Yarn sewn rug, 2nd quarter 19th century. Sewn onto a homespun linen base, this early sewn rug features a central bouquet of red, rose, and white flowers tied with a bow, similar to a floral compote that was a popular motif during the early 19th century. Notable is the use of the color blue in two flowers; one in the bouquet, the other in the border. It was a practice to include one or two blue flowers in folk art textiles, as blue symbolized tranquility, peace, loyalty, wisdom and truth. A floral border encircles the central motif. It has a slightly darker background color that visually separates it from the central bouquet, and repeats colors and designs of the central bouquet.
Yarn sewn rugs were created primarily in New England from about 1800 through the 1840s, although the earlier ones are quite rare. They were used in wealthier homes to protect an expensive carpet in front of the hearth from sparks and soot; they were also used to cover the hearthstone during the summer. Yarn sewing was executed with a needle and two-ply wool yarn in a running stitch, usually on a homespun linen or wool. The needle was worked in and out of the fabric at close, regular intervals, leaving a pile of densely spaced yarn loops on the top surface. The bottom right photo above is of the back of the rug where this technique is visible. The loops were either cut for a sheared effect or left uncut, as this one appears to be.
Professionally mounted, in wonderful condition. Ex: Colette Donovan. Dimensions: 32.5” x 28”.