Early 20th century papier Mache carnival mask of a German soldier
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century papier Mache carnival mask of a German soldier An early example of a French carnival mask in the form of a German soldier. With hand crafted detail included pain...
Paper
Soldier Carnival Shooting Gallery Targets
By King
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Early examples of 'King' soldier shooting gallery targets. Rare shape and extremely thick. King manufactured shooting galleries and targets throughout the first half of the 20th cent...
Iron
"Universal Soldier" Ghanaian Hand-Painted Movie Poster
Located in Chicago, IL
Starring Jean Claude Van-Damme and Dolph Lundgren, Universal Soldier was a pulpy action/sci-fi from the early 1990s. The film's international success is evident in this hand-painted ...
Paint, Paper
$5,850
H 33.38 in W 4.25 in D 3.63 in
World War I Trench Art Carved Wallking Stick Cane of Sculpture Pig Soldier
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A FINE TRENCH-ART CARVED AND POLYCHROMED “CONFERENCE DE LA HAYE” CANE Continental, probably French, executed during World War I 33 3/8" L x 3 5/8" D x 4 1/4" W ref. 511DAL29Q A ca...
Wood
Antique American Soldier Whirligig
Located in Nantucket, MA
Carved and painted Pine with rotating sheet iron swords, with black hair, mustache and beard, bicorn hat, blue jacket with tacks for buttons, black boots mounted on a yellow circular...
Sheet Metal
Vintage Collection of Seven Small Lead Marine Soldiers
Located in Sofia, BG
This collection contains seven marine soldiers in various poses with typical uniforms. All figures are hand painted and are standing on their own base. Circa 1940.
Lead
$516Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 3.55 in W 1.97 in D 1.19 in
Collection of 17 Small Lead Soldiers from French and English Regiments
Located in Sofia, BG
This collection contains soldiers and guards and other English and French regiments in various poses, with weapons and different uniforms. All figures are hand painted and are standi...
Lead
$10,014
H 37.01 in W 19.3 in D 1.58 in
"Arab Soldier in Prayer" by Belgian Painter Théophile Lybaert - Belgium 1899
By Théophile Marie Françoise Lybaert
Located in Brussels, BE
"Soldat arabe en prière", 1899 - gouache on paper. By Théophile Marie Françoise Lybaert (1848 Ghent -1927 Ghent). Academic painter, he was a pupil of Jean-Léon Gérôme, who exerte...
Paper, Gouache
$1,413Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.63 in W 4.34 in D 3.55 in
Renato Bassoli Stone Soldier Sculpture, Signed 1955
By Renato Bassoli
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful stone statue designed and produced by Renato Bassoli in 1955, of fine Italian manufacture. The statue is made of natural dark stone, very beautiful. The statue would appear...
Stone
$2,656 / set
H 5.12 in W 2.37 in D 5.12 in
A group of ten hand carved and painted wooden Napoleonic soldier figures c 1930
Located in Central England, GB
This very rare group of French Napoleonic period soldiers are completely handmade. They have each been finely carved in wood and then hand painted with great detail. Each soldier is ...
Wood
$3,298
H 3.94 in W 9.85 in D 3.94 in
19th century French Napoleon War Soldier Work Domino Painted Basket, 1820s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful and rare 19th-century domino set made by a prisoner of war in the 1820s. Entirely hand-carved and painted, depicting a bourgeois, young women, seascapes, bouquets of flower...
Natural Fiber
19th Century French Walnut Butler with Tray
Located in High Point, NC
19th century unique folk art statue of a French soldier holding a tray.
Walnut
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
H 11 in W 13 in
19th century English folk art, Town scene with soldier my a monument and church
Located in Woodbury, CT
Well painted and very unique oil on a card of an English town landscape with figures, soldier, monument, and a boy on his way to a school with a hoop and stick. Possible painted for...
Oil, Board
$340
H 7.75 in W 6.88 in D 2.75 in
Soldier on Horse Pull Toy Vintage Folk Art Ore Mountains, German, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This old hand carved wooden Soldier and horse on wooden wheels Toy, was made in the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) in Germany. It remains fully functional. Crafted in Germany during the ...
Wood
$650
H 20 in W 8.75 in D 1 in
Folk Art Painting of a Villa Hacienda with Soldiers in Costume by Alayde Lacerda
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Wonderful painting on wood by Brazilian artist Alayde Lacerda. The painting features a villa set back in a valley with the mountains in the background. In front of the house is a gro...
