Metal Folk Art

Brutalist hanging wall sculpture by Bill Heise. Found objects, hand executed from found objects, welded The pieces are crafted from turn-of-the-century farm equipment collected from the fields of Vermont, maritime parts salvaged from around the Bay Area, and railroad components, antique tools, and other vintage metal found throughout America. The delicate lines and whimsical nature of Heise sculptures often defy the rugged origins of each component part. Railroad spikes, plough discs, pitchforks, shovel blades, and a myriad of other parts are transformed into birds in flight, cows out to pasture, tropical fish, and a variety of other wildlife forms. And there's always an interesting story behind each piece, be it the eighty something farmer who helped me retrieve equipment from the "back forty," frozen hands from digging a hay rake...

Two-sided tobacconist trade sign of circular form with gold leaf lettering with red shadow on a black sand paint ground with green borders "HAPPY JACK'S" centers a cutout pipe above a white banner applied to the bottom of each side which reads "CIGAR, PIPE & / TOBACCO SHOP...

Great Vintage porcelain sign-enameled metal sign, Sprinkler Fire Alarm when bell rings call Police or Fire Dept. This sign came off an industrial building ...

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 spare parts come together ...

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...

Beautiful cobalt blue Moroccan footed ceramic bowl with silvered metal overlay. Great large decorative ceramic bowl. Measures: Diameter 11 inches x 4 ...

Throwing Knife (Ngalio) Sara People, Chad, Africa Mid-20th century Material: Iron Height on custom display stand: 28 in. / 71 cm Known as "ngalio", thi...

French landscape by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso original watercolor/gouache painting on paper overall size: 13 x 19.75 inches condition: very good and rea...

Genuine crow saddle with brain tanned deer hide. Original beaded horns and drops. Original wood and hide stirrups with drops connected with saddle leather st...

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 #168 found steel with natural rust patina and paint 6h x 4.50w x 2.50d in 15.24h x 11.43w x 6.35d cm Jim Rose b. 1966 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...

Masterful artisanal craftsmanship. Pinetti rectangular tissue box, made in ABS with chrome or gold finishing is covered with genuine waterproof leather and is available with gold ...

After Jean Louis Grégoire (France, 1840-1890) A Charming French 19th-20th Century Patinated Spelter Figure of "The Animal Charmer", depicting a sta...

Fabulous and rare painted sheet metal black cat with arched back and prominent whiskers door stop. Measures : Tall 23 x 10.75 so it makes it's presence felt. Very cool cat...

19th Century New England Folk Art Schooner Weathervane, circa 1890, having a carved and painted wooden hull with bowsprit, spars and deck house; wooden masts with wire standing rigging; iron anchors; sheet metal main sail, American flag, and flat-cut sailor manning the helm. The schooner has great lines and style - very graceful sheer, nicely shaped clipper bow, that whimsical sailor at helm...

An amazing spider's web of a rollercoaster of design and line. This sculpture is just as delicate and light filled like a spider's web. A work that reaches, careens, and zigzags Constantly changing maze of line and perspective. Comprised of welded metal rods and airbrushed in different colors. Circa 1960. Good overall condition with all welds intact. Some minor rust and pitting, but that just adds to the piece's outsider art charm. Clipped corners on the piece's base. Reminiscent of a small skeletal sculpture by the artist, Lee Bontecou...

19th century Flemish gilt zinc horse head trade sign. This beautiful hand made sign was used by a Flemish butcher and dates to circa 1860. There are still remnants of the beautiful g...

19th century exceptionally large buffalo mold from Burma Materials: wood, metal Measures: H 23 in x L 18.5 in, 58.4 cm x 47 cm. Wooden buffalo mold for making papier mâché toy...

This amazing Fisk made original painted heavy iron windmill weight is in fine condition.It has been placed on a wood base mount,custom made of course.The surface of the paint is the ...

VINTAGE HAIRDRESSER’S ADVERTISING SIGN ‘JAQUES COIFFEUR HOMMES FILLETTES’ Reflective ribbed silver mirror encapsulated by black-backed glass reveals a reflective, eye-catching font ...

English yacht binnacle mounted on a mahogany rope motif base, oval glass viewing port, with the original removable brass vented side light and carrying handle. Binnacle is fitted with an interior compass submerged in alcohol signed...

Erotic cast pewter plaque: A good surprise. In the bedroom with a bourgeois interior, the master of the house surprises the maid asleep, feather duster in hand and petticoat up. By E...

