showing a duck Measures: 2' x 2'6''.

A vintage American folk rag rug in accent rug format handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 5' 10" x 8' 7".