Chicago - Folk Art
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Item Ships From: Chicago
African Seated Luba Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
Artisans from the Luba tribe were renowned for the organic flow of their carving style. This example clearly shows the smooth transition from aspect to aspect, maintaining a singular...
Category
Mid-20th Century Congolese Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
1920’s Felix The Cat Wooden and Leather Toy
Located in Chicago, IL
1920’s Felix The Cat Wooden and Leather Toy
This 1920s Felix the Cat toy is a collectible vintage toy featuring the iconic character Felix the Cat. These t...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Leather, Wood, Paint
Maya Bird Sello Stamp
Located in Chicago, IL
Stamps, or sellos, such as this one were common during the pre-Columbian period in Mesoamerica and most popular during the Formative Period that spanned the years between 1200-800 B....
Category
15th Century and Earlier Mexican Pre-Columbian Antique Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Lotus Mooncake Mold, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th-century hand-held wood press is carved with a large mold used for shaping festive mooncakes. Packed with lotus root, red bean, or other regional fillings, mooncakes are a d...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Fang-Style African Painted Mask
Located in Chicago, IL
Light masks like these represented the spirit of an ancestor and were used for social control by Ngil, the judiciary association. The facial markings, abstract features and strong, e...
Category
Mid-20th Century Gabonese Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Teotihuacan Ceramic Head Fragment
Located in Chicago, IL
This intriguing head fragment was once attached to a bust or full effigy figurine crafted in 400 A.D. Mesoamerica. Earthenware figurines were made in great abundance throughout Teotihuacan's history. After 250 A.D. objects made from clay increased dramatically in Teotihuacan, serving a wide variety of purposes and functions from religious rituals to burial offerings.
Figurines like this commemorated important people and events within the city of Teotihuacan and other parts of Mesoamerica, portraying individuals of different rank and status such as soldiers, merchants, bureaucrats, and occasionally divinities. This figure is adorned with an elaborate coiffure or headdress and ear spools...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Mexican Pre-Columbian Antique Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Terracotta Bura Spirit Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Sometimes called a "Bura bell" due to its shape, this sculptural terra cotta object was part of the Bura tribe's burial ritual. Buried with its flared mouth facing down, this cylindrical storage...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerien Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Terracotta
Yoruba Ibeji Twin Figure
By Yoruba People
Located in Chicago, IL
With one of the highest rates of twin births in the world, Yoruba cultures place special social and religious significance on twins, referred to as "emi alagbara" or "powerful spirit...
Category
Mid-20th Century Nigerian Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Found and Salvaged Steel Structure on a Steel & Wooden Circular Base
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, a collection of spare parts come together ...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Metal, Steel
Found and Salvaged Industrial Objects, Metal Sculpture on Base
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Known for his steel furniture, Jim Rose was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here he has paired various repurposed finds together to create...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Steel, Metal
Jim Rose - Construct No. 03, Salvaged Steel and Aluminum Industrial Objects
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here he has welded together various washers, nuts, ...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Metal, Steel
African Basuku Helmet Mask
Located in Chicago, IL
During their five hundred year history in the Southern Congo, the Basuku tribe developed a series of intricate rituals built around their skilled mask makers. This particular example was most likely carved in the likeness of a deceased chieftain. The artisan intentionally pronounced the eyes, cheeks, and chin to provide a terrifying test for young men as they underwent their rites for manhood. The Basuku's spiritual expressions inspired early 20th century western painters...