Wood, Paint
$96Sale Price|56% Off
H 4 in W 1.5 in D 1 in
Mercury Glass Nutcracker Toy Soldier Christmas Tree Ornament
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is the cutest Nutcracker Soldier Christmas Tree ornament made of blown molded glass. He has a finish that resembles fur around the bottom of his coat, on his beard and on his ea...
Mercury Glass
Concrete Soldier Statue circa 1900 Chicago Area Garden
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Exceptional 6 ft. tall American Folk Art concrete soldier statue with original paint surface and inset glass 'gem.'
Concrete
3 Very Naive French Soldier Jigsaw Puzzles These 3 are hand made
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
3 Very Naive French Soldier Jigsaw Puzzles These 3 are hand made and in the same set, they are made from 1” thick pine, overall they are each 15” high and 5” wide GY92
Pine
Folk Art Soldier Carvings
By Friso Kramer
Located in New Haven, CT
Two carvings signed Fred Kramer and dated 1911
Wood
Colonial Mahogany Soldier Cane
Located in Paris, FR
Colonial wooden cane featuring a soldier standing over a functioning tobacco snuffbox.
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Soldier Wooden Cane
Located in Paris, FR
Pear tree cane, featuring on the pommel a soldier's head and an eagle separated in the middle by a skull. The stick is decorated with a snake. Various sentences celebrating the allie...
Wood
Soldier on a Black Horse, Watercolor and Ink on Paper
Located in Litchfield, CT
Probably English Artist unidentified, ca. 1830-1850. Watercolor and ink on paper 13" x 11 1/2" framed In a period mahogany frame The trooper on horseback is identified as a me...
Watercolor, Paper
Two Male Soldier Drawings
Located in Canaan, CT
Not sure if these are prints or drawings. Just picked up at a tag sale in the Berkshires MA. They have been very nicely framed. Sold as a pair.
Wooden Soldiers, Europe, 20th Century
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An extensive collection of lathed fruit wood soldiers with a single flag bearer holding the rare. Each soldier is clearly an individual being no two are identical. The faces are draw...
Early Whirligig, Hessian or Revolutionary War Soldier Form
Located in Litchfield, CT
New England, circa 1860-1880. Exceptional piece of early Americana. Having the original paddles, the Whirligig itself is in untouched condition. The carved body has wonderful propor...
Unavailable
H 2.5 in W 0.75 in D 0.5 in
Collection of 40 Pre WW1 Lead Soldiers, Scots Guards and English Regiments
Located in Port Chester, NY
This collection contains Scots Guards and other English regiments. The soldiers have various poses, these include running attack, laying prone with weapons, standing to attention and...
Lead
20th Century Outsider Art Portrait of an American Soldier
Located in Van Nuys, CA
A small oil painting on canvas. It is a naive portrait of an American soldier in uniform. It appears to be framed in a handmade oak frame along with handcrafted pine stretcher bars, ...
Canvas, Oak
Antique Italian Terra Cotta Rondel Plaque Military Soldier, circa 1895
Located in Houston, TX
This handsome antique Italian circular terra cotta plaque rondel circa 1895 of a military figure features a robustly sculpted profile portrait of a man sporting an extravagant helmet...
Terracotta
ANZAC WW1 Straw Rag Doll of a Soldier
Located in Bodicote, Oxfordshire
A very charming little WW1 straw and cotton filled rag doll in the form of an ANZAC soldier. It has wear and tear from playing, there is color fading and areas stitched back up but i...
Fabric
Almost Lifesize Sicilian Soldier Marionette Figure
Located in Pasadena, CA
Highly decorative Sicilian marionette or puppet soldier dressed in brocade jacket and patchwork pants. Also wears ornate breast plate, helmet, sword and shield. Polychrome face, ha...
Metal
Pair of 19th Century Hessian Soldier Form Cast Iron Andirons
Located in Concord, MA
Pair of Hessian Soldier form cast iron andirons. Popular in the 19th century, this pair is unpainted with a nice surface. Measures: Height: 19 1/2 inches, width: 9 inches; firedog:...
