Folk Art Carnival Art
FOLK ART STYLE
Folk art is a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Antique, new and vintage folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, duck decoys, portraiture and paintings, carnival art and quilts.
Quilts are a quintessential part of American folk art but their roots are international, with quilting dating back to Ancient Egypt. The practice spread to Europe and was especially prominent in the Middle Ages, with one of the oldest surviving examples being the Tristan quilt made in Sicily in the 14th century. They were made as bedcovers and clothing, including as a layer for knights to wear beneath their armor. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.
Elsewhere, the vast range of work associated with Mexican folk art includes masks made by Mexican craftspeople for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater.
Works in the folk art tradition are valuable because of the skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story.
During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.
Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of antique, new and vintage folk art on 1stDibs.
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Style: Folk Art
Matched pair of Early 20th Century English Hand Crafted Fairground Fragment
Located in London, GB
Matched pair of Early 20th Century English Hand Crafted Fairground Fragment
These historic hand carved early 20th century English fairground ride decorative fragments have stood the...
Category
Early 20th Century British Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Pine
Batman Returns Large Barbell Movie Prop - Seen on Film
Located in Forney, TX
Own a piece of Hollywood history, this Batman Returns (Warner Bros., 1992), circus strongman barbell movie prop is sure to start a conversation while ma...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Resin, Fiberglass, Paint
Vintage Pair of Venetian Masquerade Masks on Opera Sticks
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of Folk Art jester masks that are original Venetian creations, entirely hand-drawn and handcrafted, circa 2000. Italian Artists have realized these pieces with respect of craftsmanship traditions and following original designs developed in Venice for “Commedia dell'Arte” during the late 17th century.
The coated papier mâché faces...
Category
20th Century Italian Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Gold, Brass, Metallic Thread
Early 20th century fairground figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century fairground figure
In the form of Benito Mussolini this early 20th century hand carved French fairground knockdown figure is in or...
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Pine
Circus Poster by Ringling Bros., circa 1971, "Clown Standing over Tents"
Located in Incline Village, NV
This highly animated, bright and colorful circus poster portrays a fabulous looking clown in white frilled garb with red stripes, welcoming everyone to see the "Greatest Show on Earth...
Category
1970s Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Paper
Vintage Shooting Club Lodge Target Plaque German 1929, Carnival Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage Shooting Lodge Target Plaque dated 1929. A rare and beautiful wooden shooting target plaque with inscriptions. This rare kings plaque was issued by a shooting club...
Category
1920s German Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Wood, 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 legendary carver Charles W. Dare Company (United States), now mounted on a custom r...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Wooden Carousel Horse / Zebra, European Hand-Carved Folk Art Sculpture
Located in Madrid, ES
Detailed and expressive, this authentic handmade carousel / merry-go-round zebra demonstrates how popular or folk style sculpture can reach the level of high art. With its original p...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Iron
19thc Wooden Folk Art Gaming Wheel with Original Red Paint & Cardinal Design
Located in Savannah, GA
19th Folk Art gaming wheel featuring four cardinals and hand painted numbers, it retains the original red and yellow paint. A charming piece of Americana that would make a colorful w...
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Metal
Pair Carved Wood Carousel Pigs, mid 20th century , France
Located in Buffalo, NY
Add a touch of whimsy to your space with these charming antique carousel figure's.. featuring a carved wooden pigs. Crafted with precision and mounted on a sturdy vintage industrial ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Wood
Large German Oktoberfest "Hau den Lukas" Wooden Hammer
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Large German wooden hammer from the 1950`s. This piece was made and used for the famous old German game called "Hau den Lukas" (Hit the Lukas) which is still popular at fairgrounds a...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Oak
Early 20th Century Hand Carved English Fairground Carousel Panel
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Hand Carved English Fairground Carousel Panel
A rare piece of traditional English fairground art attributed to Orton and spooner. All carved from sections piece ...
Category
1910s British Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Pine
Monumental Fiberglass Lion Sculpture Drinking Fountain mFG. by F.A.S.T Corp
Located in Buffalo, NY
Monumental Fiberglass Lion Sculpture Drinking Fountain mFG. by F.A.S.T Corp..Salvaged from Crystal Beech ,famed amusement park in Ontario Canada,, Amazing Cartoon Lion ,complete with...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Shooting Club Lodge Target Plaque German 1934, Carnival Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage Shooting Lodge Target Plaque dated 1934. A rare and beautiful wooden shooting target plaque with inscriptions. This rare kings plaque was issued by a shooting club...