Category
20th Century Congolese Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Jim Rose - Construct No. 02, Salvaged Steel and Aluminum Industrial Objects
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here he has welded together various washers and cyl...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Metal, Steel
Baule Painted Kpan Mask
Located in Chicago, IL
To ward off evil and exert positive influences on the spirit world, the Baule people engage in a daylong masquerade known as the Goli. A sequence of four masks are donned during the ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Set of three Kusu (Tribal) currency from Democratic Republic of the Congo
Located in Chicago, IL
Three Kuso Currency pieces known as Boloko are from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are made from forged iron and were used as currency in commerce. Today, they are sculp...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Chupicuaro Redware Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
This standing effigy figure was crafted in 300 BC from the ancient Chupicuaro region of Mexico and was likely used as a ritual or burial offering. The ceramic works of the Chupicuaro...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Mexican Pre-Columbian Antique Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Terracotta Bura Spirit Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Buried with their flared mouths facing down, these cylindrical storage vessels protected the deceased's possessions as they transitioned to the afterl...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerien Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Terracotta
Found and Salvaged Steel Industrial Objects on Wooden Base
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here, a beautifully rusted tobacco box, a steel egg...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Metal, Steel
Handheld Chinese Mooncake Mold, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th century hand-held wood press is carved with a large mold used for shaping festive mooncakes. Packed with lotus root, red bean, or other regional fillings, mooncakes ar...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Teotihuacan Ceramic Head Fragment
Located in Chicago, IL
This intriguing head fragment was once attached to a bust or full effigy figurine crafted in 400 A.D. Mesoamerica. Earthenware figurines were made in great abundance throughout Teotihuacan's history. After 250 A.D. objects made from clay increased dramatically in Teotihuacan, serving a wide variety of purposes and functions from religious rituals to burial offerings.
Figurines like this commemorated important people and events within the city of Teotihuacan and other parts of Mesoamerica, portraying individuals of different rank and status such as soldiers, merchants, bureaucrats, and occasionally divinities. This figure is adorned with an elaborate headdress, a thick beaded necklace...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Mexican Pre-Columbian Antique Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Handheld Chinese Mooncake Mold, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th century hand-held wood press is carved with a large mold used for shaping festive mooncakes. Packed with lotus root, red bean, or other regional fillings, mooncakes ar...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Painted Baule Blolo Bla Figure
By Baule Tribe
Located in Chicago, IL
The figurative sculptures of the Baule peoples of Cote d'Ivoire are recognizable by their strong, gently curving forms and serene composure. This figure of a woman was carved to repr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ivorian Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
20th Century Emberá-Wounaan Basket
Located in Chicago, IL
This extraordinary 20th century Emberá-Wounaan basket is a testament to the remarkable craftsmanship of the indigenous Emberá-Wounaan people of Panama a...
Category
20th Century Panamanian Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Natural Fiber
Handheld Chinese Mooncake Mold with Lotus Pods, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th century hand-held wood press is carved with a large mold used for shaping festive mooncakes. Packed with lotus root, red bean, or other regional fillings, mooncakes ar...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Stanley Szwarc stainless steel box.
By Stanley Szwarc
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a cool geometric adorned stainless steel scrap metal box made by a polish immigrant folk artist Stanley Szwarc in 1999
Category
1990s North American Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Stainless Steel
Terracotta Bura Spirit Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Sometimes called a "Bura bell" due to its shape, this sculptural terra cotta object was part of the Bura tribe's burial ritual. Buried with its flared mouth facing down, this cylindrical storage...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerien Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Terracotta
Handheld Chinese Mooncake Mold, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th century hand-held wood press is carved with a large mold used for shaping festive mooncakes. Packed with lotus root, red bean, or other regional fillings, mooncakes ar...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Beaded Yoruba Staff
Located in Chicago, IL
The Yoruba people reserve the use of glass beads for royalty, priests and priestesses, as well as embellishing ritual and ceremonial objects. Though only kings are allowed to use bea...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Metal, Iron
La Tolita-Tumaco Standing Female Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
This standing effigy was crafted in 500 A.D. - 1000 A.D. Mesoamerica using the gray clay paste that characterizes La Tolita-Tumaco ceramics of early Colombia-Ecuador. The art of La Tolita-Tumaco civilization is considered one of the most developed of the pre-Columbian period as metalwork and ceramics were the most popular form of cultural expression. The ceramic creations of this culture were often based on the human figure to create portraits of people and realistic daily scenes of life cycles and the human condition.
