Carnival Horse, Abstract Painting
By Patrick O'Boyle
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist CommentsArtist Patrick O'Boyle depicts a festive horse from the carnival carousel
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Abstract Paintings
Acrylic
Carnival Horse, Abstract Painting
By Patrick O'Boyle
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist CommentsArtist Patrick O'Boyle depicts a festive horse from the carnival carousel
Acrylic
Roman Carnival Horse Race & Festive Corso - 1820 Etching
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Roman Carnival Horse Race & Festive Corso - 1820 Etching Description: This dynamic 1820
Paper
Antique American Carousel Horse Carnival Ride Attrib Charles Dare
Located in Forney, TX
A charming antique, circa 1920, American track machine carousel horse amusement ride attributed to
Wood, Paint
1920s American Carousel Horse
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
A decorative 1920s carved wood American carousel horse, in original paint. Rests on a later made
Wood
Vintage Carousel Horse
Located in Napa, CA
Vintage Carousel Horse believed to be from the 18th century with wonderful worn distress finish.
Rare 19th century fairground Bayol carousel horse
Located in London, GB
Rare 19th century fairground Bayol carousel horse Dimensions: H 47” x W 29” x D 9” Weight: 20kg
Wood
Antique French Double Seater Carousel Rocker Horse
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Double Seater Carousel Rocker Horse Beautiful antique French double seat carousel
Leather, Wood
Early 20th century Limonaire Freres Paris fairground carousel horse
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century Limonaire Freres Paris fairground carousel horse Dimensions in inches: H 31” x
Wood
$5,495
H 43.31 in W 8.67 in D 40.95 in
Antique Hand-Painted Wooden Carousel Horse with Saddle - Multicolored
Located in Mortsel, BE
This antique hand-painted wooden carousel horse is a beautiful piece of fairground history
Metal
$2,555Sale Price|30% Off
H 57 in W 48 in D 10.5 in
Rare Antique Distressed Carousel Horse on Iron Stand Sculpture
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Fantastic antique found unpainted carousel horse form having distressed wood, amazing character
Wood
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
H 52 in W 9.5 in D 59.75 in
Hand Painted Midcentury Resin White Jumper Carousel Horse by C.W. Parker
By Charles Looff Or C.W. Parker
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A sculptural icon of American carousel artistry, this hand-carved C.W. Parker horse exemplifies the
Brass
$13,500
H 44 in W 52 in D 10 in
Antique French Limonaire Frères Signed Carved Painted Wood Carousel Donkey Ride
Located in Forney, TX
carnival figures / merry-go-round horses have survived in museum collections around the world, although
Wood, Paint
$1,797
H 27.96 in W 19.69 in D 0.04 in
Original Vintage South America Travel Poster Carnival Rio Brazil Horse Tanaka
By Tanaka
Located in London, GB
Original vintage South America travel poster for the Carnaval no Rio Brasil / Carnival in Rio
Paper
$1,295
H 25 in W 29 in D 2 in
"Ride the Champion" Vintage American Carnival Ride Horse Portrait Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist horse ride portrait oil painting. Oil on board. Signed. Framed
Oil
$4,838
H 47.25 in W 33.67 in D 0.04 in
Original Vintage Poster for the Aufgalopp Faschingsfest Carnival Munich Ft Horse
Located in London, GB
Original vintage advertising poster for the Aufgalopp Faschingsfest Lent Carnival in Riem Munich
Paper
19th Century German Carved Polychrome Carousel Horse by P. Schneider
Located in Forney, TX
A rare antique, circa 1890s, German hand carved and painted wood carousel horse carnival fair ride
Wood
$3,600
H 20.25 in W 38 in D 1 in
Rare Folk Art Hebrew Judaica Carved Gilded Wood Lions Torah Synagogue Sculpture
Located in Surfside, FL
horses and other carnival and circus carvings.