Argentinian Pierced Iron Bathroom Sign with interior light. Circa 1940. Dimensions: 9" H x 24 1/4" W x 3 3/4" D

Cute, small and vintage 1930's ferris wheel, crank driven, and all original children's tin toy. There are four children riders, each in a separate carriage. To operate: hold the toy ...

This Classical Walking Stick in Ebonized Walnut & Sterling Pommel W/ Heraldic Crest originates from France during the Late 19th Century. Features a elegant and timeless profile with ...

Antique Arts & Crafts Oak Pharmacy Apothecary Bronze Mortar & Pestle Wall Plaque. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 18" H x 12.5" W x 1" D.

Unique tribal plank art with metal base. The piece features a 5.5' tall wooden plank with a colored ornate fish design. Great conversation piece for any space.

Ceramic bell by Paolo Soleri c.1960's, USA. This bell features varying nautical creatures around the ceramic bell with a triangular metal clapper representing a fish tail. The bell h...

Tom Cramer Primitive American Folk Art Carved Figural Totem Sculpture 1994 Offered for sale is a recent acquisition from a New York estate. Thi...

A spectacular and fine, painted and stenciled, pine documentbox. The original blue paint having turned a dark green over time with the varnished finish, typical of Boston pieces. Yo...

Old pawn vintage Southwest Navajo Indian sterling silver turquoise squash blossom necklace. No apparent makers mark. Features ...

Vintage coat rack, powder coated in bright green. Six hooks resembling a swimmer prior to diving, make this a cheerful functional item. Though we al...

Lillooet lidded storage basket with polychrome imbricated design. Pedestal style. Traded for food in Washington, 5 miles from the Canadian border...

Antique English Trench Art mixed metal miniature howitzer - signal style table cannon. Hand-crafted, assembled in the early 20th century, fashioned in par...

Enhance your table with these delicate porcelain flowers by French artist Samuel Mazy, exclusive to Maison Nurita in Canada. Mazy has been working as a ceramist for nearly 20 years in Paris. He sculpts porcelain flowers to create poetic floral compositions. His work is directly inspired by the masters and manufacturers of Sevres Porcelain. This Morning Glory is handmade in biscuit porcelain with copper leaves, stems, and trellis, and is placed in a white biscuit porcelain...

Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here he has taken heavy gauge wire and formed it into a simple dog and placed it upon a salvaged steel cylinder. These repurposed items combine to form this small simple sculpture that will sure to bring a smile to its owner. Jim Rose Objects No. 04 Found and Collected Objects 6.50h x 6w x 10.50d in 16.51h x 15.24w x 26.67d cm JR0291 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 2023 Jim Rose CODA, Gallery Victor, Chicago, IL 2020 Unseen, Gallery Victor Armendariz, Chicago, IL 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 2023 Intersect Palm Springs, Gallery Victor, Palm Springs, CA 2018 SOFA Chicago 2018, Gallery Victor Armendariz, Chicago, IL Art Market Hamptons, Gallery Victor Armendariz, Bridgehampton, NY Art on Paper, Gallery Victor, Metropolitan Pavilion, New York, NY 2017 - 2019 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...

Vintage Moroccan Berber tribal bracelet from the High Atlas of Morocco. Handcrafted by Berber women using Moroccan silver nickel. The...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique 14 carat yellow gold, hot enamel and 0.30 carat diamond compact made by Tiffany & Co - boxed; an addition to our diverse ornamental collection. This exceptional antique 14 carat yellow gold compact case has a rectangular rounded form. The anterior and posterior surfaces of the case are embellished with impressive cream coloured hot enamel, accented with paralleling black borders with incurved corners. The anterior surface of the case is ornamented with an applied oval cartouche, incorporating a ribbon box decorated frame accented with twenty-nine Dutch cut diamonds, totalling 0.30ct. The anterior edge of the compact features a push fit catch ornamented with further black enamel decoration. This impressive antique compact opens to reveal the original integrated mirror and two powder compartments. Each makeup compartment features a flush hinged cover, with a subtle protruding thumbpiece to either side; the flush hinge indicates the high quality of the piece. The upper rim of the compact is fitted with an impressive yellow gold chain handpiece, accented with six tubular designs ornamented with further cream and black hot enamel decoration. The interior rim of the antique mirror bears the renowned maker's/retailer's mark 'Tiffany & Co' and the 14ct gold fineness mark (14K). This exceptional Tiffany & Co compact case in gold is fitted to the original hinged leatherette presentation box with a satin and velvet lined interior, securing with a push fit catch; such an example in the original box is rare to the market. The interior of the box bears the retailer's mark 'Tiffany & Co'. This exceptional case is the finest of its type you could hope to acquire. Condition This antique Tiffany compact...

