Hooked Rug c. 1936

Lillian M. Mosseller’s hooked rug brings to life a world of flowers and vines in muted greens, pinks, and purples on a simple brown background. I can imagine her patiently at work, looping each strand of wool or fabric through the backing to create a surface that’s both tactile and visually appealing. What was Lillian thinking as she chose each color, each shape? Did she have a garden of her own, or was she dreaming of one? The wreath of flowers in the center feels so tender, and I wonder if she made it for someone special, maybe to mark a celebration or offer comfort? The simple beauty of the floral design and the repetitive, rhythmic motion of hooking the rug remind me of folk traditions where the act of making is as important as the final product. There’s something so grounding about these arts, connecting us to the earth and to each other through time.