Metal
untitled (horseman)
By Maximino Javier
Located in Palm Springs, CA
outfit, suggesting theatricality or carnival. The horse-like animal, with a second animal head peering
Etching
$950
H 6 in W 7.13 in
Guillaume le Conquérant rapporté après sa mort à l'église de Boscherville
By Jean Louis Andre Theodore Gericault
Located in Fairlawn, OH
the climactic feature of the Roman carnival, the riderless horse races on the Corso. The many
Lithograph
$2,174
H 14.97 in W 21.42 in D 0.04 in
Rome, Piazza del Popolo - Original Etching by C. G. Hyalmar Morner - 1820
By Carl Gustaf Hyalmar Morner
Located in Roma, IT
famous Carnival. The processions, games, and horse races started from this piazza to end up in Piazza
Gouache, Etching
$2,174
H 14.97 in W 21.42 in D 0.04 in
Rome, Piazza del Popolo - Original Etching by C. G. Hyalmar Morner - 1820
By Carl Gustaf Hyalmar Morner
Located in Roma, IT
during the famous Carnival. The processions, games, and horse races started from this piazza to end up in
Gouache, Etching
$2,174
H 14.97 in W 21.42 in D 0.04 in
Rome, Piazza del Popolo - Original Etching by C. G. Hyalmar Morner - 1820
By Carl Gustaf Hyalmar Morner
Located in Roma, IT
famous Carnival. The processions, games, and horse races started from this piazza to end up in Piazza
Gouache, Etching
$2,174
H 14.97 in W 21.34 in D 0.04 in
Rome, Piazza del Popolo - Original Etching by C. G. Hyalmar Morner - 1820
By Carl Gustaf Hyalmar Morner
Located in Roma, IT
Roman Piazza del Popolo during the famous Roman Carnival. The processions, games, and horse races
Gouache, Etching
Handpainted Carnival Horse square Platter
Located in Miami, FL
platter. Beautiful pink, grey and black tones adorn the painted horse.
Ceramic
Unique Adult size Carnival Rocking Horse
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
This magnificent sculpture is probably from southern of Europe. The position of the horse reminds
Metal
Carved Carousel Jumper Horse Carnival Circus
By Charles Looff Or C.W. Parker
Located in Lenox, MA
This gorgeous carousel horse once belonged to a summer camp in Glen Spey, NY. The camp owners
Pine
Unavailable
H 32 in W 134 in D 3 in
Vintage Folk Art Country Horse Fair Carnival Hand-Painted Clydesdale Horses Sign
Located in Hartlepool, GB
Vintage Folk Art country horse fair hand-painted Clydesdale horse sign.
Softwood
Carousel Horse
By A. Saget
Located in Summerland, CA
Unusual Carousel Horse Minimalist hand carved horse used for traveling carousel. Signed "A
Iron
Carousel Horse Fragment
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Beautifully rendered figure of running horse w/well weathered original paint. Original glass eye
Wood
Carved Wood Carousel Horse
Located in Nashville, TN
1920's wood carousel horse, believed to be from the Glendale Park Carosel that was located in
Iron
Carved and Painted Wood Carousel Horse
Located in San Francisco, CA
Beautifully painted and carved wood German or French carnival carousel horse 'Apache' with glass
Paint, Wood
Carousel Horse Head with Iron Base
Located in Middleburg, VA
A charming and whimsical carousel horse head on base. Original paint with fantastic color, patina
Late19th/early 20th century American Carousel horse
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
A very nicely carved late 19th/early 20th century American carved wood carousell horse on custom
Wood
20th Century American Carved Wooden Carousel Horse
Located in Atlanta, GA
Thought to be made by the Herschell/Spillman Carousel Company, in North Tonawanda,NY. The horse
Late 19th Century Carved Wood Carousel Horse Fragment
Located in Atlanta, GA
Late 19th century carousel horse nicely carved and mounted on custom stand with traces of original
Late 19th Century Wooden Carousel Horse in Fixed Position
Located in Southampton, NY
Wooden carousel horse in fixed position. Original gresso over wooden base resembling tree trunk
Brass
That'll Do Mule, That'll Do....