Iron
Hand Made German Folk Art Jumping Jack Soldier Toy Figure, circa 1890
Located in London, GB
German Folk Art jumping jack, circa 1890. We are proud to offer a late 19th century German jumping jack in the form of a soldier, this item is untouched in form in perfect working c...
Wood
Sold
H 17 in W 18 in D 11 in
Folk Art Toy Castle Medieval Knights Soldier Figures, German, Early 20th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Offered is an absolutely stunning toy castle, it is a beautiful example of early 20th century, German handmade craft. The architectural detailing in the crenellated towers and torche...
Wood
Early 20th Century Hand Carved Naïve Folk-Art Figure of a Soldier
Located in London, GB
The Solider We are proud to offer a highly sculptural hand carved naïve folk-art figure of a soldier. Wearing a fez style hat and displaying 2 strips of rank on his sleeve, with ar...
Pine
Watercolor Painting of War of 1812 American Soldiers
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Great folk art quality. First half of the 19th century. Watercolor on paper in early frame.
Petite Bone Carving of an Indian Soldier
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th century figurine is hand-carved of bone to depict an Indian soldier holding a musket rifle. Modeled after Sowar cavalrymen who served under the British East India Com...
Bone, Paint
Petite Bone Carving of an Indian Soldier
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th century figurine is hand-carved of bone to depict an Indian soldier holding a musket rifle. Modeled after Sowar cavalrymen who served under the British East India Com...
Bone, Paint
19th Century Folky West Indian Soldier Rag Doll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This wonderful all original handmade West Indian soldier is from Barbadas. This amazing guy is dressed in early wool fabric with leather shoes. The condition is very good.
Wool
20th C Signed & Dated Folk Sculpture of a Soldier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This folk terracotta sculpture is depicting a English soldier in uniform - The jointed arms are attached by screws in the shoulder area.
Terracotta
Soviet War Carved Folk Art Solider Figure
Located in London, GB
Soviet War carved Folk Art solider figure Carved from a single piece of light wood, this wonderful folk-art figure depicts a soviet soldier holding a riffle with a large coat over h...
Pine
Erzgebirge German Folk-Art Candle Holder Figure
Located in London, GB
Erzgebirge German folk-art candle holder figure A rare early 20th century hand carved folk-art Erzgebirge German miner soldier candle holder figure. made from pine and still with al...
Pine
A Portrait of A Soldier
Located in NYC, NY
A oil on linen of a young soldier with an intense stare with a uniform that appears to be 19th century possibly German or Dutch, in a gilded frame. Framed - 27"h x 21"w Unframe...
Linen
Pair of Painted Military Silhouette Soldiers
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
A delightful pair of wooden painted soldiers by Lt Ernest Vernon Howell, Serving British officer from Sep 1917 - Jun1920. Having been invalided he began painting these wooden figures...
Early 20th Century Fairground Automaton Soldiers
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century fairground automaton soldiers We are proud to offer a rare example of an early 20th century fairground automaton display. Made from toleware metal sheets and pine...
Tin
Early 19th Century Naive French Soldier Toy
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
Naive carved wooden toy doll depicting a French soldier. More than likely made by a father to give to his son. The lever to the rear when pulled lifts the dolls arms up and down acco...
19THC ORIGINAL POLYCHROME PAINTED & JOINTED WALL MOUNT SOLDIER
Located in Los Angeles, CA
RARE AND UNUSUAL 19THC ORIGINAL POLYCHROME PAINTED WALL MOUNT HAND CARVED AND HAND PAINTED ,JOINTED AND ORIGINAL IRON WALL BRACKET ,AS FOUND.GREAT ADDITION TO ANY FOLK ART COLLECTION.
Iron
Antique Oil Painting Signed Dansaert Soldier Homecoming Portrait
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Quality French antique oil painting showing a delicate portrait scene Piece is signed in the bottom right corner and also features the artists name on the frame Léon Marie Constant...
Other
Sold
H 26.5 in W 25.75 in D 2 in
British Sailor's Woolwork (Woolie) of British Soldier and a Sailor with Flags
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's Patriotic Woolwork with a British Soldier and a Royal Navy Sailor with Union Jack and White Ensign, Circa 1880 The sailor's woolwork of an upright format depicts a ...
Wool
19th Century English Handcarved Soldiers Ditty Box
Located in London, GB
Soldiers ditty box A delightful example of a hand carved 19th century Folk Art sailor’s ditty box, with 2 draws, elaborate decorative motifs including a dated 190+ panel with the in...