This figure appears to be wearing a loincloth and is adorned with a beaded necklace and an elaborate coiffure or headdress. There are holes lining each ear indicating the potential use of ear spools...
Category
15th Century and Earlier South American Pre-Columbian Antique Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire.
This colorful example of African beadwork...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
Handheld Chinese Mooncake Mold with Lotus Pods, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th century hand-held wood press is carved with a large mold used for shaping festive mooncakes. Packed with lotus root, red bean, or other regional fillings, mooncakes ar...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Original Cafe Bistro Sign
Located in Chicago, IL
Original Cafe Bistro sign. Fantastic looking with incredible paint and patina. Great condition.
Category
1920s French Vintage Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire.
This colorful example of African beadwork...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Fabric, Cotton
Brutalist Iron + Ceramic Wall Sculpture, France 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1970s French brutalist wall sculpture created with patinated iron. This piece has rich textures and raw edges. It has beautiful inlaid ceramic detailing in pink and blue hues. Unsi...
Category
1970s French Brutalist Vintage Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Iron
The Vermonter birdhouse by Jason Sargenti, 2020 USA
Located in Chicago, IL
Handmade architectural birdhouse by Jason Sargenti, hand-signed dated, USA 2020.
"As the cultural epicenter of my region (NYC) hemorrhage its moneyed p...
Category
2010s American Post-Modern Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Exceptional Vertical Enamel Cafe Sign
Located in Chicago, IL
Enamel cafe sign with light sockets and a new mounting bracket.
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Enamel, Iron
Blue Ceramic Cross with Abstract Line-Drawn Christ
Located in Chicago, IL
A blue ceramic cross with an abstract line-drawn Christ swathed in a rust-colored fabric. This cross seamlessly merges the profound symbolism of religious iconography with an experim...
Category
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Draught Horse Weathervane
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th century American folk art draught horse weathervane is a remarkable piece crafted from sheet metal, capturing the essence of traditional American folk art. The weathe...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Cut Steel
Kuba Currency Spear, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
While shield and spear were central to African combat, this example by the Kuba People of Central Africa was most likely made to serve as a piece of trade currency. Many pre-coloniza...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Iron
1950’s Enamel and Neon Corner Sign Cafe
Located in Chicago, IL
1950’s enamel and neon corner Cafe sign. It has new transformer and wiring. Please note that there will be additional fee for making shipping crate.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Enamel
Early 20th Century American "Chiropractor" Sign
Located in Chicago, IL
Own a piece of Wisconsin's history with this early 20th century hand-painted sign from an early 20th-century chiropractor's office. The sign, found in a barn in the heart of Wisconsi...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Visitors Please Report To Reception, Antique Sign Original Unrestored Condition
Located in Chicago, IL
“Visitors Please Report to Reception”; For over 30-years finding Old Original Great Signs has been a passion of ours and they don’t get a whole lot better than this Old Antique Sign...
Category
1910s English Country Vintage Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Blue Ceramic Cross with Circular Embellishments, Unique Religious Collectible
Located in Chicago, IL
A midcentury ceramic cross made by Flemish artisan in deep and bright Klein blue. Each tip of the cross and its center are adorned with circular embellishments in hollow relief, addi...
Category
1950s European Arts and Crafts Vintage Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Antique German Biedermeier Wall Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique German Biedermeier Wall Mirror
Early 1800's Southwest German tall Biedermeier wall mirror.
Mirror - walnut veneer, ebonized profile strip at the top, in the medallion reli...
Category
Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Early 19th Century Austrian Hiking Staff
Located in Chicago, IL
This one-of-a-kind Austrian hiking staff has been handcrafted from solid oak. Oak is a relatively lightweight yet sturdy material, which lends itself perf...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Folk Art Antique Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Silver, Brass
Glossy Red Ceramic Cross with Abstract Matte Christ Figure in Earth Tones
Located in Chicago, IL
This evocative piece of mid-century European studio pottery features a ceramic cross with a human figure, presumed to be Jesus Christ, at its center. The figure is modestly adorned, ...
