Those of us who love American antiquity are fast to pay homage to the ironsmiths, potters and wood craftsmen of the past. But if it were not for the frugal and self-sustaining nature of the American homemaker many of our most enduring primitive collectibles would never have existed. Hand dipped candles, samplers, painted china are among her contributions, but one of the most sought-after forms of her domestic artistry are her beautiful hooked rugs.
The art of rug hooking involves pulling loops of yarn or fabric through a stiff woven base using a crochet hook mounted on a wooden handle. While its origin is uncertain, it is a commonly accepted theory that American-made rugs began in New England in the late 1700s as a table “rug” and developed into a full size floor covering by the early part of the 1800s.
Before 1825 cotton was in short supply in New England. America was at the mercy of the British Acts of Trade, making most of the raw cotton produced here exported to England for processing and then imported back to the U.S. as yardage. Consequently, early rugs were done on a background of hand-woven linen or an old shawl or blanket. The materials used for hooking were common household materials like worn linens or the ragged pieces of old garments.
Few of the early rug survived, falling victim to heavy everyday use. Should you come across one from the early years it was most likely from the parlor or sitting room of the affluent.
The motif or a rug is often an indicator of age. Very early rugs were reminiscent of the crewelwork bed hangings of the mid-18th century. These will usually feature flowers and foliage encircling a tree. Scenes from the European homeland and Pennsylvania Dutch rugs featuring farm animals and heart shapes are also common pre-1825 designs. From 1825-1850 the appearance of hook rugs was “modernized” with geometric forms. Rugs from 1850 forward will be a combination of both flowers and geometric shapes and will quite often be made from burlap.
You will find great disparity in the quality and aesthetic appeal of hook rugs made before 1850. With no patterns to follow balance and form depended on the skills of the rug maker. For this reason the hooking on these early rugs will vary from fine, almost needlework quality, to extremely coarse.
In 1850 E.S. Frost commercialized the art of rug hooking by introducing canvas backgrounds with stenciled designs. First operating in Maine, where he had served in the cavalry during the Civil War, and later moving to Boston, Massachusetts, Frost prospered by selling his wares to the housewives of New England. Today’s collectors watch for these “Frost” rugs which are identified and referred to by their original stencil numbers. It is not uncommon to find these rugs from 1850-1876 both initialed and dated.
Today, collectors value hook rugs based on age, the quality of the hooking, the integrity of the handwork and their aesthetic appeal. A good hook rug is an investment with those from the 1800s easily running $1,500-$2,000. If that is a little steep for your budget you can find examples from 1920-1949 for $500-$800.
REPRODUCTION ALERT: Should you happen upon a group of rugs in the $100 and under range you are most likely looking at a display of machine made Chinese imports. So, look closely before you buy. Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com
