Folk Art

Tall and narrow grandfather floor clock in the original yellow and flower decoration, possible Denmark or Scandinavian for sure, circa 1875. Du...

Early Vintage American Sailor's Folk Art Knot Board, circa 1940, a classic piece of sailor's folk art showcasing over 50 knots, bends, hitches and splices, ...

American, 1947 Colorful portrait in a mix of folk-pop art by American artist Edwin Weaver Jr, or 'Mr. Eddie', framed in cut bamboo. Bright color and texture define this framed fresco...

Found in Germany at an estate sale, this hand carved and hand painted duck decoy is perfect for the collector. Well used by a previous hunter the paint has faded through time althoug...

This is a welded steel sculpture made by furniture creator Jim Rose. It is sustainable design created from salvaged and recycled steel panels left over from his larger projects. These sculptures reference traditional American Folk Art barn house models or bird houses. This sculpture works alone on a shelf or table or can be grouped with other house sculptures by the artist. Each house sculpture is unique in design and color. Jim Rose Structure No. 245 repurposed painted steel 6.50h x 8w x 3d in 16.51h x 20.32w x 7.62d cm JR0333 Jim Rose b. 1966, d. 2023 Bio Born in Indiana, Jim Rose lived in Europe until he returned to the United States to attend college. After one year at Bard College, Jim transferred to the School of the Art Institute in Chicago (SAIC) where he graduated in 1988 with a BFA. His skillful interpretation of the Shaker design is a result of intense research and field study of Shaker furniture, architecture, culture and history. After over two decades of dedicated work, he has mastered the minimalism of the Shaker technique and created his own unique visual vernacular. The quilts of Gee's Bend have become a monumental influence taking this artist's work to new levels of unique interpretation and artistry. His selection of aged steel results in a patina directly related to that of aged wood while his colored strips beautifully mimic worn cloth. Each piece of furniture is masterfully made and intended for daily use. Jim Rose’s steel furniture is featured every year at SOFA Chicago for the past 25 years. Jim Rose b. 1966, Wisconsin Education 1989 B.F.A., Sculpture, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, IL 1988 Student at Large, Welding Technology, Triton College, Chicago, IL 1985 Undergraduate Photography Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, New York Awards 2008 Wisconsin Arts Board Fellowship Award, Madison, WI 2005 Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder’s Prize, Society for Contemporary Craft, Pittsburgh, PA 2003 Grant Recipient for Shaker Interpretations in Cast Iron, PA Arts Assoc / WI Arts Board 2003 Arts/Industry Residency Program for Visual Artists, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, Wisconsin Solo Exhibitions 2017 New Work, Tory Folliard Gallery, Milwaukee, WI 2012 Simply Steel, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau, WI 2007 Variation, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2003 New Work, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2001 Shaker in Steel / New Work, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2000 Shaker in Steel / New Work, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 1999 Hands and Heart to Steel III, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL National Exhibitions 2017-2018 SOFA Chicago – Gallery Victor Armendariz 2016 - 1995 SOFA Chicago, New York, Palm Beach - Ann Nathan Gallery 2011 - 2002 Art Chicago - Ann Nathan Gallery Group Exhibitions 2017 Coming Attractions: Inaugural Exhibition, Gallery Victor Armendariz, Chicago, IL 2017 Living with Art: The Newman Collection, 108 Contemporary, Tulsa, Oklahoma 2016 Form Follows Function: The Intersection of Art and Craft, The Hardy Gallery, Ephraim, Wi 2015 NEO, Chipstone Foundation, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI 2015 ICFF, Furniture Society, Javits Convention Center, New York City, NY 2013 Vahki Revisited, The Enduring Spirit of a Craft Collection” Mesa Contemporary Arts, Mesa, AZ 2013 Fearless Furniture, Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN 2013 Inaugural Exhibition, Museum Wisconsin of Art, West Bend, WI 2012 Sitting Pretty: Furniture from RAM’s Collection, Racine Art Museum, WI 2011 Hiding Places: Memory in the Arts, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, WI 2010 Living with Art, Strohl Art Center, Chautauqua Institution, NY 2009 Summer in Wisconsin, Tory Folliard Gallery, Milwaukee, WI 2009 High Honors, James Watrous Gallery, Madison, WI 2008 Second Lives: Remixing the Ordinary, Museum of Art and Design, NY 2007 Transformation 5: Contemporary Works in Found Materials, Art Association, Jackson, WY 2007 Transformation 5: Contemporary Works in Found Materials, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Houston, TX (traveling exhibition) 2006 Show us Your Drawers, Herron School of Art, Indianapolis, IN 2006 Marriage of the Minds...

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...

Early 20th century Folk Art dressing table mirror in the original paint - teal green over black with white trim. The distressed surface paint reveals the black underneath creating a ...

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Bentwood Box from Umeå Västerbotten , Northern Sweden. Oval box with lid Originalpainted with nice patina after several hundred years of use. Owner m...

