Folk Art

Quite an unusual piece for bank collectors or just for those seeking a unique collectible. This is a coin bank made of all wood; walnut and inlay here and there; simulating a stack and shelf of books; a pair of "Scottie dogs" (terriers) on top of the bank completes the decoration. The slot on top of the bank accommodates the saving of coins. When it is full; the method of opening the bank to remove the coins, exemplifies the ultimate in Japanese ingenuity. A video attached to the listing displays the foregoing. With the books facing you; slide the two front bottom panels to the left; slide the bottom right panel forward (tilt forward) exposing the opening; slide out the enclosed loose key; push everything back; slide left half of front panel to the left; the middle book drops down exposing the key hole; insert and turn the key to the right to open; lift the hinged lid; remove coins and reverse the process to start over again. Fantastic item!!! This bank was made in Japan, right after World War ll, during the occupation, around 1948. It is a further manifestation of a mid to early 19th century tradition of hiding documents and money in boxes with "tricks" and a multiplicity of "moves" to unlock a box or trunk. With these banks, it is all about condition and completeness, considering the rough play and use it was subject to from trying to figure out how to open it. This particular bank is in excellent and all original, complete condition with no repairs and no replacements, and is from my own personal collection of banks; having been in my possession since 1985. Worth noting is that this example was featured in "Antiquing and Collecting" magazine September 2003 edition in an article on Japanese Puzzle...

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...

Pair of early 20th Century English Estate Made Folk art Decoys. A delightful pair of early 20th century folk art estate made English decoy ducks. Of large proportion these two hand p...

Danish piggy pink cast iron money bank or doorstopper with wings. This smiling and charming Lady Pig is newly powder-coated in "pretty pink". She...

Hand Painted Indian Folk Art Stand or Low Table A Lovely Decorative piece painted in a green pallet with small Flowers This little metal table is very sta...

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...

Hand Painted Indian Folk Art Stand or Low Table A Lovely Decorative piece painted in an orange pallet with Flowers This little metal table is very stable ...

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.

Artist’s Model Bust of a Very Young Smiling Boy, signed and dated This is a very attractive hand made piece dating from the middle of the 20th Centu...

Artist’s Bust of a Woman, not signed This is a hand made piece dating from the middle of the 20th Century, it was discovered during refurbishment of an ...

Tonala folk art pottery charger or wall plate - large size - hand made and hand painted with a rabbit, bird and foliage - elaborate border - unsigned - Mexico - circa 1970's. Excellent vintage condition - no loss - no damage - no restoration - original metal hanger...

A colorful one-of-a-kind Tibetan rug from the 2nd quarter of the 20th century with a colorful dragon motif Measures: 3'1'' x 5'1''.

This is an industrial metal store display sign that showcases French Folk Art. The sign boasts gigantic scissors, which can be used as an advertisement for a barber or hair salon. It is possible that the sign was originally used as a trade sign for a tailor shop or a millinery store. The sign is made of chromed metal and has the same maneuverability as real scissors. Despite being an outdoor sign...

Painted blanket chest with turned feet. Rectangular lid with applied molding above dovetail jointed case . An absolute delight, this festive jewel made of dense poplar with a buttern...

This early 20th century American folk art draught horse weathervane is a remarkable piece crafted from sheet metal, capturing the essence of traditional American folk art. The weathe...

Small Collection of Folk Art Wooden Letters A Small collection of painted wooden letters, the letters are 1” thick, they were made in India, the have small hooks on the back to hang...

A wonderful American folk art pen and watercolor self portrait of John Taylor, Albany, NY, circa 1805-6. Taylor has drawn himself as a fashionable, industrious young man seated at hi...

A wonderful, unique, and very engaging original indigenous painting by Australian Aboriginal artist Thompson Yulidjirri, (C1930-2009). The painting is made with natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark and mounted to a backing for display. It was created in Oenpelli, Western Arnhem Land, in 1977. Provenance: This piece is from the Kelton Foundation Collection (Richard Kelton Collection located in Santa Monica, California) of important Australian Indigenous Works of Art and was acquired in 1982. Thompson Yulidjirri was an Aboriginal Australian artist of the Kunwinjku people of western Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory of Australia. He was renowned for his wide knowledge of ancestral creation narratives and tribal ceremony. His works can be found in many prominent collections and museums including: The Australian Museum, Sydney The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia The National Gallery of Australia The National Gallery of Victoria The National Museum of Australia A beautiful, striking, and original work. Would be a great addition to any Australian Aboriginal Indigenous Peoples art...

