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Carnival Art

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Carnival Art For Sale
Color:  Brown
J. Hübner Carved Wood Carousel Horse, Early 20th Century, Germany
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique Carousel horse by J.Hübner. A hand-carved wooden carousel horse made by Atelier Hübner Germany - Josef Hübner - Joseph Hubner. This piece of Carnival Art - funfair roundabout horse - Merry-go-round Horse dates circa 1910 and has sulfide eyes, a real tale and stirrups. It's a European Springer Horse - Jumping Horse - Galopping Horse on a metal base. During his life, already more then 110 years !! it does have some old restorations and old repainting but that gives this antique horse the charm of his history: making people and children happy and offer them a ride. Antique carved horses - Antique German Carousel Horses - Hübner horses...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Metal

Rare to Find Folk Art Jaguar Mask Found in Zitlala, Guerrero, Mid-20th Century
Located in Guadalajra, Jal
This style of Tigre (Mexican colloquial for Jaguar) mask is from Zitlala, Guerrero, they are used on the feast day of the Holy Cross on May 3rd, 4th, and 5th. As part of the activit...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Leather

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

Large Folk Art Wooden Merry-Go-Round Model
Located in Antwerp, BE
Awesome large Folk Art wooden merry-go-round model. This large scale model of a Carousel or Roundabout has been handmade. Great example of Carnival Art - Folk Art with miniature handmade wooden sculptures of horses, jeep cars and sleigh. All very detailed. The roof of the entertainment ride is made of patent leather and the bottom roof in draped fabric. This antique toy - Antique fun fair scale model has a handle to turn the carousel around. At this point the handle is stuck due age. As we don't want to damage the aged patina, we didn't make it loose. The new owner can decide if he wants to undo it by removing the old rust in between. If we would do that in front, there is no way back. The carousel can be turned around by hand without using the handle. This Table Model of a Carousel is a Collectable Object - Collectable Antique Toy...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Carnival Art

Materials

Iron

Nice Rare Set of 19th C Oak Hand Carved Belgian Carousel Wooden Panels / Mirrors
Located in Southampton, GB
Nice rare set of 19th c oak hand carved Belgian Carousel wooden panels . These have been salvaged and pinned together on the reverse ( see photos of t...
Category

19th Century Belgian Antique Carnival Art

Materials

Oak

Large Hand Painted Early Carnival Rounding Board
Located in Norwalk, CT
Bring an unusual piece of folk history into your home with this stunning early 20th century rounding board salvaged from a carnival. With hand-painted designs of putti and harp motif...
Category

Early 20th Century Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Pair of Hand Painted Early Carnival Rounding Boards
Located in Norwalk, CT
Bring an unusual piece of folk history into your home with this stunning pair of early 20th century rounding boards salvaged from a carnival. With hand painted designs and gold leaf ...
Category

Early 20th Century Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Pair of Hand Painted Early Carnival Rounding Boards
Located in Norwalk, CT
Bring an unusual piece of folk history into your home with this stunning pair of early 20th century rounding boards salvaged from a carnival. With hand painted designs and gold leaf ...
Category

Early 20th Century Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Carousel Ostrich Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Hand carved wood sculpture of carousel ostrich.
Category

1980s Vintage Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Early 20th C Robert Lakin & Co Fairground Carnival Circus Pillars Edwin Hall
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A truly fantastic group of totally original untouched decorative fairground pillars by the infamous Robert J Lakin Company of 67 Besley Street, Streatham, London The pillars are h...
Category

Early 20th Century English Carnival Art

Materials

Pine

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 Company, now mounted as a rocking horse. Hand-crafted in the early 20th century, circa 1920, born during the Golden Age of carousels in America (circa 1860-1930), exceptionally executed hand carved design with rich detailing, and warm polychrome painted white and gray dapple, featuring inset glass eyes, natural horsehair tail, saddle with carved cantle, blue painted saddle blanket and bridle, rising on a later blue and red painted wooden rocker base Stand, marked with letter "D" underneath in grey paint, most likely indicative of Dare, metal mounting plate marked AA PAT APLD FOR Carved in a galloping or jumper position, this whimsical yet Primitive country-fair style equine exhibits all the hallmarks of Dare’s design, such as the forward-facing ears, the perfectly combed asymmetrical mane with a wind-blown effect, the tail made of realistic hair, and the distinctive “bird” saddle, which was carved separately and attached. Among carousel antiques...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

