Browse Folk Art - Page 16

Drawers made from scrap wood, sardine cans	Two whimsey carvings by the same maker	Bottle cap basket	Jointed man carving
Metal parade torch	Glove cutting mechanism	Hand made garden seeder	VERY tiny bottle whimsey
Intricately Painted cane	Miniature dresser		Jesus cane
Photo of dancers	Twig table	Large multicolored tramp art clock case	Metal sculpture
Stork yard ornament	Shrine		Primitive tramp art planter made from crate wood
	Cigar box frame	Lewis Smith wrestlers drawing	Lewis Smith 2-sided drawing

"Variety", by the late Lewis Smith of Ohio. It is drawn in crayon and ballpoint on both sides of a panel cut from a brown paper bag, and measures 12" by 17", in excellent condition. One side shows two women wrestling below an animal. The other side is labeled "Kegs 3$", and shows two women and a beer keg. Lewis preferred to use recycled and imperfect materials in his art - it reflected the value he saw in everyday objects that others discarded. You can see much more of his art, or find out about his life and his environment. The price is $1100.00. Inventory Code: LS139.   Drawing by Lewis Smith ... The reverse.    Larger images:   Art by Lewis Smith ... The reverse.

"Room 123 Free 4 All", by the late Lewis Smith of Ohio, features a group of nearly nude women wrestling. It is drawn in crayon and ballpoint on a brown paper bag, and measures 12" by 17", in excellent condition. Lewis preferred to use recycled and imperfect materials in his art - it reflected the value he saw in everyday objects that others discarded. You can see much more of his art, or find out about his life and his environment. The price is $1100.00. Inventory Code: LS138.   Women wrestlers by Lewis Smith ... The reverse.    Larger images:   Women wrestlers by Lewis Smith ... The reverse.

This is one of the oddest tramp art frames we have seen. It is constructed from an old wood frame with a single layer of notched cardboard cigar boxes. These all are old and have some very nice graphics and printing. In total there are 19 sections nailed to the wood frame. This piece is in good condition with some slight wear to the surface and edges. The frame is 28" by 16" with an opening of 23 1/2" by 11 1/4". There is a signature on the back which is hard to discern. It was not recently made, but the age is not known. The price is $110.00. Inventory Code: TOKS.   Cigar box frame ... Closeup ... Second closeup ... Third closeup ... Fourth closeup ... Back view ... Closeup of the signature ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Cigar box frame ... Closeup ... Second closeup ... Third closeup ... Fourth closeup ... Back view ... Closeup of the signature ... With a soda can for scale.

This is a fun, funky, and frivolous stork yard ornament. It is old, in very good condition, with good color, paint, and form. To make it even more quirky, the bird is mounted in a base made from an old Spry shortening can. This was filled with concrete. The legs, made from wood dowels, can be removed from the base. The bird has a metal strap for a neck. This is flexible so the head can bob in the breeze. The body and head are cut from 3/4" thick wood. Overall, in the base, the stork is about 38" high by 25" long. The can is 5" in diameter. It was probably from around the 1940's or 50's and stands sturdily in decorative splendor. The price is $245.00. Inventory Code: TOKR.   Video of the head bobbing (2.6Mb) ... See a slideshow of several views [589k].
Stork yard ornament ... The other side ... Closeup of the head ... The other side of the head ... Closeup of the body ... The other side of the body ... The base ... Two more closeups of the base ... Overall front and back views ... With a yardstick and soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Stork yard ornament ... The other side ... Closeup of the head ... The other side of the head ... Closeup of the body ... The other side of the body ... The base ... Two more closeups of the base ... Overall front and back views ... With a yardstick and soda can for scale.

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.

Here is a very nice looking carved whimsey. It was likely made by the same person who did the one below. This whimsey has a small ball-in-cage on the bottom and a larger bullet shaped piece which is free to move in the upper cage. The cage has a nice flared form. The piece is topped with a carved 4 sided peak. This whimsey was made from pine and has an unfinished surface which has taken on a nice dark patina. It was probably made about the 1930's. It is 5 1/2" high by 1" square; and is in excellent old condition. The price is $175.00. Inventory Code: THWC.   Several views of the whimsey ... From above and below ... Both whimsies, with a soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Several views of the whimsey ... From above and below ... Both whimsies, with a soda can for scale.

This second very nice looking carved whimsey was likely made by the same person who did the one above. This whimsey has a small ball-in-cage on the top and a larger bullet shaped piece which was carved but never released in the lower cage. Under that is another tapered and carved shape. This whimsey was made from pine and has an unfinished surface which has taken on a nice dark patina. It was probably made about the 1930's. There is also a circular base made of walnut which likely was added later. The whimsey is 8 3/8" high including the base which is just under 3" in diameter. The whimsey portion is a little over 1" square; and is in excellent old condition. The price is $175.00. Inventory Code: THWH.   Several views of the whimsy ... From above and below ... Both whimsies, with a soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Several views of the whimsey ... From above and below ... Both whimsies, with a soda can for scale.

This is nice looking bottle cap basket with good color and form. It 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.
Larger images:   Bottle cap basket ... Turned a little ... Turned again ... Turned more.

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 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 ... Closeups of detail ... Other side of top.
Larger images:   Overall image ... Closeups of detail ... Other side of top.

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 large multicolored tramp art clock case. It is 30 1/2" high, 17 1/4" wide, and 9 1/2" deep. The pine and plywood case is finished in both clear varnish and white paint. Made in the 1950's, this folky case is in very good condition with a nice strong look. The clock motor runs but the arms don't turn, so that can possibly be repaired. The price is $485.00. Inventory Code: ACOR. One view ... Another view ... Another view ... Another view ... Top view ... One side ... The other side ... Back view ... Close-up.
Larger more detailed images: One view ... Another view ... Another view ... Another view ... Top view ... One side ... The other side ... Back view ... Close-up.

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 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.

This is a tramp art planter made from crate wood. It is more crude than refined, having large notches in layers of thick, old, wood. The planter is about 13" high. It is about 16" wide by 14" deep at the center and 7" square on the base. The opening is 7 1/2" by 8 1/2" by 7" deep. Each of the 7 layers is about 1/2" thick. The planter is in good sturdy condition. There is some old loss apparent to one of layers inside the box. The outside has no loss, a few nicks, and traces of white, likely remnants of paint, on the medium dark brown surface. It is probably from the 1930's or 40's. The price is $225.00. Inventory Code: TWSK.   Tramp art planter ... Another view ... Second side ... Third side ... Fourth side ... Closeup ... From above ... Another view from above ... Top view ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Tramp art planter ... Another view ... Second side ... Third side ... Fourth side ... Closeup ... From above ... Another view from above ... Top view ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.

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