Category
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Wood
Vintage Carnival Midway Wood Ring Toss Game
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Great vintage carnival midway ring toss game. Perfect wall art. Wood with original park paint surface. These appear to be one of a kind carny made pieces for...
Category
1950s Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Wood
Early 20th century English fairground carousel central fragment
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century English fairground carousel central fragment
A hand carved example of a vibrant and highly decorative fairground carousel central mirror panel. With its original...
Category
1920s British Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Pine
Antique French Limonaire Frères Signed Carved Painted Wood Carousel Donkey Ride
Located in Forney, TX
A rare, important and most charming French carousel amusement ride by important Parisian craftsmen Limonaire Frères / Limonaire Brothers (France; 1839-1932)
Hand-crafted in Paris, France in the late 19th century, exceptionally executed near life-size form depicting a standing donkey figure with the rare unique feature of a nodding head. Finished in country fair taste, hand-carved solid wood construction, the menagerie merry-go-round ride presents splendidly, with the original layered polychrome paint finish, enhanced by beautifully aged heavily worn patina acquired over many years of carnival use.
Signed, retaining the original manufacturer's brass plaque that reads: "Sculptures Pour Forains, Chevaux De Bois Etc, Limonaire Freres, Paris, 166 Avenue Daumesnil"
The extremely rare, museum quality example is one of the very few surviving Limonaire Frères wooden carousel fixtures, one of only a handful imported to the United States, and quite possibly the last surviving donkey!
DIMENSIONS: (approx)
44" High, 52" Wide, 10" Deep
PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION:
Acquired from the highly reputable auction house, Schultz Auctioneers, Clarence, New York. Important Antiques & Decorative Arts catalog
HISTORY:
Limonaire Frères were an amusement ride and later street organ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Vintage Shooting Club Lodge Target Plaque German 1900s, Carnival Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage Shooting Lodge Target Plaque 1900s. A rare and beautiful wooden shooting target plaque with inscriptions. This rare kings plaque was issued by a ...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Wood, Paper
Vintage Folk Art Carved Wood Juvenile Size Carousel Figure of a Standing Lion
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Vintage half-scale carved wood carousel figure by Robert Demechko (1938-1923). Called "Leo" a carved and bleached or limed wood figure of a standing male lion with glass eyes and dec...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Wood
Antique 1930s Judge Theatre Papier Mâché Head from Paris
Located in London, GB
Antique 1930s judge theatre papier mâché head from Paris
This lot is a rare original 1930s papier mâché French theatre heads. This item was obtain...
Category
1930s French Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Paper
Hand Painted Midcentury Resin White Jumper Carousel Horse by C.W. Parker
By Charles Looff Or C.W. Parker
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Perfectly captured in all it’s glory, this vintage C.W. Parker carousel horse is sure to gallop your heart. One look at this radiant mare, and you’ll see why. The animal’s strength a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Brass
Folk Art Carnival Sign Winged Scarab and Pyramid "Elixer of Life" Circa 1900
Located in Stamford, CT
Carnival sign with Ancient Egyptian winged scarab and pyramid, hand carved and painted advertisement for "Elixer of Life", circa 1900. This wonderful piece, a personal favorite, has ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Wood
Rare 1950s Childs Size Carousel Motorcycle
Located in Peekskill, NY
This item is a lot smaller than it looks in the pictures. The handlebars are less that 2 foot tall. Its sized for a small child but has the proportions of a full size motorcycle. Tha...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Metal
Early 20th Century Carnival Carousel Funhouse Architectural Columns
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Fun antique architectural elements from carnival carousel or funhouse ride. Layers of beautiful original park paint. Great scale for wall art or to act as a frame for something else. Unique and original fairground art!
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Wood
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, and handsome custom iron stand. Makes a stunning folk art sculpture with monochromat...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Wood
1950s "Prince Buddah" Circus Sideshow Banner
Located in Chicago, IL
1950s "Prince Buddah" circus sideshow banner.
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Iron
Set of Eight Folk Art Carnival Punks / Knockdown Dolls
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Folk Art carnival punks / knockdown dolls composed of canvas forms lined with cotton fur supported by carved wood bases for added stability / weight, c...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Canvas, Cotton, Wood
Antique French Folk Art Fairground Pierrot Shooting Target Game by Saussine
Located in London, GB
Antique Shooting Target, Antique Shooting Game, Fairground Antique, Funfair Antique, Circus Antique, Antique Pierrot, Carnival Antique, Folk A...