Located in Charleston, SC
Adorable carnival Mule/Horse head made of papier mache and fabric. Hand forged handle.
Metal
Unavailable
H 47.25 in W 33.67 in
Original Vintage Poster For The Aufgalopp Faschingsfest Carnival Munich Ft Horse
Located in London, GB
Original vintage advertising poster for the Aufgalopp Faschingsfest Lent Carnival in Riem Munich
Paper
"Race of the Berbers - Start, " Grisaille Painting, 1800
Located in Rome, IT
, muscular frame) is the most anticipated event of the Roman carnival. In it, the horses race, jockey less
Unavailable
H 68.12 in W 136.62 in D 7.88 in
"Race of the Berbers - Arrival", Grisaille Painting, 1800
Located in Rome, IT
, muscular frame) is the most anticipated event of the Roman carnival. In it, the horses race, jockeyless
Unavailable
H 65 in W 45.5 in D 0.1 in
French Art Nouveau Travel Poster for l’Hiver a Nice Cote d’Azur by Lefevre, 1891
By Lucien Lefevre
Located in New York, NY
casino and municipal theatre, horse racing, festivals, carnivals, shopping, holiday festivities, etc
Paper
Very Large Early 20th Century Carnival Horse Race Betting Wheel
Located in New York, NY
Very large early 20th Century carnival horse racing betting wheel. Wheel of fortune. Wheel of luck
Metal
A Playful Pair of English Cast Iron Polychromed Carnival Horse Heads
Located in San Francisco, CA
A playful pair of English cast iron polychromed carnival horse heads; each with a direct and
Rare Early 20th Century Carnival Wooden Horse Figures from Mexico
Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Collector's sculpture pieces. Carnival carved horse head from Veracruz, Mexico. Used for ceremonial
Wood
Rare Early 20th Century Carnival Wooden Horse Figures from Mexico
Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Collector pieces. Black painted, carved wood horse from Veracruz used during ceremonial dances and
Wood
Rare Early 20th Century Carnival Wooden Horse Figures from Mexico
Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Collector pieces. Carved wood horse heads from Veracruz, Mexico used during ceremonial dances and
Wood
20th Century Carousel Horse
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Early 1960's Carousel Fibreglass Horse displaying exciting prancing movement of the head.
Carousel Horse, circa 1912
By Marcus Charles Illions 1
Located in Sheffield, MA
carved in Englad then moved to Brooklyn, NY. This particular carosel horse was an inside row jumper
Wood
Wooden Carousel Horse Original Paint
Located in Manhasset, NY
Fine original painted Carousel Horse. With the original straps.
Wood
Vintage Carved Indian Painted Horse
Located in New York, NY
Vintage carved Indian painted horse: Measures: 33" x 8" x 40.
Wood
Vintage Race Horse Game Wheel
Located in Winter Park, FL
Vintage race horse gaming wheel made of wood and faced with plexiglass with metal trim and pins
Primitive Dutch Carousel Horse Fragment
Located in Wichita, KS
A beautiful Dutch folk art piece with traces of multiple layers of paint on bespoke iron stand. This piece is beautifully weathered with well done older repairs. Circa 1800-1900.
Antique 19th Century Painted Carousel Horse
Located in Round Top, TX
Whimsy and delight of an age gone by exude from this wonderful old carved Tivoli horse from
19th Century Carved Wood Carousel Horse.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Very Nice 19th Century Carved Wood Carousel Horse Retaining Original Paint. We will be having a new
Wood
20thc Century Painted & Mounted Carousel Horse
By Dentzel Carousel Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fantastic folk art Carousel horse is mounted on its original black wood base and is in great
French Wooden and Cast Iron Horse
Located in Winter Park, FL
This delicate horse was probably created foe a child's carousel. The juxtaposition of the finely
19th Century French Wood Carousel Horse, 1850s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful 19th century French painted wood carousel Horse from the 1850s. White painted wooden
Metal
19th C. Carousel Horse on Iron Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century wood carved carousel horse on iron stand with worn distressed finish.