Category
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
American Folk Art Carved Cat Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
A whimsical and bold 20th century American Folk Art cared wood sculpture depicting a stylized seated cat with a long neck, expressive face, and a beautiful chip carved surface. It cr...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Pine
Red-Brown Glossy Cross with Abstract Line Drawing Christ Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, this midcentury European ceramic cross has a rich red-brown gloss. At its center an abstract line drawing of a Christ figure is etched in relief.
The design's core element is the line-drawn Christ figure and pays homage to the simplicity and complex abstraction of this figure, a nuanced representation of faith that goes beyond the boundaries of conventional religious...
Category
1950s European Brutalist Vintage Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Wrought Iron Bracket with Sign Panel and Grape Design
Located in Chicago, IL
Wrought iron bracket with sign panel and grape design. Nice quality. For your wine bar.
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wrought Iron
circa 1900 Miniature Model of a Black Forest Bear Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
circa 1900 Miniature Model of Black Forest Bear Bench. "Black Forest" is a term to describe elaborate, realistic wood carvings from an area in ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Walnut
Set of Three West African Manilla Currency Pieces on a Custom Mount
Located in Chicago, IL
This captivating set of three 19th century West African bronze currency manillas, elegantly displayed on a custom mount, serves as a fascinatin...
Category
19th Century African Tribal Antique Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
Mark Creates Wall Sculpture
By Marc Creates
Located in Chicago, IL
Mark creates wall sculpture, Artist Mark Weinstein's "Dorado" Circular Wall Sculpture. Burnt silver finish Welded fragments of scrap metal.
Medallion Lab...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Vintage Mounted Mexican Otomi Embroidered Textile
Located in Chicago, IL
A playful and whimsical late 20th century Mexican Otomi textile with myriad gold embroidered animals and plants including rabbits, deer, horses, and peac...
Category
Late 20th Century Mexican Tribal Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Cotton
20th Century American Folk Art Swimmer Cutout on Custom Wall Mount
Located in Chicago, IL
A playful and cheeky mid-20th century American Folk Art wooden cutout of a blond swimmer flexing in his black and white striped swimsuit, mounted on a custom steel wall mount so he c...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Plywood
Lao Stamped Silver Ingot, c. 1950
Located in Chicago, IL
This silver alloy ingot is cast in the form of an elongated bar, with a slender, rectangular shape and curved ends. Resembling a shallow dish or incense stand, the ingot has a concav...
Category
Mid-20th Century Laotian Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Silver
"Pylon Truck" by Patrick Fitzgerald, 2022
By Patrick Fitzgerald
Located in Chicago, IL
To Chicago-based artist Patrick Fitzgerald, his miniature car sculptures are a means of traveling through time. Born from a fascination with the soap box derby cars of his youth, each vehicle is an exercise in imagining the future through the lens of the past – or vice versa.
Built from found materials collected over the years, the car's futuristic form is layered with personal memories and keepsakes from the past. The most minute of details is always intentional – from the weathered finish to the fictitious sponsor to the miniaturized furnishings of the cramped interior.
This sculptural car entitled "Pylon Trunk" is intended as a complement to the rest of Fitzgerald's imaginative cars, something of a service vehicle loaded with removable traffic cones and street signs. A simple truck bed...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Paper
1950’s Liquor Neon Sign
Located in Chicago, IL
1950’s single sided Liquor neon and porcelain sign. New transformer and new wiring. It does work.
Category
1950s North American Industrial Vintage Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Metal, Enamel
"Protector One" Folk Art Crow Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Richly textured with whimsical appeal, this late 20th century wooden crow is a delightful example of naive American sculpture. Poised mid-caw, the crow's wings are outstretched, read...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Chicago - Folk Art
Materials
Wood
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Why Jules Chéret Was the King of the Modern Poster
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