With its many blades and dramatic form, this impressive throwing knife would have been a status symbol and a form of currency among the Ngombe peoples o...

"Sentry" tin mechanical bank is very difficult to find, having been made in Germany by the company Saalheimer & Strauss for the British market. The rif...

Late 19th century sheet iron and metal "Trotting Horse" weathervane. It has a nice weathered color and patina and is very authentic with six "healthy" bullet holes to boot. I basica...

Vintage 1940's chrome frame building directory sign with beveled glass double panels. This came from the famous Boston (North End) restaurant 'Joe Tecce's' which closed in 2010 after...

A pair of antique Indian hand-painted figural brass head religious sculptures. Hand-crafted in the Maharashtra or Karnataka region of India in the late 19th / early 20th century, d...

Beautiful, unique Boule ball, France, late 19th Century. In the 19th century, the manufacture of boules balls underwent significant development in France as the game of boules, particularly the pétanque variant, gained in popularity. The manufacture of boules balls during this period was a manual process that required expertise, precision and love to detail. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in rural areas of France and other Mediterranean regions, olive wood was a commonly used source of material for making boules balls. This was not only due to the availability of the material, but also to the outstanding properties of olive wood, which was characterized by hardness, strength and a rich grain. First, the olive wood was carefully selected and shaped into raw balls, which were then sanded to the desired size and shape. The nails were then hammered into the balls one by one, making sure that they were evenly distributed and firmly anchored. Finally, the spheres were polished and coated with a protective varnish to enhance their natural beauty and protect them from the elements. The use of nails to decorate and reinforce olive wood boules was a traditional practice that not only gave the ball a rustic aesthetic, but also improved its durability and contributed to customization. Many balls were made according to the specific requirements and preferences of the players. Nails were driven at regular intervals around the ball, with each nail hole precisely placed so as not to affect the balance and weight distribution of the ball. These nails not only served as a decorative element, but also helped to strengthen the structure of the ball and make it more resistant to the hard knocks and wear and tear during play. Individual engravings or decorations were often applied to the balls to make them unique and identify the player. Antique boules...

Painting on copper. Italian school of the late 17th century. The scene, which recounts a moment in the Passion of Christ, is filled with the charac...

Apache figural basketry olla designed 14 male and female figures and 8 dogs. After an olla was filled to the brim with wild grass seeds such as chia or amaranth, or domestic plant pr...

Chippewa circular quilled birch bark box with fully quilled lid with three dimensional yellow star. Birch bark, quills and sweet grass. Period: Mid-20th cent...

Fantastic double sided bistro cafe metal sign from France's La Belle Époque period. Features a lacquer finish with pierced letters reading "Montre Ponctua"...

This finely cast bronze bangle is possibly Gan, or a related culture, from Burkina Faso or northern Ghana. It depicts two animals resembling chameleons which flank a central decorati...

Antique sign from the Woods Hole Golf Club in Falmouth, MA circa 1900. Includes original wrought iron bracket meant for mounting on a square post. Great original surface. Also reads ...

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

Double sided pub sign from the United Kingdom. Hand Painted and in excellent condition. Rough hewn wood well constructed with a heavy duty frame ...

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...

Northern Plains spontoon style pipe tomahawk with solid brass head, carved and file burnt and painted original haft. Period: 19th century Origin: Northern Plains Size: Head 11 1/2",...

American nautical mahogany yacht binnacle with a hinged locking oval glass viewing port, original removable brass side light burner with font, brass carrying handle, and fitted with ...

Forged iron currency, Chamba people, Northeastern Nigeria A piece of traditional currency used for barter or exchange, it measures 15 inches (38 cm) high by 18 inches (45.7 cm) wide...

This sideboard from France was previously completely made of oak. We painted the body in black piano lacquer. The curves with the light reflections already come into their own and fr...

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...

Sterling Turquoise bolo tie by Teddy Goodluck. Extra large Sterling Bolo. Beautiful stone that measures 2.5" x 1.75" with tooled front with overall ...

19th century painted plains bow with original string and ten matching arrows. Original steel points 2 1/2" - 4". Ex. Fruitland Museum. Ex. Peter Hawkin. Pe...

18th Century Italian hand-carved speckled gold and silver leaf tassel ornaments. The tassels originally came from an Italian church in Tuscany and were used during feast days. These tassels were commonly used to adorn 18th and 19th century French and Italian chandeliers...