Two French Folk Art Wooden Carnival Knock Down Targets
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very rare pair of late 19th century folk art carved wooden carnival knock down gallery targets. Both are of males in long coats, trousers, shoes, and hats...
Category

19th Century French Folk Art Antique Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Mid-20th Century English Papier Mache Giraffe Puppet Head
Located in London, GB
Mid-20th Century English Papier Mache Giraffe Puppet Head A charming example of a mid-20th Century English Papier Mache giraffe puppet head. M...
Category

1950s British Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art

Materials

Paper

Carousel Cow Bernard Kindt, 1960s
By Bernard Kindt
Located in Antwerp, BE
Smiling carousel cow by Bernard Kindt, a Belgian sculptor who was specialised in making wood carousel animals and animated cartoon characters. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Carnival Art

Materials

Metal

Hanging Mexican Wooden Cupid with Bow
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rosy-cheeked wooden cupid to bring love into your life. This is a unique, hand-carved, hand-painted wooden cupid with a wire suspension and removable wooden bow...
Category

20th Century Mexican Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Antique Hand Painted Paperboard Trumpet, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antique hand painted paperboard trumpet. By unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautifu...
Category

1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carnival Art

Materials

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 thr...
Category

Early 20th Century American Carnival Art

Materials

Iron

Hand Painted Early Americana Folk Art Wall Mount Game Wheel
Located in Wallkill, NY
What a great addition this would make to your home Folk Art game wheel, measuring 31 in x 34.5 in height x 5 in deep.
Category

1920s American Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Set of 3 Ceramic Animal Figures from Mexico, Circa 1980s and 1990s
Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Set of 3 ceramic carnival animal figures / whistles from Morelos, Mexico. These colorful figures were hand crafted and hand painted using paint glaze. The lively pieces were prominent in the 1980´s and 1990´s. Some of the whistles...
Category

1990s Mexican Country Carnival Art

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Paint

1930s Amusement / Carnival Motorcycle Ride, Carousal, Merry-go-round
Located in Buffalo, NY
1930s Antique midway amusement park wooden motorcycle ride is one of the earliest produced for carousels and merry-go-rounds. Wonderful aged patina, ...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Carnival Art

Materials

Metal

Giraffe Carousel Ride, England, circa 1920
Located in Culver City, CA
56 Inch tall Giraffe carousel ride. England, circa 1920. Carved wooden giraffe in original hand painted finish with large glass eyes. Measure...
Category

20th Century English Carnival Art

Materials

Glass, Wood

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 Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Set of 3 Ceramic Animal Figures from Mexico, circa 1980's and 1990's
Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Set of 3 ceramic carnival animal figures / whistles from Morelos, Mexico. These colorful figures were hand crafted and hand painted using paint glaze. The lively pieces were prominen...
Category

1990s Mexican Country Carnival Art

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Paint

Collector's Carousel Tin, Mari Pritchard, 1982
Located in Antwerp, BE
Large tin with carousel horses and animals. A tin designed by Mari Pritchard in 1982 and made by Bertels Can Company in 1987. A collector’s Carousel tin with a Dentzel Tiger sculpture and black and white Carousel Horses. The carousel horses are a War Horse by Zalar, King Horse by C.Carmel, Jumpers by Caretta and Muller. This round storage tin - collectable tin has a lid and two handles. A great decorative box for the carnival art collector. As this tin is not small it can be used as a storage tin or storage box. Carousel horses - carousel animal...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Carnival Art

Materials

Metal

Early 20th Century English Fairground Carousel Panel
Located in London, GB
English Fairground Carousel panel We are proud to offer a wonderful example of an early 20th century English fairground panel. From a fairground carou...
Category

1920s British Edwardian Vintage Carnival Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

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 Folk Art Antique Carnival Art

Materials

Iron

Circa 1950s French Childs Carnival/Circus Prop Chair
Located in San Francisco, CA
A wonderful whimsical circa 1950s French Childs Carnival and/or Circus prop chair. Carved parts, feet, hands and head with big blue eyes and top it off a ...
Category

