Explorations in Folk Art and Americana
Handcrafted tramp art boxes, carved animal figures, and primitive paintings are a few of the folk art treasures found in this week’s curated Americana auction. These artisan objects – more than 100 choice lots – vary from outsider art, ceramics, and more formal Americana.
In keeping with the Memorial Day holiday is a patriotic painting from the turn of the 20th century. The composition includes U.S. flags, cannons, cannonballs and an American eagle. The farmed oil on canvas painting has a $900-$1,200 estimate.
Patriotic painting, oil on canvas of a traditional battle presentation, 27in x 21in including frame. Estimate: $900-$1,200. Jasper52 image
Considerable carving skills were needed to fashion the large folk art horse in the auction. The black beauty stands 23 inches tall and measures 24 inches nose to tail. Leather ears and horsehair mane and tail complement the steed, which is estimated at $1,800-$2,000.
Folk art carved wood horse in old paint, 23in high x 24in long, 1920s–1930s. Estimate: $1,800-$2,000. Jasper52 image
Workers at sewer tile factories, primarily in Ohio in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, sometimes made figurines and vases, which are now considered folk art. A nice example in this week’s collection is a seated dog, which imitates the form of a Staffordshire pottery spaniel. In natural red-brown clay, the dog should fetch between $900-$1,200.
Sewer tile dog, Ohio origin, 1920s, 11 1/2in high. Estimate: $900-$1,200. Jasper52 image
A “Old Salt” cast-iron doorstop made by the Eastern Specialty Manufacturing Co. (Boston 1893-1930) weighs in with a $700-$900 estimate.
‘Old Salt’ cast-iron doorstop 14 1/2in tall, Eastern Specialty Mfg. Co., Boston. Estimate: $700-$900. Jasper52 image
Tramp art is a form of folk art that is usually made from chip-carved wooden cigar boxes. Examples range from small boxes and picture frames to much larger items, such as the 16-inch high piece feature here. The object consists of a covered box atop a drawer. A carving of a man’s head serves as the handle on the lid. This impressive work is estimated at $1,000-$1,200.
Tramp art box with carved head finial, circa 1900, 16in x 8in x 8.5in. Estimate: $1,000-$1,200. Jasper52 image
Sideshows, the tantalizing added attractions that were once an integral part of a circus, have all but disappeared across America. This colorful form of entertainment is recalled in banners and signs that have become collectible. One such piece is a sign by 20th-century show painter Jim Hand. One of his signed works titled “Strange People” is expected to attract a $700-$900 winning bid.
Sideshow carnival signed by ‘Jim Hand,’ 32in x 32in. Estimate: $700-$900. Jasper52 image
Peruse the full catalog of creative Americana items here.
