Folk art, antiques, and outsider art

• This is a very good sized carved and jointed man. He stands just under 15" tall (around 20" including the base), is about 5 1/2" wide and 3" deep. He has a strong look, with an "inscrutable" Mona Lisa smile. He also has only one ear (made that way). The figure is in excellent condition with a nice painted surface which has taken on a rich patina and bubbling over the years. This piece was likely made in the early third of the 1900's. He is well done and striking. The price is $875.00. Inventory Code: THPR.   Carved and jointed man ... Top ... 2 looks ... 3/4 view ... Showing size ... Another front view ... Lower half ... 3 views ... Top of head looking down.
  Larger images:   Carved and jointed man ... Top ... 2 looks ... 3/4 view ... Showing size ... Another front view ... Lower half ... 3 views ... Top of head looking down.

• This is nice looking bottle cap basket with good color and form. It is a very close match to another we have. This basket is old, sturdy and very functional. It is about 12" high by 10 1/4" wide and 8" deep and was constructed from old, cork-lined caps. Probably made in the 1940's or 50's, it has been more recently repainted. It is in very good condition, although it has a slight break in the bottom rim. That is still strong. The price is $175.00. Inventory Code: THSK.   Bottle cap basket ... Turned a little ... Turned again ... Turned more ... With second basket, view 1 ... Another angle.
  Larger images:   Bottle cap basket ... Turned a little ... Turned again ... Turned more ... With second basket, view 1 ... Another angle.

• This is a strikingly unusual and artistic folk art quilt. It looks like a highly abstract variation of the traditional "house" quilt pattern, like an apartment house. It came from an estate in southern Georgia. We were told it was an African-American estate, but have no verification on this. The red and white free-form piece is 65" by 66"and was likely made around the 1950's or 60's. It is machine pieced and coarsely hand quilted, with both red and white quilting thread making a pattern on the solid red back. The piecing is very funky - even the back has sections added on seemingly at random. The condition is excellent/mint. The fabrics are cotton, the thin batting is probably polyester. It is definitely unique. The price is $1400.00. Inventory Code: TCKA.   Abstract house folk art quilt ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... A third closeup ... Closeup of a corner ... Another corner ... Back ... Closeup of back, with funky piecing ... Closeup of quilting from back ... One corner, back.
  Larger images:   Abstract house folk art quilt ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... A third closeup ... Closeup of a corner ... Another corner ... Back ... Closeup of back, with funky piecing ... Closeup of quilting from back ... One corner, back.

• This is an amazing assemblage of scraps of wood, sardine cans, roofing nails, and some fasteners. Put them all together with plenty of imagination, give it a couple coats of paint, and out comes a very folky and original "what-not" chest of drawers. This little hand-made apothecary (loosely termed) has a sardine can as the bottom of each drawer to hold items. Actually, the can fits so well into the lap jointed wood that the lip of the can supports it. This creative piece also has 3 small cubby holes for additional storage. It came from rural Iowa and was likely made around the 1940's. It is painted an old gray and white. The drawer pulls are old roofing nails. It is constructed from pine; is in very good usable condition and could easily be hung. This piece is 22 1/4" long by 9 1/2" high and 7" deep including the pulls. You can be sure it is truly one-of-a-kind. The price is $235.00. Inventory Code: THAO.   See a Slideshow of several views. [489K]
  Funky chest of drawers ... Another view ... With drawers removed ... One side ... The other side ... Closeup of a drawer ... From above ... From above, with drawers open ... Another view ... A different angle ... Top ... Back ... Back, with drawers removed ... From below.
  Larger images:   Funky chest of drawers ... Another view ... With drawers removed ... One side ... The other side ... Closeup of a drawer ... From above ... From above, with drawers open ... Another view ... A different angle ... Top ... Back ... Back, with drawers removed ... From below.

• This is a very strange metal and wood contraption. We believe it was used as a parade torch or flambeau. It looks like an old (possibly) oil can was attached to a metal holder with forked swing arms. A wood round "handle"? was inserted in the end. The metalwork is attractive, and it is unusual and decorative. (It was formerly displayed on a wall). This piece is old, probably early 1900's and in good shape. It is 33" long. From the collection of Herbert Hemphill. The price is $85.00. Inventory Code: ARPH.   Overall image ... Closeup ... Second closeup ... Third closeup ... Fourth closeup ... Fifth closeup ... From above ... Metalwork detail of handle ... From below.
  Larger images:   Overall image ... Closeup ... Second closeup ... Third closeup ... Fourth closeup ... Fifth closeup ... From above ... Metalwork detail of handle ... From below.

