A particularly decorative example of a traditional handmade American ‘penny rug’. Penny rugs are so named as people would make them using pennies to cut out uniform circles from rags. It’s believed penny rugs became popular in the 1800s during the American civil war. They were a creative way in which homemakers of limited means could utilise every inch of a worn out piece of clothing or rag. The older 19th century examples are predominantly made of simple circle designs but as time moved on, crafters created more complicated shapes and often incorporated folk stories into the designs.
Though called rugs, they were actually often intended more for use as a decorative mat for a table or other pieces of furniture.
This example from the mid 20th century is quite a large size for a penny rug. It has a traditional scalloped edge, with each petal decorated with layered felt penny sized circles. The central design includes a mirror image of a house surrounded by plants, flowers, birds and a deer.
The rug is backed with a thick black cotton twill. It could be used as a rug in an area with very low footfall (no shoes) but would look great on a circular table or the back of a sofa etc.
In good condition with only light wear.
Diameter- 93cm not inc scalloped edge.
A particularly decorative example of a traditional handmade American ‘penny rug’. Penny rugs are so named as people would make them using pennies to cut out uniform circles from rags. It’s believed penny rugs became popular in the 1800s during the American civil war. They were a creative way in which homemakers of limited means could utilise every inch of a worn out piece of clothing or rag. The older 19th century examples are predominantly made of simple circle designs but as time moved on, crafters created more complicated shapes and often incorporated folk stories into the designs.
Though called rugs, they were actually often intended more for use as a decorative mat for a table or other pieces of furniture.
This example from the mid 20th century is quite a large size for a penny rug. It has a traditional scalloped edge, with each petal decorated with layered felt penny sized circles. The central design includes a mirror image of a house surrounded by plants, flowers, birds and a deer.
The rug is backed with a thick black cotton twill. It could be used as a rug in an area with very low footfall (no shoes) but would look great on a circular table or the back of a sofa etc.
In good condition with only light wear.
Diameter- 93cm not inc scalloped edge.