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AMERICAN HOOKED RUG WITH A LARGE RED STAR AND A PATRIOTIC COLOR SCHEME, LIKELY OF PENNSYLVANIA ORIGIN, circa 1860-1880’s |
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| Dimensions (inches): |
31" t x 41.5" w x 1.25" d |
| Description: |
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American hooked rug, likely of Pennsylvania origin, constructed of wool on a burlap backing. Made sometime between the Civil War era and the 1880’s, the graphics center on a large, red, five-pointed star in the very center, flanked by four red, oatmeal white, and blue chrysanthemums. These are set upon a modeled, geometric ground, comprised of various shades of the same colors, mixed with a neutral palette of khakis, browns, greys, and blacks. All of this is set within an oatmeal frame, beyond which is a wide, geometric border of opposing triangles. This is a great, early example, with a rather distinct, patriotic message, in spite of its lack of flags, shields, eagles, or the like. Note the artistically compelling, modernistic traits in this 19th century object. Though its obvious use of scrap fabrics may seem crude, the design is both well-planned and well-executed, with one exception. When comparing the right-side border to the left, note the error in the pattern of alternating red and tan points. This suggests the possibility of Mennonite origin. Intentional errors, to illustrate the message “No one is perfect but God,” appear regularly in Mennonite quilts. Despite the opposition between their religious beliefs and engaging in war, the Pennsylvania German community supported the Republican Party’s anti-slavery platform and was pro-Union. Some younger, unbaptized members got caught up in the fervor of the time and did go to war, while the artwork of the Pennsylvania German community poured forth with an abundance of patriotic imagery.
Condition: If there are repairs on this rug, they are so well done as to not be readily recognized. I did not remove it from the mount, which was expertly done.
Mounting: Professionally mounted on a wooden strainer, wrapped in tan/khaki duck cloth. Mount by Kathy Wilson, hands-down the best in the business in the mounting of hooked rugs. |
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| Primary Color: |
red-white, blue, tan, brown |
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| Earliest Date: |
1865 |
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| Latest Date: |
1880's |
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| For Sale Status: |
Sold |
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| Price |
SOLD |
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| E-mail: |
info@jeffbridgman.com |
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