1930s French Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

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 base Measures: 13" x 43" x 62".
Category

19th Century Folk Art Antique Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Antique French Birdhouse
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French antique birdhouse find it in Paris. We painted the base only the dome is in original condition and it is beautiful. Dimension of the dome heig...
Category

1910s French Arts and Crafts Vintage Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Scratch Built Fairground Wheel
Located in London, GB
Scratch built fairground wheel Mounted on a bespoke cast iron detachable support stand, this unique, folk art, scratch-built fairground roulette wheel is still in fully working order. We would say dated from the mid-20th Century the wheel is made from an old bicycle...
Category

1950s British Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art

Materials

Metal

Traditional Handcarved and Painted Tyrolian Carnival Mask
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Traditional handcarved and painted tyrolian carnival mask An nice antique wooden carved carnival mask which comes from the region of South Tyrol. Made of handcarved and handpainted ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Antique Early Gambling Folk Art Gaming Device, Holtz
Located in Forney, TX
An exceptionally scarce antique American Folk Art gambling triple stacked wooden arrow spindle spinning wheel gaming device from the late 19th / early 20th century. Believed to be a prototype or for a similar lesser known model of the important, very rare and unusual T. F. HOLTZ made "Three Arrow Trade Stimulator" circa 1896, (displayed in the American Antique Museum, reference L2016.2501.010) Theodore Holtz of San Francisco and early slot machine pioneer Charles Fey's partner in 1894, forming their first partnership as Holtz and Fey Electric Works. For this particular game, upon depositing your nickel and pressing the lever, three arrows will spin on the front dial and if all three stop on the same marker you win. Trade stimulators were countertop or freestanding amusement gaming machines widely used to encourage shoppers to indulge in a game of chance. They became popular in American saloon bar...
Category

19th Century Folk Art Antique Carnival Art

Materials

Metal, Iron

19th Century Kids Carousel Duck Figure Ride Carnival Folk Art
Located in Forney, TX
Recently acquired from a museum, we present this scarce, one of a kind, antique European early dobby platform flat style children's carousel duck (or bir...
Category

19th Century Dutch Folk Art Antique Carnival Art

Materials

Iron

1940s Coney Island Amusement Park Kiddie Car Fire Engine in Original Condition
By Pinto Brothers Mfg.
Located in Savannah, GA
Produced by Pinto Bros Mfg of Coney Island, New York, this all-original 1940s firetruck was part of a circular ride at the famed Coney Island Amusement Park. Featuring lucky Number 4...
Category

1940s American Industrial Vintage Carnival Art

Materials

Metal

Rare Antique French Circus Advertisement Painted Oak Medallion Sign Artwork
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare large antique hand painted solid oak plank circus advsertisement featuring an eight day special invite to Cirque Milfleur in Paris France. Seulement, Huit Jours, A Paris, La Gro...
Category

Early 20th Century French Provincial Carnival Art

Materials

Oak, Paint

1920s Bulbous Folk Art Painted Spanish Lamp and Shade
Located in Chillerton, 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

Group of Three Vintage Decorative Ball Top Pegs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Intriguing group of three vintage decorative markers crafted in wood and painted with primary colors, now distressed.
Category

20th Century Italian Sporting Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Folk Art Carved Polychrome Scotsman Carousel Kilt Figure
Located in New York, NY
19th century Scotsman (Highlander) Carousel large carved and painted standing figure wearing kilt with plume hat on large round base.
Category

Late 19th Century Folk Art Antique Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Vintage Red Carnival Fun-House Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage wood carnival fun house mirror. Painted red and mounted on a sturdy metal base. Curvy acrylic mirror in good vintage condition with s...
Category

1970s American Vintage Carnival Art

Materials

Acrylic, Wood

Ceramic Hen Whistle from Mexico, 1980s
Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Painted ceramic hen whistle from Morelos, Mexico, 1980s. These figure were available in the traveling carnivals in the early 1980s.
Category

1980s Mexican Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art

Materials

Ceramic

1950s American Hand-Painted Carnival Ride Panel
Located in Chicago, IL
1950s American hand-painted carnival ride panel.
Category