Iron
Amazing Early 20thc Cowboy on Horse Target Shoot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This early 1900's bucking bronco horse and rider was probably used at a early carnival .The
RARE CONEY ISLAND CAROUSEL HORSE IN ORIGINAL PAINT
Located in Los Angeles, CA
WONDERFUL AND FOLKY 19THC ORIGINAL PAINTED AND HAND CARVED CAROUSEL HORSE FROM A MERRY GO ROUND IN
Antique Wooden Horse Fragment from Mexico Early 1900s
Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Antique horse fragment from Guerrero, Mexico. Mounted on custom iron base. Early 1900s.
Wood
19THC ORIGINAL WHITE PAINTED CAROUSEL HORSE ON STAND
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19THC ORIGINAL PAINTED PLATFORM RIDING CAROUSEL HORSE ON STAND FOUND IN PENNSYLVANIA AND ORIGINAL
Iron
Carousel Horse, Hand-Carved Wood Circa 1900 American
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Late 19th Century or early 20th Century American Carousel Horse. Beautifully carved with glass eyes
Wood
Rare Pair of 19th Century European Carousel Horse Sculptures
Located in Dallas, TX
These hand-carved wooden European carousel horses have a proud carriage, muscular body and an
Iron
Monumental 19th Century Cast Iron Carousel Child's Rocking Horse
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic 19th century large cast iron carrousel rocking horse with fragments of paint surface
Iron
Antique French Carousel Horse on Custom Iron Hanging Bracket
Located in Houston, TX
This is a 19th century carved and painted wooden carousel horse from Europe. This truly unique
Iron
19th Century Wooden Carousel Galloper or Fair Ground Horse
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th century wooden carousel galloper or fair ground horse This is a superb piece of Folk Art
Early 20th Century Continental Decorative Merry Go Round Horse
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century continental decorative carousel horse, circa 1900. Unique continental painted
Oak
19th Century French Wood Carousel Horse with Iron Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century French Wood one of a kind Carousel Horse with Iron Stand
Wood
Large Hand-Painted Carved Prancing Horse Sculpture Equestrian Equine
Located in West Hartford, CT
Standing just over five feet tall on a black mount, this hand-painted carved horse is quite unusual.
Wood
Early 20th Century Continental Decorative Merry Go Round Horse
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Unique continental painted merry-go-round horse, circa 1900. Excellent opportunity to own this
Paint
Polychrome Decorated Carousel Prancer Horse attributed to Frederick Heyn
By Fredrich Heyn
Located in Milford, NH
A large carved wooden polychrome paint decorated carousel prancer horse, probably used on a
Wood
Small 19th Century painted Wooden Carousel Galloper or Fair Ground Horse
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Small 19th century painted wooden Carousel Galloper or fair ground horse An original the 19th
Wood
Small 19th Century Painted Wooden Carousel Galloper or Fair Ground Horse
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Small 19th century painted wooden carousel galloper or fair ground horse An original the 19th
Wood
Great 19th Century American Carousel Horse with Character on Stand
Located in Wiscasset, ME
With excellent early repairs and real horse shoes.
Americana Folk-Art Carved and Paint Decorated Wood Carousel Horse
Located in New York, NY
Americana Folk-Art carved and paint decorated wood childs carousel horse: Mounted on metal pole
Wood
Sold
H 30.71 in W 50.01 in D 10.24 in
19th century Carved wooden fairground horse by Limonaire Freres Paris
Located in Malton, GB
This a hugely decorative as well as collectible 19th century Fairground carousel horse by renowned
Pine
French Papier Mâché Theatre Horse Head from Paris, circa 1950s
Located in London, GB
French papier mâché theatre horse head from Paris, circa 1950s For sale in this LOT is a rare
Paper
19th Century Wooden Spanish Carousel Galloper or Fair Ground Horse
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th century wooden Spanish Carousel Galloper or fair ground horse 19th century fair ground
Sold
H 43 in W 62 in D 19 in
Antique American Dapple Jumper Track Carousel Horse, Charles W Dare Attributed
Located in Forney, TX
An antique American track machine carousel horse attributed to legendary carver Charles W. Dare
Wood, Paint
$2,200
H 29 in W 40 in
YES - large format photograph of conceptual motivational sign at night
By Frank Schott
Located in San Francisco, CA
large scale original photograph from a series of conceptual motivational messages on classic Americana billboard signs in iconic landscape of the American West YES by Frank Schott ...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment, Giclée
$19,800
H 90.56 in W 39.38 in D 39.38 in
Savana Armchair in Natural Wicker, Brazilian Contemporary Style
By Tiago Curioni
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This armchair is made of wicker in the Brazilian contemporary style. A clump of grass, a bush, which moves in the wind and envelops its inhabitant was the inspiration for creating t...
