Religious and Fraternal Folk Art, Antiques

Folk art, antiques, and outsider art

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Bottle whimsy
Bottle whimsy with tramp art
pavilion, carved Bible, piano
Carved dresser box
Elegant carved dresser box with
Bible, mirrors, dated 1913
Intricate veneer decorated table top
Intricate veneer decorated table top
"Bless This House O Lord We Pray Amen"
Adam and Eve carving
19th c. Adam and Eve, angel carving over 3 feet high
Benny Carter birdhouse
Benny Carter birdhouse
"Jesus Saves"
Carved cross
Carved, assembled cross
Inlaid fraternal whimsey
1940's Inlaid fraternal whimsey,
large, incredibly detailed
Painting
Painting "A day at the Office"
Metal sculpture
Metal sculpture: "Universe"
Bottle Whimsy
Bottle whimsy with crosses
Carving
Carving with Eve, serpent, devils, party, eagle
Carving
Early carvings on scrap wood
Benny Carter Bird Motel
"Love Jesus" Bird Motel by Benny Carter

Carved dresser boxThis is an exceptionally nice and unusual handmade, one-of-a-kind dresser piece, with two sections that open for storage. While it has a fraternal look, it may very well have been made for personal use. This piece is made from various woods, two old mirrors, came from Pennsylvania and is dated 1913. The base is plywood while the rest seems to be two or more softwoods. Overall, this construction is about 10 1/4" high. The base is about 5 1/2" by 8" and the legs extend out to 9 1/2" wide by 7" deep. One of the legs has a barely visible crack underneath that was reglued years ago. The very top of the box is decorated with a carved and open book. This has the words Holy Bible spelled with individually carved and applied letters, 3 of which are long gone. The lid opens to reveal a storage area lined with black velvet and a mirror, which has lost much of the silvering. The front of this section has a mirror inserted in a framed portion, the corners of which are carved like supports similar to those which are below. The bottom box also has a hinged top, which opens to reveal a second and smaller storage area. The very top of this box is also relief carved into a decorative form and has the letters "E" and "H" applied - although the "H" is also long gone. The wood seems to have been finished with some stain and a very light varnish or lacquer, and the surface has taken on a very nice and rich patina with fine crazing. While there is a little wear from use and some surface cracks in the plywood this is in overall very good condition and has a wonderful look. The price is $575.00. Inventory Code: CSPO.   Carved dresser box ... Another angle ... A third view ... Side views ... Back view ... Another back view ... Closeup of the top ... Closeup of the lower compartment ... A third closeup ... With lids open ... The mirror inside the lid ... The lower compartment, open ... Inside the upper compartment ... Closeup from back ... Another closeup, back ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.
Some much larger photos:   Carved dresser box ... A different view ... Side views ... Back view ... Closeup of the top ... Closeup of the lower compartment ... Closeup from back ... From above ... With a soda can for scale.

This carved folk art cross is built up from many individual pieces - all carved or worked on in some way. It is finished in black paint and crazed varnish with a super surface. From the early 1900's, it is very detailed. It is 16 3/4" high by 9 1/4" wide by 5 1/2" deep, in excellent condition. The price is $450.00. Inventory Code: PRAP.   Image ... Another view ... 3/4 view ... Closeup of the top (color does not show as well in this photo ... Closeup of the base ... Another closeup of the top ... Back view.

Intricate veneer decorated table topThis incredible piece of folk art is a table top decorated with layers upon layers of finely cut and appliqued veneer woods. The effect is something like inlay, but the individual pieces are glued over each other instead of being set in. All the colors are from the various shades of wood used. The design includes the words "Bless This House O Lord We Pray Amen". The surface has a clear, glossy finish with slight texture from the layers of veneer. It is 36" in diameter by 1" thick, with screw eyes on the back for hanging.

The table top itself is probably from the early 1900's, with a partial label on the back from a New York City shop. The age of the decoration is unknown, but looks to be approximately mid-20th c. There is a signature that appears to have been applied with a rubber stamp. There are a few very small places where bits of veneer are loose or chipped, and one piece where the finish is lost, as seen in the closeup photos. Overall, the condition is excellent and it is a striking and unique piece. The price is $2500.00. Inventory Code: CCOA.   Intricate veneer decorated table top ... Closeup of the center ... "Bless This House" ... "O Lord We Pray" ... Closeup with signature ... Closeup of loss ... Side views ... Back view ... Label on back ... With a yardstick for scale.
Some much larger photos:   Intricate veneer decorated table top ... Closeup of the center ... "Bless This House" ... "O Lord We Pray" ... Closeup with signature ... Closeup of loss ... Side views ... Back view ... Label on back ... With a yardstick for scale.