A fantastic hand-carved and painted wood duck decoy (possibly a New Jersey Bluebill) by Harry V. Shourds. The piece is signed/branded on the underside. Would be a great additio...

19th Century Austrian Folk Art Hand Crafted Birds A delightful collection of 4 hand-crafted folk-art birds perched on 2 pieces of natural fungus. T...

An exceptional Swedish Gustavian dowry chest with original paint on the interior and exterior. The interior painting depicts a marriage scene and...

ABOUT Turn of the century Snowshoe chair with Ash frame, rawhide lacing and steel brackets. These lightweight, portable chairs were used in canoes for...

Hand carved & hand painted rooster sculpture. Very folky rooster.

This mid-20th century American wooden game board box is as charming as it is versatile, offering timeless entertainment in a compact, travel-friendly design. Crafted from wood with a...

Untouched original surface. Colorful floral vignettes on a 'buttermilk clay' painted surface. Retains original hardware.

This is a good Marble Solitaire game, having a very good hardwood board and a complete set of 34 glass swirl marbles, all dating to the first half of the 20th century. The circular ...

Whimsical decoupage decorated New England dairy farm lidded milk jug or bottle. Features an equine motif with images and labels of horses over a lacquered g...

Truly a majestic Benin Oba. Beautifully and finely hand carved in Ebony hardwood from the 1930's A piece of this quality and stature holds enormous presence...

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...

A large Amish quilt of center diamond pattern made from a blush rose red and pine green chambray cotton and wool blend. The center diamond in the square pattern is supplemented with ...

Mortars made of Öland limestone in the 1800's was used by many in Sweden. They was known for its durability and ability to withstand wear over time. In good vintage and charmy condit...

Vintage Shooting Lodge Target Plaque 1900s. A rare and beautiful wooden shooting target plaque with inscriptions. This rare kings plaque was issued by a ...

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.

An early 20th century Chinese pictorial throw-size rug Measures: 2'8' x 5'.

Fun and fabulous Folk Art Carnival Spinning Wheel from the latter part of the 19th century. Totally original and in fantastic condition. Nice old Ted and black paint looks to be corr...

Vintage primitive floral still life on reclaimed wooden panels having a lovely curved top. Found in an antique store in Calabria about 30 years ago.

A fine antique wooden chest of drawers. With a terrific old finish. In cherry wood with a polar secondary, turned wooden pulls, and r...

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 ...

This 19th century Moroccan Berber chest is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Made from pine wood, it features beautifully painted sides and top, showcasing intricate patterns and vibra...

Explore a piece of vintage transportation history with this classic JRD Berliet Relaxe truck. This small collectible features a Berliet cab and is a testament to mid-20th-century toy...

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 found steel is reworked, pr...

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.

Kobe Toys are very mysterious and not much is known about them. They were created and hand made, strictly for tourists and foreigners (never exported) during ...

Antique Norwegian Wall Hanging Cabinet - 1827, Hand-Painted by Embrik Bæra This exceptional primitive wall-hanging Cabinet / Cupboard / Sideboard ...

Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery bird Folk Art. Flora de la Cruz Acapulco Gro Mexico hand painted bird dove ceramic. Warm earth tone polych...

Wall hanging composed of painted felt flags included in cigar packages in the early 20th century, circa 1900-1915.

A three lid pedestal tramp art box, circa 1890s. Larger compartment under top. Velvet lined. 10 ¾ inches wide by 7 ¾ inches deep by 10 ¼ inches tall