Category
1920s French Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Metal
Circus Poster by Ringling Bros, circa 1971 "Buffalo Bill’s Wild West"
Located in Incline Village, NV
This bright and colorful, action packed circus poster portrays the quintessential Buffalo Bill images with Indians and western scenes, characters in full regalia that were used in his wild west shows...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Paper
19th Century French Carousel Pig
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Fantastic 19th century carousel pig. Super whimsical carnival piece from a bygone era. Carved wood with cast iron curly tail and handle. Original layers o...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Iron
Circus Poster by Ringling Bros., circa 1971, Portraying Six Seated Clowns
Located in Incline Village, NV
This bright and colorful circus poster depicts six seated clowns with their backs to the audience and an alphabet letter on their back spelling out the word "Circus". It is a reissued poster by Ringling Brothers from 1971 of one of their original 1936 promotional circus posters.
To commemorate their 100th anniversary, in 1971, Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey, produced reissues of some of their select and most famous authentic posters dating from 1883 until the 1930's. There were 30 different posters, and they were advertised as "The only antique posters authorized by the greatest show on...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Paper
1960s English Carnival Sign
Located in High Point, NC
1960s carnival art sign from England. It is advertising a cake walk on one side of the sign, and on the back has a charming message "Have a nice Victorian day". Great sign for any co...
Category
1960s English Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Wood
Equestrian Circus Poster by Ringling Bros Ca. 1971 Featuring "Miss Helen Girard"
Located in Incline Village, NV
There is a lot going on in this equestrian themed, bright and colorful circus poster portraying famous early 20th century circus performer "Miss Helen Girard". She is in a horse drawn cart in one image, while two men ride horses in two other images, and Helen Girard in full portrait is featured on the left. Her claim to fame is stated at the bottom "Empress of the Equestrian World" and "Side Saddle Queen". This is a reissued poster by Ringling Brothers from 1971 of one of their original, very early, 1903 promotional circus posters.
To commemorate their 100th anniversary, in 1971, Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey, produced reissues of some of their select and most famous authentic posters...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Paper
Early 20th century hand carved pine fairground figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century hand carved pine fairground figure
A rare piece of fairground art, in the form of a hand carved, painted polychrome Jeu de massacre fairground knock- down figure. ...
Category
1920s French Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Pine
Late 19th Century English Folk Art Jig Doll
Located in London, GB
Late 19th century English Folk Art Jig Doll
We are proud to offer a late 19th century hand carved, painted Folk Art English jigger doll example. Jig dolls are traditional wooden or tin-plate 'toys' for adults or children. They are dolls with loose limbs that step dance...
Category
1890s English Antique Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Wood
Rare Antique Early American Carnival Coin Toss Game Table
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce American carnival coin toss game. The rare and unusual antique hand carved and painted solid wood amusement park / county fair / mid-way gaming tabl...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Rare Jaguar Wood Figure Found in Chilapa, Guerrero, Southern México, ca. 1940
By NONO
Located in Guadalajra, Jal
This vintage hand carved and hand painted Tiger, is presumed to have been made in or near Chilapa, Guerrero in circa 1940 in a Folk Art style. The carving has been made in a naive st...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Wood
Iron Shooting Target of a Pig
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique shooting target made from cut steel and iron in the shape of a pig. The piece is quite rusty and weathered from all it's years in use.
Category
Early 20th Century North American Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Steel
American Sideshow Wondercade Circus Banner Signed J. Sigler
Located in Santa Monica, CA
A personal favorite! 15 1/2 feet tall. American "Wondercade" sideshow banner. Painted and signed by J. Sigler. One of the great American sideshow banner artists. Death defying! This ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Canvas
American Sideshow "Double" Banner by Johnny Meah
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Vividly painted American sideshow banner with larger than life subject matter. Painted by the self-titled Czar of Bizarre, Johnny Meah. Both banners are signed. The Harold huge banner is cleverly signed with the "H" in the legs of Harold's huge chair.
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Canvas
Vintage Painted Wood Carnival Game Wheel
Located in Troy, MI
Found in the US, this painted wood carnival game wheel dates from the late 1940s/early 1950s. Wood wheel has colorful painted details and numbers separated by nails. The original lea...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Metal
Early Sunshine Studios American Side Show Electric Chair Banner
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Early example of American sideshow banner art. Painted at the Sunshine Studio in Witchita, Kansas by Geo Bellis. Signed by artist on front and studio name on front and back. This ban...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Canvas
1950's Papier mâché french theatre head
Located in Diest, BE
A 1950's rare original James Ensor style papier mâché theatre head. This item was obtained via a private collection (France).
