Vintage Circus Props
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Vintage Circus Props
Resin, Fiberglass, Paint
Recent Sales
1930s French Folk Art Vintage Circus Props
Wood, Paint
1930s American Vintage Circus Props
Wood
1930s British Folk Art Vintage Circus Props
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Campaign Vintage Circus Props
Fiberglass
1930s American Vintage Circus Props
Pine
People Also Browsed
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Circus Props
Ceramic
1950s American Folk Art Vintage Circus Props
Canvas
1970s Dutch Arts and Crafts Vintage Circus Props
Brass
Early 20th Century Austrian Arts and Crafts Vintage Circus Props
Metal, Brass, Wire
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Circus Props
Wood
1980s Japanese Modern Vintage Circus Props
Ceramic
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Circus Props
Plexiglass
1920s English Art Deco Vintage Circus Props
Chrome
1970s American Georgian Vintage Circus Props
Brass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Circus Props
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Circus Props
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Circus Props
Hardwood
1960s Italian Romantic Vintage Circus Props
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Circus Props
Brass, Metal
Late 19th Century Scottish Vintage Circus Props
Brass
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Circus Props
Bronze, Wrought Iron
Vintage Circus Props For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Vintage Circus Props?
Finding the Right Carnival-art for You
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.
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