Wood
Petite Bone Carving of an Indian Soldier
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th century figurine is hand-carved of bone to depict an Indian soldier holding a musket rifle. Modeled after Sowar cavalrymen who served under the British East India Com...
Bone, Paint
19th Century Bronze Sculpture of a Louis XIII Soldier -1Y59
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating 19th century bronze sculpture of a Louis XIII soldier adds a touch of historical charm and vintage appeal to any home décor. The intricate details of the soldier's a...
Bronze
Pair of Bolseter Patriotic Pillows British and American Soldiers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This cool pair of custom-made from vintage cross stitch fabric pillows are in great condition and have red cotton linen backings. The inserts are down and feather fill. Sold only as ...
Cotton
Early 20th Century Wooden Painted Soldier by Lt. E.V. Howell
By Ernest Vernon Howell
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
Delightful hand-painted wood soldier (49th Foot Levee dress 1815) by Lt Ernest Vernon Howell serving British Officer from Sep 1917-Jun1920. Having been invalided from the military he...
Wood
Large Naive Oil on Canvas of Boy Dressed as a Soldier
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
Large Naïve oil on canvas of a young boy in military uniform, the artist has captured his pride with puffed chest and oversized head, emphasized moreso by the boys rather small legs....
19th Century Original Painted Whirlygig Soldier on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This amazing original painted folky whirlygig of a soldier is in good condition and on a block of wood that is its stand. The original blades have been re-glued at one time, but are ...
Paint, Wood
Sold
H 13.5 in W 4.5 in D 6.5 in
Antique Wolverine No 27 Drum Major Tin Toy Soldier Drummer Red Coat Litho 1939
By Wolverine Suppy and MFG. CO
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 1939 lithograph tin soldier by Wolverine Supply and Manufacturing Company, No 27 Drum Major, dressed in a red coat with blue hat and pants; plays his drum when you wind the k...
Tin
Colonial British Soldier Whirligig
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
Colonial British soldier (Sergeant) whirligig, hand-carved painted wood, English, circa 1900.
1864 Abraham Lincoln Presidential Election Soldier's Ballot
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an original soldier’s ballot for the 1864 American presidential election. The ballot is from Binton County, Ohio. The paper ticket is printed with an allegorical represe...
Paper
American Soldier Whirligig by Contemporary Artist Will Kautz
By Will Kautz
Located in Nantucket, MA
American soldier whirligig by K. William Kautz. Hand carved and painted with delicately muted primary colors, this whirligig is a contemporary interpretation of a combination of anti...
Wood
Sold
H 27 in W 43.5 in D 1 in
"Two Arapahos Chased by Soldiers" Native American Theme Ledger Tapestry Painting
Located in Houston, TX
Native American themed painting titled "Two Araphos Chased by Soldiers" by English artist Peter Bowles, later known as Ikce Wicasa Ecetkiya Wawowa. The work features two Araphos peop...
Ink, Watercolor, Muslin
19THC HAND CARVED & PAINTED SOLDIER NUT CRACKER
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19THC FANTASTIC AND RARE HAND CARVED AND PAINTED WOOD SOLDIER NUT CRACKER IN ORIGINAL PAINT. THIS IS IN GREAT CONDITION AND AN EXCEPTIONAL PIECE OF FOLK ART.
Pine
Petite Bone Carving of an Indian Soldier
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th century figurine is hand-carved of bone to depict an Indian soldier holding a musket rifle. Modeled after Sowar cavalrymen who served under the British East India Com...
Bone, Paint
Carved and Painted Wood Soldier or Military Figure
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A carved and painted military figure, or soldier with great detail, and wonderful bright decorative paint. Possibly a French military costume. We have another military figure by the ...
Petite Bone Carving of an Indian Soldier
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th century figurine is hand-carved of bone to depict an Indian soldier holding a musket rifle. Modeled after Sowar cavalrymen who served under the British East India Com...
Bone, Paint
Americana Hessian Soldier Andirons in Painted Cast Iron
Located in Astoria, NY
Americana Hessian soldier andiron pair in painted cast iron. Wear includes heavy patina to metal appropriate to age, use and materials. The pair is in good condition.