Inlaid fraternal whimseyThis an extraordinary, one of a kind, folk art piece. It is a very large, extremely detailed marquetry whimsey with a fraternal theme; including many carved and inlaid elements. This has so much intricate work that more things continue be seen and be appreciated even after several viewings. We have included many pictures that will convey some of the quality of this piece; however, it will still surprise and delight even more, when held in person.

Following is just a brief description of some of what is in this piece. To be complete would take more than reasonable here. Please let your eyes tell more of the story. This work is over 49" long, 5 1/2" wide, and over 1 1/4" deep in parts. It is decorated on the sides as well as the front. It includes Crosses, Ankhs, stars, hearts, Bibles, scrolls, spears, and other Masonic, Shriner, Eastern Star, and Odd Fellows symbols. Each section is held together with carved links; and the entire carving is made from one piece of wood. There is one carved ball in cage, relief carving, and a section inlaid with bone or ivory. There are inlaid words, and letters; and it is decorated with a multitude of symbology. This piece is in extremely good condition; although not completely "perfect". There is a slight crack in one link, and one has been reglued in part. There is also a little bit of red color which is on the lowest section. There is no loss that we can see. One section has hand painted the words "Memorial Day 1947". We would date it from that time. The back is inscribed "To Vernon Thompson for Mike". The price is $1250.00. Inventory Code: TSOH.   Inlaid fraternal whimsey ... Closeup of top section ... Another view ... Side view.
Second section: Front view ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... One side ... The other side.
Third section: Front view ... One side ... The other side.
Fourth section: Front view ... One side ... Another view ... The other side.
Bottom section: Front view ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... One side ... The other side.
The back: Upper back ... Middle back ... Lower back ... Closeup of inscription.

Adam and Eve carvingThis is a large, exceptional old wood carving depicting Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden together with the Snake and Apple Tree. It is done in great detail in full, deep relief around the entire hard pine log. It has a wonderful old surface and patina. In a very unusual manner, this is actually two full scenes carved on opposite sides. One depicts Eve reaching for the apple with the serpent overhead, while the other shows the Angel ordering them away. Before, Adam and Eve are naked, after they are wearing fig leaves. Inscribed on the base of the "after" side is the word "Banishment". This carving is most likely from the late 1800's and is in excellent condition with very slight bark loss on the base. The piece is about 38" high by 12" by 12". The price is $4500.00. Inventory Code: CCPA.   Adam and Eve carving, "Banishment" ... The other side, in the Garden ... Another angle ... Fourth view ... One side view ... Sixth view ... Seventh view ... Eight view ... The other side view ... Closeup in the Garden with serpent, apple ... Another closeup ... Their feet ... Fourth closeup ... Closeup of the Angel banishing ... Adam and Eve ... Their faces ... Their feet, title ... Another view of the angel ... Closeup from side ... From above ... From below ... With a yardstick and soda can for scale.
Some much larger photos:   Adam and Eve carving, "Banishment" ... The other side, in the Garden ... Another angle ... Fourth view ... One side view ... Sixth view ... Seventh view ... Eight view ... The other side view ... Closeup in the Garden with serpent, apple ... Another closeup ... Their feet ... Fourth closeup ... Closeup of the Angel banishing ... Adam and Eve ... Their faces ... Their feet, title ... Another view of the angel ... Closeup from side ... From above ... From below ... With a yardstick and soda can for scale.

CarvingThis is an odd group of relief carvings on one scrap of wood, probably from the 1800's. There is a man in profile, two flowers, a round smiling face like a moon, a cross, and a heart. The wood is very old and irregularly shaped. One edge was broken off a long time ago, likely after the carvings were done, but possibly before. The natural wood surface has oxidized to a very dark patina. There is a fair amount of surface wear as seen in the photos. The contemporary base is made of wood and plastic, and will support the carving so either side can be displayed. The carving itself measures 10 1/2" long by 2 1/4" wide by 3/4" thick. Including the base it is 11" by 4 1/2" by 5 1/2". The price is $225.00. Inventory Code: COSR.   Multiple carving ... One side, off the base ... The second side ... Another view of the second side ... Second side, on the base ... Two more views ... Side view ... The other side ... End views ... The base ... With a soda can for scale.

