This is a photo of the original rug, hooked circa 1890. Hearts were one of the most significant designs in early rugs. This design has four central hearts, pointing inward, in the center of the rug and four hearts , in each corner, pointing outward, all set on a bronze green background. The borders consists of alternating stripes of reds and greens with the inner stripe being a blackish green that is also used on the last outer stripe. Notice the plaid stripe, in the center of the border. It appears to be a red, green and black check or plaid. The rug ends in a slightly different green border. Remember, red and green are opposites on the color wheel and always compliment each other.
Image courtesy Raccoon Creek Antiques LLC