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Carnival Art For Sale
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
Antique Vintage Rustic Bird Folk Art Fairground Shooting Target
Located in Stockbridge, GB
Antique Vintage Rustic Bird Folk Art Fairground Shooting Target
A superb original steel fairground shooting target. A one off folk art piece of nostalgic fairground fun. It is useab...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Rustic Carnival Art
Materials
Cut Steel
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
19th Century French Wooden Carousel Horse
Located in Cirencester, GB
We sourced this antique fairground horse from Versailles, France. Early 19th Century. A delightful and decorative carousel horse, which captures the whimsy and craftsmanship of a by...
Category
Early 19th Century French Country Antique Carnival Art
Materials
Zinc
1900s German Carved Wooden Carousel Horse in Gallop with Crystals and Gold Leaf
By Dentzel Carousel Company
Located in North Miami, FL
1900s German hand-carved wooden carousel horse in a gallop with colored crystals and gold leaf appliques over a metal stand
By: Dentzel Carousel Company (in the style of)
Material: ...
Category
Early 1900s German Belle Époque Antique Carnival Art
Materials
Crystal, Metal, Gold Leaf, Enamel
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 Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Paper
Beatles Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band Golden Record Carat Rec 011/100
Located in Nuernberg, DE
1970s The Beatles 24-karat gold-plated record, unframed. Limited edition of 100, 11/100 with “Certificate of Authenticity” included. Golden Record on a red Velvet wooden plate. Nice ...
Category
1970s German Modern Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Wood, Velvet
Antique Folk Art Carnival Attraction Hand Painted Sign circa 1940's
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
1677 Hand painted carnival sign world's tallest man and Tom tump
In a pediment frame
Category
1940s Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Hardwood, 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
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 Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
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
19th century Carved wooden fairground horse by Limonaire Freres Paris
Located in Malton, GB
This a hugely decorative as well as collectible 19th century Fairground carousel horse by renowned makers Limonaire Freres. The Limonaire brothers were based in Paris and were well k...
Category
19th Century Antique Carnival Art
Materials
Pine
Carousel Ostrich Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Hand carved wood sculpture of carousel ostrich.
Category
1980s Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Wood
$795 Sale Price
36% Off
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
'Strike ‘Em Out’ Carnival Toss Sign, 1940s USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique vintage, mid-20th century “Strike ‘Em Out” game sign. 6.5 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Hand painted on 0.75 inch thick plywood. Strike Out originated as a baseball-like street game but also became a popular carnival attraction, where a pitcher hurtled a rubber baseball at a batter in front of the sign with the aim to get the ball in the hole. The game originated in the Chicago area...
Category
1940s American Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Plywood, Paint
Antique French Carousel Pig Attributed to Gustave Bayol on Walnut Base
By Gustave Bayol
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A rare and highly expressive 19th-century carousel pig attributed to French master carver Gustave Bayol, circa 1900. Crafted from American heart pine, this figure captures Bayol’s si...
Category
Late 19th Century French Folk Art Antique Carnival Art
Materials
Brass
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 Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Chrome
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 Folk Art Antique Carnival Art
Materials
Metal
$596 Sale Price
25% Off
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 Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
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 Folk Art Vintage 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 Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Pine
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
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 Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Wood
$2,555 Sale Price
30% Off
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
$1,994 Sale Price
37% Off
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
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...
Category
1920s French Victorian Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Pine, Paper
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 Folk Art Antique Carnival Art
Materials
Wood
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 Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Wood, Cork
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 Folk Art Antique Carnival Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
1960s Dutch Papier Mache Blue Bulldog Carnival Parade Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century unique and wonderfully fun large painted papier mache carnival head. This "Blue Bulldog" head resembles a very grumpy little cartoon bulldog with a studded collar and loa...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Paper
Mid-Century Coin Operated Horse Ride
Located in Round Top, TX
Mid-century coin operated horse ride for kids (of all ages).
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Metal
Antique Atlantic City Souvenir Penny Game from Boardwalk Empire
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Historical artifact once used in the HBO series Boardwalk Empire. Maple cabinet with brass plaques and painted iron mechanism. Costing two quarters and a penny to play. Not tested ...
Category
20th Century American Industrial Carnival Art
Materials
Metal
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
Large 20th C. Americana Folk Art Carousel with Painted Farm Animals
Located in Morristown, NJ
20th c., Large Folk Art carousel with animals on a rotating base.Made of wood and canvas construction, with leather and other accent materials unsigned. The animals depicted are a ho...
Category
1940s American Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
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 Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Wood
1960s Dutch Papier Mache Extra Large Sea Devil Carnival Parade Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century unique and wonderfully fun large painted papier mache carnival head. This extra large "Sea Devil" head with a seahorse sticking out of the top and an eel going through th...
Category
1960s Dutch 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
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 Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Iron
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 Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Pine
Antique Hand-Painted Wooden Carousel Horse with Saddle - Multicolored
Located in Mortsel, BE
This antique hand-painted wooden carousel horse is a beautiful piece of fairground history, expertly crafted with attention to detail. The multicolored design features a classic sadd...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Carnival Art
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Era Molded Fiberglass Carnival Clown Head or Midway Game Component
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This whimsical clown head is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Canada in approximately 1965 in the period Mid-Century carnival style. The head...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Carnival Art
Materials
Fiberglass
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
1960s Dutch Papier Mache Extra Large Jovial Rasta Woman Carnival Parade Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century unique and wonderfully fun large painted papier mache carnival head. This extra large Jovial Rasta Woman head has an infectiously happy yet devious face. Traditionally wo...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Paper
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 Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Wood
Antique Carnival Prize Chalkware Bulldog Statue / Figure
Located in Cordova, SC
**Historical Background**
American carnival chalkware flourished from 1900-1950, with bulldogs being among the most popular prizes. These pieces were mass-produced as affordable carn...
Category
1930s American Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Plaster, Paint
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 Folk Art Vintage 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 Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Canvas
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
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
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 Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Paper
Large Collection of Carousel Figures, Popeye, Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse...
Located in Mortsel, BE
Large private collection of carousel animals, please send message when questions.
Category
Early 20th Century Carnival Art
Materials
Wood
1970s Collection Boardwalk Souvenir 7up Bottle Carnival Game Mid-Century Vintage
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Unusual collection, a set of five old Ocean City or Virginia Beach boardwalk game prizes. These measure each about 20 inches high.
Category
1970s American American Craftsman Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Glass
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
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
$720 Sale Price
60% Off
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 Folk Art Antique Carnival Art
Materials
Canvas
1960s Dutch Papier Mache Green Monster Carnival Parade Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century unique and wonderfully fun large painted papier mache carnival head. This "Green Monster" head resembles a sea creature or swamp monster, he originally had a smoking pipe...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Paper
19th Century Original Painted Juggling Pins
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These original painted red and cranberry monumental juggling pins are in fantastic condition and very large scale. The patina is the very best.
Category
19th Century American Adirondack Antique Carnival Art
Materials
Wood
$1,036 Sale Price
20% Off
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 Folk Art Vintage Carnival Art
Materials
Paper
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
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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Papier Mache Carnival
Antique Shooting Target
Antique Shooting Targets
Carnival Wheel
Carousel Horses
Fairground Panel
Antique Amusement Park
Antique Carnival Wheel
Scale Carnival
Vintage Carnival Tent
Carnival Banner
Carnival Shooting
Vintage Carnival Mirror
Carnival Prop
Circus Banners
Carnival Targets
Clown Shoes
Juggling Pins