• This decorative iron hand-shaped form is part of a mechanism that was used for cutting material for gloves. It is made in two parts, of heavy steel and held together by heavy springs and canvas straps. This acted as a guide for the fabric as a cutting blade came down over it. The hand compressed when the material was cut and gave room for the cutter. A guess of the age would place it from the 1920's to '40's. It is in very good condition, and measures 8 7/8" by 6 3/8". The price is $150.00. Inventory Code: ARTS.   Overall image ... Overall image 2 ... Overall image 3 ... Overall image 4 ... Overall image 5 ... Overall image 6 ... Top ... Side and top ... Bottom ... One side ... Side 2 ... Close-up.
  Larger Images:   Overall image ... Overall image 2 ... Overall image 3 ... Overall image 4 ... Overall image 5 ... Overall image 6 ... Top ... Side and top ... Bottom ... One side ... Side 2 ... Close-up.

• This is a very decorative, antique, funky, wooden garden seeder. Probably made in the late 1800's or early 1900's as a hand made, factory made piece, from wood and iron which has aged with a good natural and painted surface. This implement has wonderful form and has been hung on a wall as a decorative piece; however, the mechanism seems to work even today. With the two handles, it is about 6 feet long by 32" high by 12" wide. It has a wooden wheel, a metal feeder wheel inside, and and iron hook at the front - probably to attach to a horse harness to be pulled. The main bin was painted red, which has worn and aged nicely. There are two metal gears and an unusual metal chain which turns with the wooden wheel and moves the feeder wheel. This piece is in generally good, sturdy condition, with a wonderful look. The price is $275.00. Inventory Code: ARPS.   Image ... The other side ... Closeup of the mechanism ... From behind ... Closeup of wheel ... Mechanism inside ... Overall, from slightly above ... The handles ... Closeup of side ... Closeup of base from behind ... Closeup of iron hook at front.
  Larger images:   Image ... The other side ... Closeup of the mechanism ... From behind ... Closeup of wheel ... Mechanism inside ... Overall, from slightly above ... The handles ... Closeup of side ... Closeup of base from behind ... Closeup of iron hook at front.

• This is the tiniest ship bottle whimsey we have ever seen. It is constructed in a bottle which is just over an inch high (1 3/8" with the stopper) and 11/16" in diameter: about the size of a dime. The opening through which the base was constructed and painted, and the boat made and rigged is about 3/16". All of the photos are bigger than the real bottle. It is in sturdy condition. The price is $95.00. Inventory Code: TTOC.   Two views, one with a dime ... One side ... The other side ... Back ... From above ... From below.

• Here is a nice, simple, attractive hand carved cane which was then painted a deep reddish brown with fine black striping. It has a metal ferrule on the tip with the number 908 painted on in white. It has been used, but is in very good, sturdy condition with only a little wear. It seems to be about 60 or 70 years old, and is 35" long. From the collection of Herbert Hemphill. The price is $55.00. Inventory Code: ARPC.   Overall image ... Closeup of detail ... Closeup of top ... Other side of top ... Closeup of bottom tip.
  Larger images:   Overall image ... Closeup of detail ... Closeup of top ... Other side of top ... Closeup of bottom tip.

• Here is a four piece miniature, "living room" set, all made by Howard Finster. It is comprised of two small chairs, one larger chair and a larger sofa. These are all old and in generally very good condition. Each has a little bit of wear, chips or scuffs, or other idiosyncrasies. The two small chairs are each about 6" high by 3 1/4" wide and 2 1/2" deep. The large chair is about 8 1/4" high by 5 5/8" wide and 4 1/2" deep. The sofa is about 8" high by 13 1/2" wide and 4 1/2" deep. All the pieces are made from plywood of various thicknesses, are finished with a clear varnish, and decorated with impressed and burnt designs from dies that Howard made for this purpose. The couch has one little circle painted red. One of the little chairs has some tiny dots of white paint on it. These are all relatively early craft pieces, probably from the 1960's. These are priced individually at $195.00 each for the small chairs, $245.00 for the large chair, and $295.00 for the sofa. The price for the set is $695.00. Inventory Code: AKPK.   The group of four ... All four, another angle.   Larger images: The group of four ... All four, another angle.

  The sofa ... One side ... The other side ... From above ... Back view ... From below.    Larger images:   The sofa ... One side ... The other side ... From above ... Back view ... From below.
  

