It's that time of year again - vacation time - so once again I'm doing my story from the coast of Maine. This area has long been famous for hooked rugs, so this was a good opportunity to explore some of the nearby shops, and see what's available.
Hooked rugs were first introduced into America along the eastern seaboard, and the Canadian Maritimes. The art of hooking was popular with sailors and European settlers.
Rug hooking has a long history with its roots lost in antiquity. No one seems to know just where this technique of rug making first evolved. Various experts and historians have attributed this art's origins to many different places such as China, 3rd to 7th century Egypt, or Scandinavia. Some historians think that hooking has its origins in prehistoric times. Hooking has been long associated with seafaring countries.
The earliest American hooked rugs probably dated from the 18th century, but the rare survivor from this period are usually only to be found in museums. The first rugs were made from rags, and bits of leftover fabric. One of the earliest uses for these rugs was as bed rugs; they were also used on tabletops and other furniture, eventually on bare cold floors.
During the early 19th century, rug hooking became more common, and by the middle of that century rug hooking was popular. Hooking was very popular in New England, and the Canadian Maritime during the 1800's.
The basic technique is rather simple. A hand hooked rug is made from fabric strips (or yarn) on a even-weave base fabric such as burlap, or monk's cloth. Grain sacks were used as a base for many old rugs. The maker used a hook to form looped pile on the base.
There are many different styles, and degrees of artistry in hooked rugs. Some early hookers were more artistic or imaginative than others. Their rugs were the only artistic outlets for many people. They created scenes, and patterns from their daily life.
Floral rugs were one of the most popular themes, with designs from just a few primitive blossoms to entire bouquets of intricately wrought flowers. Patterns depicting animals were very popular, as were scenic designs. Marine designs were created by sailors during their long days aboard ship, and by women in the coastal villages.
These early primitive rugs often have great charm, and are eagerly sought by collectors as folk art. Primitive hooked rugs use wider stripes, and most do not have the detail, and shading that the later more sophisticated rugs show.
By the middle of the 19th century, designs for hooked rugs were beginning produced commercially. Edward Frost, a peddler, produced designs which he sold to his customers. His designs were very popular, and other designers also soon produced patterns - many of which were inferior to Frost's designs. Although the advent of commercially made patterns did contribute to the popularity of the craft, not all designs of Frost and other pattern makers were very artistic, and these rugs did not show the originally of the early rugs.
By the mid 18th century, the art of rug hooking had spread from the Northeastern coast of the United States and the Canadian Maritime, to all parts of the country. Since then, the craft has experienced different degrees of popularity through the years, but never going completely out of fashion. Today, interest in the craft has revived, and it is enjoying a new popularity as new hookers take up the craft.
There are still nice old hooked rugs, and mats out there to be found in the shops, and at auctions. Also collectors are seeking the rugs made in this century. There are even rugs still being made by rug hookers today which are in great demand.
One thing to keep in mind while seeking out older hooked rugs is condition! Many beautiful old rugs need repairs, and there are craftspeople who will repair damaged rugs; however, such work can be expensive so buyers should take that into consid- eration when buying a damaged rug.
Hooked rugs are not a rare item, and can be found in many shops; however, the merits of the rugs vary greatly as do the prices and the age. The design and the construction should be carefully inspected.
The first rug I photographed for this column was by well-known hooked rug artist Barbara Merry of Maine. This rug, titled Winter Home, was a pictorial rug, and was hooked in a primitive style. Barbara Merry's rugs, although not old, are very collectible and fine examples of the craft. This rug was for sale at the Searsport Antique Mall.
Another Searsport shop, Pumpkin Patch Antiques, also had some nice hooked rugs. A handsome rug with a picture of a large dog caught my eye and camera. Animals, especially house pets or farm animals, were popular subjects for rugs.
Part of the Past Antiques in Wiscasset also featured some rugs that held my eye. The first was a beautiful primitive from Pennsylvania dating from the late 1800's. Measuring 36" x 46", the design included a cat and a bird as well as stylized flowers. This rug had been professionally cleaned and restored, and was for sale at $3,300.
On another wall, a couple of rugs portraying dogs were hung. A rug with a perky little black Scottie dog was eye catching, and would take a proud place in any Scottie dog collection!
My last stop on this Happy Hunting expedition was Cabot Mill Antiques in Brunswick. This is a large multi-dealer shop, and had a nice selection of hooked rugs, mats, and chair pads. I spotted examples of floral patterns, along with scenic patterns, geometric, animals, and others.
If you are interested in hooked rugs there are several good references to learn more about them, as well as sources of information on the internet. Check out the antique shops and shows in your area to see what they have to offer. Remember, hooked rugs don't have to be placed on the floor. A hooked rug may be just the thing to brighten a bare wall or drape over a table or chair back. Until next time, Happy Hunting!
©1998 Unravel the Gavel