1950s North American Primitive Vintage Carnival Art

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Two Sided Carnival Fun House Glass Mirror
Located in San Mateo, CA
This two sided fun house mirror likely came from a carnival. There are small wheels under the base so it can be moved easily. It also had plywood covers than enclosed the mirrors for...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Carnival Art

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Plywood

19th Century Carnival Folk Art Carved Wooden Head with Zinc Hat
Located in Haarlem, NL
This head is from a fair or carnival game. Not sure what the game was, perhaps the head has been used to toss rings over, or maybe you were supposed to throw something in his mouth....
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Carnival Art

Materials

Zinc

Colorful Painted Carousel Style Rocking Horse
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A remarkable large scale painted rocking horse decorated in the manner of a carousel horse. The white horse with brown mane and tail wears a red saddle on a blue blanket. The rump is decorated with a blond female mask flanked by pink and white dogwood flowers, the breast with the same flowers. With inset plastic colored faceted stones overall. With two brass twisted rods mounted on the white rocker...
Category

20th Century Hollywood Regency Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Silver Sculpture of a Man Holding Umbrella with Bird
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A unique piece - a man, perhaps a jester, holding an umbrella with a bird. The piece would make a nice decorative item or even a paperweight. Folkart decorative.
Category

20th Century Carnival Art

Materials

Silver Plate

Original Fairground 'Speedway' Rounding Boards, 1950s Red Gold
Located in Hastings, GB
We have several boards available for sale, priced individually, each board has differing words on reverse, see photos and options (1 Of Each Board Available Only) The photographs sh...
Category

Early 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

1950s "Prince Buddah" Circus Sideshow Banner
Located in Chicago, IL
1950s "Prince Buddah" circus sideshow banner.
Category

1950s American Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art

Materials

Iron

Motor Bike Carousel Galloper or Fair Ground Ride
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Motor Bike Carousel Galloper or fair ground ride An original fair ground ride, the paint is getting a bit worn now, our ride has iron brackets to fix it ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Composition

Carousel Camel Animals, 1970s, Europe, 2 pieces available
Located in Antwerp, BE
Spectacular carousel camel animals - 2 pieces available. These 2 large lying camel sculptures are eye-catching. They date circa 1970s and do have an a...
Category

Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Carnival Art

Materials

Metal

19th Century Oil Cloth Juggling or Carnival Balls Collection / 6 Pieces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These most unusual oil cloth balls were from a Folk Art collection and are being sold as a collection of six. The smallest ball measures 4 inches in diameter and the largest ball mea...
Category

Late 19th Century American Country Antique Carnival Art

Materials

Wool, Linen

20th Century Handcarved Traditional Indonesian Wood Mask Couple
Located in LEGNY, FR
Original and workmanship traditional Indonesian wood couple of masks. Balinese work. "TOPENG (Indonesian for" mask ") is a dramatic form of Indonesian dance in which one or more pe...
Category

1980s Indonesian Vintage Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Old Carnival "Giant", circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Old carnival "giant" circa 1950. Light wood and foam structure, papier maché head. Made to be worn by 1 person.
Category

1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carnival Art

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Wood, Paper

1920s American Carousel Horse
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
A decorative 1920s carved wood American carousel horse, in original paint. Rests on a later made stand.
Category

20th Century American Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Vintage Blue Carnival Fun-House Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very cool vintage wood carnival fun house mirror. Painted blue and mounted on a sturdy metal base. Curvy acrylic mirror in good vintage condi...
Category

1970s American Vintage Carnival Art

Materials

Acrylic, Wood

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

19th Century Sicilian Italian Marionette Folk Art Puppet 'Opera dei Pupi'
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A oversized late 19th century Marionette in original untouched condition, originating from Palmero Italy. The figure is missing both arms, its original clothing is heavily fad...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Carnival Art

Materials

Textile, Pine

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

Important Antique Folk Art Carnival Figure of a Macaque
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A hollow finely carved wood macaque figure dressed as a human with short green hair, a blue jacket and yellow slacks. He stands and holds a walking stick in his left hand and crosses...
Category

19th Century Folk Art Antique Carnival Art

Materials

Hardwood

Antique and Vintage Carnival Art

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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