Bottle WhimsyThis is a bottle whimsy containing two crosses, two spear shaped uprights, and a ladder. Each cross also has an "X" shape pegged to the front. The bottle stands 11 3/4" tall by 3" in diameter and is closed with a cork. Age is unknown, but it is old, in excellent condition. The price is $175.00. Inventory Code: TCPP.   Bottle whimsy ... Two more views ... Side and back views ... From above and below ... With a soda can for scale.
Some much larger photos:   Bottle whimsy ... Two more views ... Side and back views.

Painting"A day at the Office". Acrylics on metal roofing. The hands have been hammered to have depth. 26" by 40", initialed, msl, and dated 4/95. The price is $4000.00. Inventory Code: KPAP.   Image ... Closeup ... Second closeup ... Third closeup ... Fourth closeup ... Back ... Closeup of back.

Metal sculpture"Universe". Metal sculpture made from roofing tin, acrylics, and automobile glass. 22" x 22" x 10" (with stand, 32" high). 1995. Note that the colors in this piece are very vibrant and strong. They are much more vivid than shown in the photos. The first closeup shows them the best, but even it is somewhat washed out. The price is $5000.00. Inventory Code: KPAA.   Image ... Closeup ... Another view ... A third overall view ... Second closeup ... Third closeup ... Fourth closeup ... One side ... The other side ... From an angle behind ... Back ... Closeup of back.

Bottle whimsyThis is a very intricate bottle whimsy. It contains a pavilion with carved pillars and a tramp art roof. Inside the pavilion are a table covered with a fringed cloth with a large Bible on top, a sofa and chair with green velvet upholstery and white antimacassars, and a chip-carved piano with upholstered bench. There is a heavy paper flag on a carved wood flagpole. A chip-carved crest around the flag has names written in pencil. The pavilion is pieced from lighter and darker wood strips, and the roof is painted gold. The bottle is 11" high by 4 1/2" in diameter. The condition is excellent, and the age is probably early 1900's. The price is $925.00. Inventory Code: CWHA.   Bottle whimsy ... Two sides ... Two more views ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... From above ... Another view from above ... From below ... Another view from below ... With a soda can for scale.
Some much larger photos:   Bottle whimsy ... Two sides ... Two more views ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... From above ... Another view from above ... From below ... Another view from below ... With a soda can for scale.

Benny Carter birdhouseThis is a fairly large Benny Carter birdhouse. Done in the form of an apartment building, the house has 5 openings for birds, a shingled roof topped with 2 red chimneys, a porch roof - also shingled, and a porch with 2 vertical supports for its roof. On one side is written "John 3:16", while on the other is "Jesus Saves". On the back is "Love Your Mother". The birdhouse is in very good used condition with some appropriate wear from being outside. The paint is generally strong, however there is some loss and flaking on the chimneys and the bottom of the front porch. It is 39 1/2" high by 22" wide, by 9 1/2" deep. The price is $650.00. Inventory Code: CRAS.   Benny Carter birdhouse ... Another angle ... Third view ... Two side views ... Back view ... Closeup, upper ... Closeup, lower ... Closeup, from back ... With a yardstick and soda can for scale.

More by Benny Carter

Benny Carter Bird MotelThis is a birdhouse by Benny Carter made from wood and found metal. The front has four openings, painted windows, door, and brick foundations, and is signed and labeled "Bird Motel". The dark red strip across the front top with prongs sticking up is metal. The top has a chimney, and says "Love Jesus". The back says "Love Mother", and the bottom is signed again. It is 26" wide by 12 1/2" high by 6 1/2" deep. The condition is very good with weathering and minor paint loss from outdoor use. The price is $425.00. Inventory Code: CRAC.   Benny Carter Bird Motel ... Another angle ... From above ... Back view ... Side view ... The other side ... From below ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... With a soda can for scale.

More by Benny Carter

CarvingThis is a very strange and interesting relief carving. On the right are Eve, the serpent, and the apple tree. In the center there is a piano and dancers. Devils are torturing a person at the bottom, with other devils and people around the edges. A small figure floats above the scene in the upper left, next to the insriptions "D.S. 1940" and "M.Y." In the lower center is the date 1935 and "K.B." The carved panel was mounted in a mitered wood frame. An eagle was carved on a separate piece of the same wood used for the frame and attached as a crest. There is a clear lacquer or varnish finish. It measures 17 1/2" wide by 12 1/4" high by 5/8" deep. There is an age crack that runs most of the way across and some very slight wear on the edges of the frame, otherwise the condition is very good. The price is $595.00. Inventory Code: CRCC.   Carving ... Side view ... The other side ... From above ... From below ... Back view ... With a soda can for scale.

 

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