Wicker
$3,960Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31.25 in W 35 in D 34 in
Eero Saarinen Womb Chair & Ottoman Medium in Alexander Girard Quatrefoil Fabric
By Eero Saarinen
Located in Seattle, WA
One of the most iconic chair designs of the 20th century, Eero Saarinen designed this lounge chair for Florence Knoll at the request of “a chair that was like a basket full of pillow...
Fabric, Fiberglass
$3,500
H 30 in W 40 in D 2 in
WILD HORSES-1, Original Signed Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Painting
Located in Boston, MA
WILD HORSES-1, Original Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Painting, 2021 30" x 40" x 2" (HxWxD) Oil and Newspaper on Canvas Hand-signed by the artist. This large-format oil painti...
Canvas, Oil, Newsprint
$5,387 / item
H 25.6 in Dm 16.54 in
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Pendant Jugendstil Silk Chandelier, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
A Josef Hoffmann design for the Staekelborg, Knips and for the Berta Zuckerkandl Mansion. Comes as well in other sizes and colors. The other images shows the lamp in a showroom of th...
Brass
$1,794 / item
H 144 in W 104 in D 0.01 in
Schumacher by Miles Redd Madame de Pompadour Wallpaper Mural in Aqua
By Miles Redd, Schumacher
Located in New York, NY
English Garden meets chinoiserie in this stunning design, in collaboration with Miles Redd. Originally drawn to scale on French canvas, this vast floral pattern is comprised of two 1...
Paper
$33,000
H 102.76 in W 130.71 in D 13 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Large Architectural Library in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Library wall-unit, walnut, Italy, 1960s Rooted in Italy’s mid-century design tradition, this substantial bookcase highlights the makers architectural sensibility and refined taste f...
Walnut
$1,900 / item
H 38 in W 17 in D 19 in
Lana Dining Chair, Ivory Bouclé & Wood Chair by Christian Siriano
By Christian Siriano
Located in New York, NY
Made to order wood & bouclé dining chair designed by Christian Siriano. Fabric for seat/back cushion: Ivory Bouclé Base: Red oak Measures: Front seat width: 18” Back seat width: ...
Bouclé, Oak
Glide Ottoman Round Custom Hidden Castors
Located in Ridgewood, NY
The smart and simple Glide Ottoman can be used as a seat at a table, a place to kick your feet up, or both. Boasting hidden casters, the delicate curves of its sides subtly remove th...
Fabric
English Georgian Patinated Copper Outdoor Lantern
Located in Queens, NY
English Georgian-style square copper green patinated hanging lantern with leaded glass side panels. (19/20th Century).
Copper, Lead, Tôle
$5,435 / item
H 25.6 in Dm 16.54 in
Wiener Werkstaette Josef Hoffmann "Graben Cafe" 45 Pendant Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Originally a Josef Hoffmann design for the Staekelborg, Knips and for the Berta Zuckerkandl Mansion. This one was designed for the famous Graben Cafè in Vienna - Comes in all sizes. ...
Brass
$4,500
H 29 in Dm 36 in
Italian Empire Mahogany Center Table Grand Tour Specimen Marble Chessboard Top
Located in Forney, TX
A visually striking Empire style bronze mounted mahogany guéridon centre table with spectacular round exhibition style specimen marble top with central inlaid chessboard. Featuring ...
