Crystal Area and Vegetal Weavings
Licensed in 1896, J. B. Moore opened the Crystal Trading Post located on the west side of the Chuska Mountains. He originated designs (with Turkish and Mediterranean influence) that he thought would appeal to eastern buyers, improved the wool and encouraged quality weaving. In 1903 and 1911 he published mail-order catalogs, and soon his rugs were known all over the country.
The early Crystal rug was designed with crosses, diamonds, Greek frets, whirling logs (only thought of after World War II as "swastikas") and arrows. Often red aniline dye was used and, less often, blue outlines. The modern crystal is borderless, composed of vegetal dyes, earth tones and subtle touches of green, blue and maroon. Since the tones are pleasing and patterns simple, this is one of the most functional Navajo rugs for home decorating. |  | |
From the herding of the sheep, sheering the wool, and spinning the wool into yarn Mae Morgan has been creating spectacular Navajo weavings. This one measures 32 inches by 23 inches.
Handspun like her other weavings, this weaving features a geometric design with a bright touch of orange. This rug measures 32 inches by 23 inches.
This Mae Morgan weaving is made with a wonderful turquoise color. It is made with a majority of gray wool, which differs from her typical taupe background.
A simple runner style weaving is beautiful and unusual. It would be great for a room accent. The size of this weaving is 22 inches by 46 inches.
Nonabah's weaving is made with a beautiful rust color. It is made without a border and lays flat. 45 inches by 79 inches.
This weaving is an unusual size. Runner sized at 26 inches by 63 inches it would be great for any surface.
The green and pink are a beautiful color combination. This large weaving would be great as a bed spread or on the wall This piece measures 66 inches by 52 inches.
An early Crystal that would be a wonderful addition to any collectors collection or just enjoy a fabulous weaving. The size is 44 x 57 inches.
All natural wool that is hand spun and vegetal dyed by Ella Rose Perry. Ella Rose's weavings stand out with her distinct style and unique color combination she achieves and is noted for. Always soft to the touch and beautiful to the eye. Measures close to 2 1/2 by 4 feet.
Early Crystal area weaving Ca. 1910-1920's from the JB Moore Trading Post. This beautiful example of Crystal area weaving from this time period measures 68 x 44 inches and is in excellent condition. It has been used as a floor weaving for many years and has a smooth patina that such use gives a piece woven with hand spun wool. The colors are all natural with the exception of the red, which is aniline. The steel grey background of this piece makes it an unusual model. The Oriental rug designs influence can be seen in this fine weaving.
JB Moore-Crytsal Weaving with Whirling Log design. Dates from ca. 1920. This early Crystal is the softest hand spun wool in natural shades of white, gray and brown with that marvelous Trading Post orange, that was loved by the weavers of the time. Condition is excellent.
Crystal-Whirling Log weaving dates ca. 1915-1920. Soft hand spun wool resembles a wearing blanket in feel. Natural white, and gray and browns, with an over dyed rust and an orange red. Measures 61 inches by 85 inches, approximately 5 by 7 feet. Condition is very good.
Crystal Weaving- Measuring 48 inches by 68 inches, this is great size weaving for hanging on the wall or on the floor in low traffic area. The colors are rust, black, white and gray.
Pictured is a lovely deep hued all vegetal weaving by Bertha Harvey. This weaving is 34-1/2 inches by 58 inches.
A contemporary Crystal weaving by Margaret Kee. All natural wool dyed with rabbit brush and walnuts.
