Handwoven Area Rug c. 20th century

This handwoven area rug, made by an anonymous artist, lives at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The artist’s process seems intuitive and additive: colors and textures building up in stripes across the surface. Look closely at the texture. The weave is tight in some areas, especially the narrow bands where light peeks through. Other bands are thick and plush, the woven fibers loose and voluminous, begging to be touched. The palette of tans, blacks, and creams is earthy and comforting. Notice how the fringes at either end mirror each other, anchoring the composition. This piece reminds me of the work of Anni Albers, who elevated weaving to high art with her complex abstract textiles. Like Albers’ work, this small rug invites us to think about the possibilities of abstraction and the beauty of simple materials.