Siena Marble, Carrara Marble, Belgian Black Marble, Marble, Multi-gemsto...
Vintage Mosaic Glass Disco Ball With Rotor 1980s
Located in Palermo, IT
Vintage mosaic glass disco ball with rotor 1980s Intact and functional, it has a diameter of 30 cm. Very good condition. We guarantee adequate packaging and will ship via DHL, insu...
Mirror
$350 / item
H 19.69 in W 1.97 in D 3.15 in
Pierre Forsell 'Skultuna' candle wall light Sweden 1960 Signed
By Pierre Forsell
Located in Paris, FR
Brass Swedish wall mounted candle holders designed by Pierre Forsell and manufactured by Skultuna, 1955s. Model - Pendal No 71. Good Condition. 8 pieces available. Price by item. ...
Brass
$480Sale Price|20% Off
H 1 in Dm 12 in
Deep ocean blue pill (minimaliste grid round painting on wood dopamine art)
By Melisa Taylor Metzger
Located in Quebec, Quebec
"Deep ocean blue pill" is one of the 30 small tondo paintings on wood comprising the Dopamine mosaic. This 30-piece ensemble was created between January and April 2024 by the artist ...
Spray Paint
Johdpur Bed, twin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Martyn Lawrence Bullard's custom Johdpur bed. The original of this bed was one of a pair carved in ivory and accented with silver that belonged to the famed Rothschild collection.
Wood
The collection of original antique and vintage carnival art on 1stDibs includes paintings and posters that promoted traveling carnivals and circuses of years past as well as masks, sculptures and other works of folk art associated with widespread public celebrations that mark the start of harvest season or are rooted in religion.
The concept of “Carnival” is linked to an event that precedes Lent, the season of preparation before Easter for Christians (it may also have roots in Ancient Rome’s pagan Saturnalian festival), while the modern traveling carnival that we know — i.e., amusement fairs — existed during the 19th century in North America. The Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 was pivotal to these traveling amusement fairs.
Some of the most famous celebrations of Carnival around the world include Karneval in Germany, Carnival in Brazil and Mardi Gras in the United States. Carnival in Barbados is a traditional harvest festival. The bright colors, the caricatured masks and floats and the over-the-top nature of Carnival continue to enthrall millions across the globe.
Carnivals have always given way to impressive displays of creativity and folk art. Folk art is art created by people who are not classically trained for either utilitarian or decorative purposes. With respect to visual art in folk art, it refers to work that is reflective of a community’s culture and usually handmade by craftspeople working within a popular tradition.
Carnival art reflects the way different cultures celebrate or mark an important community event. Some examples of Carnival art include fabric dolls and marionettes that are used to tell stories and capture your imagination. Antique dolls make for striking collectibles positioned for display on any shelf in your home, while carnival masks make a bold statement as wall art. A collection of masks could create an elevated accent wall in a living room or dining room.
Browse 1stDibs to find unique antique and vintage carnival art for your space today.
At Waddesdon Manor, artist Joana Vasconcelos has installed a three-tiered patisserie inspired by the narrative tile work of her homeland. We take a look at the cake sculpture and how Portuguese tiles have been used in architecture from the 17th century to today.
The streets of fin-de-siècle Paris were set aglow with colorful poster ads, thanks to the printing techniques invented by Jules Chéret. Now, the Milwaukee Art Museum is celebrating this undersung talent in America's first solo show dedicated his exuberant works.
Expert Jeff Bridgman explains the history and meaning behind the twinkling constellations that have graced Old Glory.
The iconoclastic style setter displayed African and Oceanic art, as well as works by indigenous peoples of the Americas, alongside pieces by such major modernists as Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock.
Perfect for July 4th weekend, a new show at Philadelphia's Museum of the American Revolution displays an array of antique red, white and blue flags.
Designers are beginning to see this enigmatic form of folk art in a whole new light.