Iron
Early to Mid 20th C. Carved and Painted Military Soldier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A well carved and brightly painted military soldier, possibly in a French uniform. Wonderfully detailed. Pole and flags are painted metal. Pictured with another figure by the same ca...
Continental bone carving of a scene w/soldiers in a frame
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A very well done carved bone that contains soldiers camped at rest having a good time.
Bone, Wood
German World War I Sniper Soldier Windup Tin Toy. German, Circa 1920
Located in Incline Village, NV
Very rare toy by a little known German company "Einfalt"; manufactured circa 1920 by brothers Georg and Johann Einfalt, in Nuremberg. Of note, this company later changed it's name to...
Tin
Sold
H 70 in W 16.5 in D 13 in
Witco Mid Century Modern Wood Carving Don Quixote Soldier Sculpture Statue 70"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage life size mid century modern Witco Folk Art wood carving of Don Quixote. Carved of solid wood with vibrant hand painted details. Don Quixote is a middle-aged gentleman from ...
Hardwood, Paint
Folk Art Battle Ship made by Italian Soldier 1945
Located in London, GB
A piece of social history from the end of the Second World War. This Toy Folk Art Battle Ship was made towards the end of the Second World War by an Italian prisoner of war and has b...
Reclaimed Wood
Soldier Shooting Gallery Target
Located in Santa Monica, CA
These soldier shooting gallery targets are fun, bold and graphic, circa 1940s. Priced individually. Two available.
Iron
Lead English Toy Soldiers
Located in San Francisco, CA
Collection of 13 painted lead toy soldiers. Made in England. Circa midcentury.
Lead
Toy Wooden Tank Made by Italian Soldier from the Second World War
Located in London, GB
A wonderful piece of social history made at a time when the world was beginning to heal itself from the termoil of the Second World War. Passed down through generations of an English...
Reclaimed Wood
Collection of Vintage Painted Lead Soldiers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Collection of Vintage Painted Lead Soldiers All hand painted, various makers, some signed or with markings on the underside. (lot) sized vary. Provenance: From the Estate of a Gentl...
Lead
19th Century Original Painted Whirligig Soldier on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This amazing original painted Folk Art whirligig of a soldier is in good condition and on a block of wood that is its stand.
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 shop. Original wood strip attac...
Canvas
Antique Mexican Demon Mask
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this rare antique Mexican Demon mask in wood, circa 1970. The mask makes a sound when moved.
Wood
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...
Canvas
Antique Set of Mexican Papier-Mâché Masks 2
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960. We offer this antique set of 5 Mexican papier-mâché masks 100% handmade and paited with anilina (natural pigments).
Paper
Unusual Vintage Paper Mache Folk Art, Parade "Carnival" Mask
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual vintage papier mâché Folk Art..parade "carnival" theater mask.
Paper
Collection of Worldwide Traveler's Hand Carved Folk Art Masks
Located in Atlanta, GA
Collection of worldwide traveler's hand carved folk art masks, circa 1940s - 1970s, possibly earlier. We purchased the estate of an Atlanta Coca Cola executive, who traveled the worl...
Wood
American Sideshow Wondercade Circus Banner Signed J. Sigler
By Sigler Studios
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 ...
Canvas
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. This banner appears to have...
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 banne...
Canvas
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.
Iron
$1,649 / set
H 3.15 in W 1.97 in D 1.38 in
17 Artist Mask Collection, Limited Edition of Traditional Carnival Black Forest
Located in Andernach, DE
Extraordinary and complete collection of 17 artist ceramic masks of traditional Black Forest Carnival costumes by Alfred Schladerer, Germany. Ranging from the first 1954/55 unglazed/...
Ceramic
$650 / set
H 2.5 in W 4 in D 1 in
Collection of Three Carnival Shooting Gallery Target Knockover Birds
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Nice collection of three carnival midway knockover shooting gallery targets. Nice chunky pieces. Great original layers of white paint surface.
Iron
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
H 27.5 in W 33 in D 6 in
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...
Iron
Early 20th Century Rare Chicken Fairground Target Panel from Paris
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Rare Chicken Fairground Target Panel from Paris Made from pine and papier Mache with hand painted detail. Known as a Passé Boule in France these fairground amusem...
Pine, Paper
Among the materials used in folk art are cloth, wood, paper, clay and metal.
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.