  The larger chair ... One side ... The other side ... From above ... Back view ... From below.    Larger images:   The larger chair ... One side ... The other side ... From above ... Back view ... From below.

  The two smaller chairs ... One side ... The other side ... From above ... Above, from one side ... Back view ... From below.    Larger images:   The two smaller chairs ... One side ... The other side ... From above ... Above, from one side ... Back view ... From below.

• This is a miniature dresser with great blue/green and cream colors. It is about 13 1/2" wide, 3" deep, and 13" high; and has two small doors which open to reveal little storage compartments. It is made from pine. The paint has taken on a nice old patina. The dresser is in very good condition, with wear in the paint in several places. This decorative piece originally was made about 1930. The mirror has been replaced. The price is $125.00. Inventory Code: AKCW.
  Overall view ... Another Overall view ... One 3/4 side view ... The other 3/4 side, open ... Above 3/4 view ... Open front view ... A side view ... Back ... Bottom.
    Larger images: Overall view ... Another Overall view ... One 3/4 side view ... The other 3/4 side, open ... Above 3/4 view ... Open front view ... A side view ... Back ... Bottom.

• This is a very decorative, old and interesting hand carved wooden cane decorated in various paints, rhinestones, inlaid costume jewelry, and the name Jesus, which seems to have been burned in. It is carved in multiple sections, each of which is painted white, green, and brown, with silver highlights and inlaid jewelry. The bottom includes some of the branch tips, while the top has a large green "gem" set in. This stick has been used and is sturdy. It was done about the 1940's or so and is 48" high. From the collection of Herbert Hemphill. The price is $210.00. Inventory Code: ARPR.   Overall image ... Closeup of upper cane ... Closeup of writing ... Closeup of "jewel" on top ... Upper half of cane ... Closeup of middle section ... Closeup of branched bottom tip ... Overall, other side.
  Larger images:   Overall image ... Closeup of upper cane ... Upper half of cane ... Closeup of middle section ... Closeup of branched bottom tip ... Overall, other side.

• This is a hand colored photograph of burlesque can-can and fan dancers. The picture is old, perhaps from the 1930's and is matted and mounted in a newer frame with a padded fabric matting. The image is about 15 1/5" by 8 1/2". The frame is a bit over 23" by 16". It's a wonderful piece. The price is $395.00. Inventory Code: TTHH.   Photo of burlesque dancers ... Closeup ... Side view.
  Larger images:   Photo of burlesque dancers ... Closeup ... Side view.

• This is an exceptionally intricate, folky, and artistic table. It is made from branches - both whole and split, twig, and burls; and is painted a deep reddish maroon with highlights and sections of gold and blue. The top has a design which incorporates the twigs into a cross surrounding another cross, and itself surrounded by sections set in herringbone patterns. The ends of the top had burls attached, and the sides are covered with split pieces. The six legs, made from heavier branches are interlocked and form an interesting sculpture in themselves. The table is sturdy and usable. It is 30 1/2" high by 32" wide and 18" deep. It is in excellent condition, and is contemporary; having been made about 2000 by the North Carolina artist, Gregory Smith. He has signed it under the top, and calls it his Easter Table. The price is $650.00. Inventory Code: ARAC.   Image ... Another angle ... Top ... One side ... The other side ... One end ... The other end, from above ... Closeup of one end ... Closeup of other end ... Closeup of top ... Another closeup of the top ... Closeup of base ... Another closeup of base ... From below.
  Larger images:   Image ... Another angle ... Top ... One side ... The other side ... One end ... The other end, from above ... Closeup of one end ... Closeup of other end ... Closeup of top ... Another closeup of the top ... Closeup of base ... Another closeup of base ... From below.

• This is a nice, primitive carving of a man with jointed arms and legs. All of the pieces seem to be pine. The body and head are chip carved. There is some relief carving of facial features and nose. The arms and legs are pegged with copper fasteners, and the feet are carved into boots. The arms are overlong and there is a hole in the hands, indicating this person may once have been used on some sort of acrobat mechanism. The surface is generally natural with touches of a light varnish. It has taken on a good oxidized look. This person was probably made about the 1950's and is 6 1/2" high, 2" wide, and 1" deep plus the base and stand, which are included. The price is $140.00. Inventory Code: ARCC.   Image ... Front view ... Side view ... Back view.    Larger images:   Image ... Front view ... Side view ... Back view.

