Description
79279 Antique Crystal Navajo Rug, 04'00 x 06'06.
This handwoven wool antique Crystal Navajo rug is a captivating relic of early 20th-century artistry, where the fusion of Navajo tradition and trader-influenced design reached a height of aesthetic refinement. Its dramatic serrated diamond lattice, rendered in a bold interplay of crimson, deep brown, and natural ivory, evokes the intensity of desert sunsets cast upon sacred sandstone cliffs. Each deliberate step of the zigzag lines pulses with vitality, while the hourglass-shaped motifs nestled within the diamonds whisper of harmony, balance, and life force—sacred principles carried forward through generations of master weavers.
Rooted in the celebrated weaving traditions encouraged by J.B. Moore’s Crystal Trading Post (circa 1900–1920), this textile epitomizes a pivotal moment when Navajo artisans transformed functional blankets into coveted works of collectible art. Its highly graphic stepped patterns and vibrant aniline reds mark it as a product of a transitional period—one in which ancestral symbolism merged with evolving market sophistication. Such rugs are increasingly scarce, and their historical relevance makes them prized among serious collectors and museum curators alike.
The hourglass or “bow-tie” motifs—ancient Navajo symbols of fertility, transformation, and balance—are repeated like protective shields across the composition. The stepped diamonds, reminiscent of lightning and sacred mountain forms, speak to themes of renewal and protection, embodying a spiritual narrative far deeper than their geometric beauty. To own such a piece is to hold not merely a decorative textile, but a woven story of cosmology and resilience.
Coveted by connoisseurs for its historical significance, bold design, and enduring rarity, this Crystal rug is an heirloom-level treasure. Its handspun wool, time-softened sheen, and subtle color variations confirm its authenticity, elevating it beyond mere decoration into the realm of fine indigenous art collecting. Whether displayed as a gallery-worthy wall piece or as the focal point of an elite interior, it commands reverence—a mark of prestige, cultural respect, and refined taste.
- Abrash. Color Run.
- Handwoven wool.
- Made in America.
- Measures: 04'00 x 06'06.
- Pile Height: 0.08 of an inch.
- Date: 1920's. Early 20th Century.