A striking and highly unusual American folk art hooked rug featuring bold baseball iconography, a subject seldom encountered within the canon of early hooked rug design. Executed in wool on a burlap foundation, the composition centers on a large baseball flanked by crossed bats and stitched red seams, with the initials “LL” prominently worked at center and a stylized glove motif below.
The design is rendered in a strong yet warm palette of browns, creams, muted greys, indigo, and red, with excellent graphic presence and balance. The circular format—rare for hooked rugs—further enhances its visual impact, giving the piece the presence of a medallion or emblem. The confident use of line and color suggests a maker with both technical skill and a clear appreciation for America’s national pastime.
Baseball-themed hooked rugs are extraordinarily scarce. In decades of collecting and handling American folk art textiles, examples with direct baseball imagery are seldom encountered, making this a particularly noteworthy and desirable example. The rug has been professionally mounted for display, allowing it to function as a ready-to-hang piece of American sporting folk art.
An exceptional and visually compelling object that bridges American textile tradition with early baseball culture—ideal for collectors of folk art, Americana, or historic sporting material.
Dimensions
Diameter: approximately 36 inches
Condition
Very good overall condition with even wear consistent with age and use. Some age-expected fading. Professionally mounted on a supportive backing for preservation and display. Presents beautifully.