A monumental Hindu Nandi temple gate-guardian architectural ornament, born in India, dating to the 19th century, hand carved and painted, richly detailed, polychrome decorated, the wooden sculpture depicting Nandi, a sacred bull, gatekeeper, and vahana religious deity figure. Provenance: Acquired from The Neiman Marcus Corporate Art Collection. Details below. Dimensions: (approx) 49.5" x 43" x 12" An important religious folk art work, the Nandi is of carved wood and gessoed cloth, then hand-painted. In Hindu religion, Nandi is the mythical mount of Shiva. The four legs represent truth, righteousness, peace and love. More than a means of conveyance, Nandi is considered Shiva's constant companion on all his travels, so much so that in any temple dedicated to Shiva, there is a sculpture of Nandi. This symbol is a deity in its own right, and in India there are temples dedicated exclusively to Nandi. In Hindu symbolism, the bull represents both strength and ignorance. The white or light color of the bull symbolizes purity and justice. Symbolically, the seated Nandi towards sanctum in Shiva temples, represents an individual jiva (soul) and the message that the jiva should always be focused on the Parameshwara. From the yogic perspective, Nandi is the mind dedicated to Shiva, the absolute. In other words, to understand and absorb light, the experience, and the wisdom is Nandi, which is the guru within. The fact that Shiva uses it as a mount symbolizes how this divine figure removes ignorance while instilling strength and wisdom. A superb example, the life size work is in great overall shape, and presents wonderfully, having beautifully aged patina over the whole, highly desirable original, worn, rustic, naturally distressed, chippy paint, craquelure finish, that's delicate, and enhances the artistic antique character and rich historic depth. Detailed Condition Report: Fragile / delicate by design. Loss to one ear, age related checking and separation to carvings, fabric to hind quarters is released and tattered with minor loss, rubbing to paint throughout with wear indicative of age and use; later grey painted mounting blocks are attached to back and hooves. White glove in-home shipping/delivery available. Pickup available near Dallas, Texas Additional Provenance: Property from the Neiman Marcus Collection. Acquired from Heritage Auction, Design District Gallery, Dallas, Texas. From The Dallas Morning Newspaper; April 12th, 2021 Neiman Marcus is selling some of its history and valuables that have been displayed and stored for decades as part of the luxury retailer’s corporate art collection. The Neiman Marcus corporate art collection dates back to 1951, when Stanley Marcus (1905-2002), a life long avid art collector, purchased Mariposa, a large mobile by Alexander Calder and started a long tradition of buying original artwork for new stores as they opened. The Mariposa sold at a Sotheby’s auction last month fetching $18.2 million. The items are being offered through Sotheby's auction house, NYC, New York and Heritage Auction, Dallas, Texas. Many of the pieces were personally collected by Stanley Marcus from the 1960s through the 1980s. Some of the pieces are from corporate spaces, stores and the company’s archives, among the items are important antique textiles, tribal robes...

"Song And Music Merry Makers" Vibrant Colored Hand Painting Unique Oil Painting by Self Taught Outsider Surrealist Folk Artist Gloria Antoinette Laposka (1922-2015) Said Laposka: "...

Antique 19th century European cleaver. Made from hand-wrought iron with wood handle. Great as a graphic wall decoration. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. Nice to displa...

A wonderful folk art rectangular shellwork table featuring a top with foliate polychrome sand design around shells under glass, with the entire surface of the sides and legs covered with small seashells set...

Late 18th Century Swedish Country Folk Art Chair from Northern Sweden. This charming chair is a true piece of history. It was made by hand in Northern ...

Side Show A framed and inspired color print in the manner of Self Taught Outsider Surrealist Folk Artist Gloria Laposka (1922-2015) A unique and vibrant colored work depicting si...

Scandinavian folk art boat of 2 rigged masts - completely scratch built from pine and teak wood. Original paint finish. Handmade and dating from the earl...

"Barnacle Bill" was a very popular cartoon character for whom this toy was named after and was made in the 1930's by the J. Chein Toy Company of New York City. There is some evidence...

Exceptional folk art child's ride-on toy elephant with head-turning mechanism. Carved wood with original, beautifully executed paint. Original cording tail, fabric trunk, and leather...

This antique copper cauldron, engraved with "Poitiers," is a stunning decorative piece that adds a touch of vintage charm to any setting. Its classic design and fine craftsmanship ma...

Moroccan Berber tribal bracelet. Moroccan ethnic bracelet from the High Atlas of Morocco. Handcrafted by Berber women using Moroccan si...

Vintage and rare "Rolly Dolly" Musical Toy by unknown German manufacturer; circa 1895; contemporaneous with early Schoenhut toys, it depicts a "Well Dres...

Collection of 24 pieces of miniature stone fruit or alabaster hand painted mini alabaster fruits in a collection.The compote is a 19thc birds e...

English Mocha Pottery Pearlware Earthworm Jug, Circa 1800-20 The pearlware mocha jug has three bands of blue slip and four of a white ground with two red-brown lines. The blue slip...

Early 20th century fairground figure An early 20th century hand carved French fairground knockdown figure in the form of Pierre Jean Marie Laval , i...

This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...

20th-Century American Carved Natural Wood Articulated Swan Decoy Sculpture This stunning 20th-century American carved natural wood swan decoy sculptur...

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Jigger Doll A great example of an early 20th century English hand carved folk art articulated jigger doll. With brilliantly shaped shoes, moustache and top hat. Stood on a wire stand...

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...

Enhance your collection with this charming set of 4 small figurines featuring ducks and rabbits. These modern, multicolored statuettes are perfect for adding a whimsical touch to any...

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Jigger Doll Top Hat & Tail A great example of an early 20th century English hand carved folk art articulated jigger doll. With a brilliantly shaped body and hand painted detail and carved top hat and tail gentleman’s outfit. Stood on a wire stand...

Stunning little american folkhart water color of a young gentleman. Sitting with his arm over the back of what appears to be a tiger maple chair of the period. In the lower right corner we can see what is a tiger maple table...

This American cast iron bank known as "Organ Bank" (Cat and Dog), was manufactured by Kyser & Rex Company, Frankford, Pennsylvania in 1882. It conforms exac...