• This is an old and very decorative cast iron gate. It is 31 1/2" wide, by 23" high and 2" deep. The surface, in both old black and some gray paint has crazed and crackled. This piece has some unusual casting incorporated throughout as studded balls, which are set off nicely by the textured spear points. The gate is from Pennsylvania, probably made in the late 1800's, and is in very sturdy, used condition. The price is $275.00. Inventory Code: ARHO.   Image ... The other side ... Side view ... Closeup ... Closeup other side.    Larger images:   Image ... The other side ... Side view ... Closeup ... Closeup other side.

• An absolutely outrageously wonderful old painted chair. It has a highly alligatored and textured surface which is from age and the drying of the paints. These give it great character. The paint is strong and the chair sturdy, so it can be used as well as being decorative. The colors include red, orange, and green. The seat has all three, and was done primarily as two tones with a diagonal separation. It was probably painted in the early 1900's. There is some paint wear to the upper back and front edge, and expected wear to the bottom of the feet. The chair is a little over 35" high and 17" wide and deep. The price is $475.00. Inventory Code: TTAO.   Painted chair ... Closeup of the paint ... Front view ... One side ... The other side ... From above ... Back view ... Another view from behind ... Another overall view ... Another front view ... From below ...   More closeups:   Closeup of one side ... The other side ... The seat ... Back ... The legs ... The top.
  Larger images:   Painted chair ... Closeup of the paint ... Front view ... One side ... The other side ... From above ... Back view ... Another view from behind ... Another overall view ... Another front view ... From below ...   More closeups:   Closeup of one side ... The other side ... The seat ... Back ... The legs ... The top.

• This is an old hand made painted metal shrine assemblage. It incorporates a person with carved wood head in the center, surrounded by several objects including a dog?, flag, cross, bird?, tree, and flowers. The circular base that supports all this has what looks like either fish with cross tails or bombs. Most of the objects and base are cut from heavy sheet metal and painted. The base is mounted to a heavy iron rod, connected to it by several other iron pieces. The end is tapered to be put in the ground. This looks like a piece which combines Christian symbols with a nature religion, like Santeria. It may have an origin like the Osanyin bird cult; or possibly a Yoruba god. It is perhaps more Haitian or Caribbean than African. Because of outdoor use it is difficult to be specific about the age. With some galvanized wire it likely was made within the last 50 years. The base is 12" in diameter; the objects on it are up to 7" high; the fish, about 3 1/2" long. The total height is 54". It is in good sturdy condition, with rust, but much of the paint remaining. The price is $295.00. Inventory Code: ARHP.   Overall view ... View 2 ... View 3 ... View 4 ... View 5 ... Close-up 1 ... Close-up 2 ...Close-up 3

  Larger images of above photos:
  Overall view ... View 2 ... View 3 ... View 4 ... View 5 ... Close-up 1 ... Close-up 2 ...Close-up 3

• This is a highly unusual carving, possibly used as a swagger stick. It seems like a rendition of a monument. It is like a column, topped with a stylized dog standing on a base supported by blocks, which then tapers and is highly decorated with swirls, curves, and carved turnings ending in a tip capped in brass. This strange object is painted an old, oxidized gold. The dog is almost 4" by 3" by 1 1/2", and the total length is of the piece is 21". It is probably from the 1920's or 30's, in excellent condition. The price is $295.00. Inventory Code: AROK.   Overall view ... Top ... Overall view 2 ... Side view 1 ... Side view 2 ... Close-up top ... Close-up back ... Close-up front ... Close-up another top ... Close-up middle ... Close-up bottom

  Larger images of above photos:
  Overall view ... Top ... Overall view 2 ... Side view 1 ... Side view 2 ... Close-up top ... Close-up back ... Close-up front ... Close-up another top ... Close-up middle ... Close-up bottom

• This is an old, very decorative, sculptural metal industrial object - an Ironing Board! It must have been used commercially and is likely from the 1930's or 40's. It has been cleaned of most of the rust and polished slightly. It has a medium-dark, somewhat oxidized surface. This piece, which would look striking hung on a wall, is 50" high, 25" wide, and 7" at the deepest. It is in very good, sturdy condition, with some slight rust through on the edge. The price is $350.00. Inventory Code: ARRS.   Ironing board ... Side view ... The other side ... Close-up of surface ... Another closeup ... Closeup of side ... From below ... From below, one side ... From below, other side ... Close-up from below ... Another closeup from below.
  Larger images:   Ironing board ... Side view ... The other side ... Close-up of surface ... Another closeup ... Closeup of side ... From below ... From below, one side ... From below, other side ... Close-up from below ... Another closeup from below.
  

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