Category
1950s French Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Paper
Signed Snap Wyatt Sideshow Banner
By Snap Wyatt
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Fantastic "Plenty For Two" sideshow banner painted by Snap Wyatt. Great manageable size.
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Iron
Vintage Late 19th Century Canvas Circus Carnival Midway Folk Art Sideshow Banner
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Very early American circus or carnival Sideshow Banner, circa 1890-1900. Fantastic paint detail. Great example of American folk art banner painting. The Great American African Camel...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Canvas
Large-Scale American Folk Art Carnival Game Board, Very Graphic
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large-scale Folk Art Carnival game board, American, circa 1940s. This painted carnival game board came from Texas and combines wonderfully patinate...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Wood, Cork
HBO Prop "Huber's Palace Museum" Souvenir Pennant Cart
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Colorful stage prop cart from an HBO production. Painted wood on wheels, along with two painted barrels with sticks for the pennants. This is an artist made...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Wood
Carved American Carnival Head, circa 1890s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Finely featured carved man's head found in the southern United States. Most likely a late 19th century carnival head featured in a ball or ring toss game.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Wood
Aage Hogfeldt Outsider Art Clown Sculpture
Located in Savannah, GA
Aage Hogfeldt
(American, 1925-2014)
A clown bust made from concrete and found lamp parts.
10 by 10 by 17 inches
In 1954 Aage Hogfeldt founded an artist...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Concrete, Wire
Early 20th Century, Circus Balancing Balls
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century circus balancing balls.
We share what we love, and we love these rare early 20th century hand crafted wood and glass mirror English circus balancing balls. Each section is hand crafted using pins...
Category
1920s British Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Vardo Wagon Panels, circa 1880
Located in London, GB
Carved wooden gypsy vardo wagon panels, circa 1880
This lot is a very rare and unique set of 6 hand carved wooden gypsy Vardo travelling wagon panel strips. The wooden panels wou...
Category
1890s British Antique Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Wood
Carnival Midway Sideshow Banner
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Original hand-painted canvas sideshow banner for carnival midway sideshow entrance. Not signed but most likely out of Chicago Tent and Awning's banner ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Canvas
Rare Folk Art Iron Shooting Gallery Carnival Ram Sculpture
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Fabulous folk art freestanding animal sculpture made from found carnival art shooting gallery iron ram. Rich with authentic character, the brown patinated surface is pocked with bul...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Iron
Wood Carved Folk Art Girl and Dog Carousel Chariot Original Paint Surface
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Fantastic girl and her dog Folk Art carved carousel chariot panel. Superb original paint surface. Great three dimensional surface. Excellent wall hang...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Wood
19th Century American Traveling Circus Carousel or Circus Wagon Carvings
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Pair of American 19th century circus wagon or traveling carousel three-dimensional wood carved faces. From an early American traveling circus. Many layers...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Carnival Art
1920s Bulbous Folk Art Painted Spanish Lamp and Shade
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
1920s Bulbous Folk Art painted Spanish lamp and shade
This an attractive painted lamp, the lamp has a hand carved bulbous Fair Ground Twisted column which is painted in Gold, Green and Red, the paint has now aged in colour and developed a charming aged finish, the lamp has its own oversized lamp...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Wood
O'Henry Fred Johnson Salem Witch Trials Sideshow Spider Girl Banner
Located in Santa Monica, CA
O'Henry Tent and Awning sideshow banner with original shipping tag. Unusual subject matter and fantastic story from the Salem witch trails to Spider Girl. ...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Canvas
Original Wood Carved Carnival Midway Poster Letterpress
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Set of three original hand-carved letterpress made by the Neal Walters Poster Company. Fantastic carnival midway scene. Games, carnival rides and acrobats. Carved with incredible detail, please see photos. The colors are the original ink used during the three color posted printing process. Circus and...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Folk Art carnival art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art carnival art for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage carnival art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art carnival art made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original carnival art, popular names associated with this style include Architectural Fiberglass, Dentzel Carousel Company, French Game & Novelty Company, and Johnny Meah. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for carnival art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $75 and tops out at $49,500 while the average work can sell for $2,700.