J B Moore Plate III Variant Crystal Trading Post Navajo Rug

This J.B. Moore Plate III Variant Crystal Trading Post Navajo Rug, measuring 50" x 76", is a stunning example of early 20th-century Navajo weaving. Based on the designs featured in J.B. Moore's iconic 1903 Catalog of Navajo Blankets, this rug follows the "Plate III" layout but with border variations, making it a unique piece. The Plate III design is known for its bold central diamond motifs framed by intricate geometric patterns, a hallmark of the Crystal Trading Post style. This rug incorporates a balanced palette of earth tones with natural and aniline dyes, creating a visually striking yet harmonious composition. The weaver's expert craftsmanship is evident in the precise, tightly woven patterns.

J.B. Moore was a prominent trader at the Crystal Trading Post, located in northwestern New Mexico, where he played a significant role in transforming and popularizing Navajo rug designs in the early 1900s. He is best known for introducing patterns that blended traditional Navajo motifs with contemporary influences, appealing to the growing demand for Navajo rugs in the broader American market. His 1903 and 1911 mail-order catalogs were instrumental in promoting these designs, showcasing a range of styles, including those inspired by Oriental rugs and classic Navajo symbols. Moore's influence helped establish the Crystal style as a cornerstone of Navajo weaving, with many of his patterns still revered and sought after by collectors today.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this J B Moore Plate III Variant Crystal Trading Post Navajo Rug is from a Santa Fe collector

Recommended Reading: J. B. Moore-United States Licensed Indian Trader Avanyu Publishing, Inc., 1987.

TAGS: textiles, Navajo Nation, J.B. Moore