Antique circa 1918 folk art memory jug. Stoneware pottery jug covered in found objects. Objects include, shells, crystals, stones, Heinz 57 pickl...

Own a piece of Wisconsin's history with this early 20th century hand-painted sign from an early 20th-century chiropractor's office. The sign, found in a barn in the heart of Wisconsi...

Large iron weathervane from the 17th Century with long flagpole and hand-hewn sandstone block as a stand.

A wonderful, unique, and very engaging original indigenous painting by Australian Aboriginal artist Thompson Yulidjirri, (C1930-2009) featuring two Mimi figures. The painting is made with natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark and affixed to a Hessian board backing for display. It was created in Oenpelli, Western Arnhem Land, in 1977. Provenance: This piece is from the Kelton Foundation Collection (Richard Kelton Collection located in Santa Monica, California) of important Australian Indigenous Works of Art and was acquired in 1982. Exhibited: 'Abstract Reality: Australian Dreamtime Art', Modern Museum of Art, Santa Ana, CA, 17 January – 16 April 1989. Inscribed on verso 'RKB28 No.3373' (likely Kelton collection accession number information) Thompson Yulidjirri was an Aboriginal Australian artist of the Kunwinjku people of western Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory of Australia. He was renowned for his wide knowledge of ancestral creation narratives and tribal ceremony. His works can be found in many prominent collections and museums including: The Australian Museum, Sydney The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia The National Gallery of Australia The National Gallery of Victoria The National Museum of Australia A beautiful, striking, and original work. Would be a great addition to any Australian Aboriginal Indigenous Peoples art...

Made with oak staves, handle, mahogany base and attached brass ears, in excellent condition. The poem on the label reads” I was made in Nantucket, I’m strong and stout. Don’t lose me...

Circa 1970. We offer this Vintage Handmade Advertising Tire Iconic Bibendum Michelin Man.

Artist’s Model Bust of a Well Weathered Head, not signed This is a very well weathered hand made piece dating from the middle of the 20th Century, it was discovered during refurbishment of an Art Studio It is a three dimensional head and shoulders with an androgynous appearance made in clay with an out door patina...

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 ...

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...

Set of six decorative blue, green and white glazed terracotta ceramic bowls Spanish Fajalauza from the 20th century made and hand painted. Fajalauza is a style that originates in th...

This is a "remarkable" Indonesian Wayang Kulit painting. The color pallette is fantastic on a deep blue background with touches of beige, green and deep b...

By J. Chein, circa 1930, this tin lithographed and hand painted American tin wind-up toy is all original and in working order. There are a few scratches here and there (from normal play and use); but for a nearly 100 year old toy, it is in very good and all original paint with no touch up or restoration. The turtle is painted in colors of yellow (predominantly) with a turquoise border and red dots, and an orange neck; while the boy is dressed in yellow. The action of the toy portrays a boy riding a turtle; and upon winding up the attached clockwork key and releasing on the floor, the turtle with boy rider, ride away! The turtle moves his head up and down while the boy rocks up and down, as the turtle moves across the floor (see attached 12 second video of operation). Works well (unique for this toy) but occasionally "sticks". Of American manufacturer (marked on the left of center of the shell of the turtle), the J. Chein Company was in Harrison, New Jersey, and one of the premier toy makers of the 1930's. Dimensions: 8" long x 4 1/2" wide x 4" high Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys...

Framed and Glazed Ink and Watercolour by Desmond Walduck Desmond Walduck is a comic book artist known for his work on Dan Dare 1920-1995 This painting is of A Horse Woman Riding B...

Chest-Coffer in Oak H.47 cm – L.71 cm – D.45 cm Antique chest-chest in oak wood. The lid has the classic "donkey's back" shape; wrought iron elements that served as reinforcement t...

Framed and Glazed Ink and Watercolour by Desmond Walduck Desmond Walduck is a comic book artist known for his work on Dan Dare 1920-1995 This painting is of The Herron and the Fis...

Framed and Glazed Ink and Watercolour by Desmond Walduck Walduck is a comic book artist known for his work on Dan Dare 1920-1995 This painting is of Swans it is set in a moulded w...

Artist’s Model Bust of a Young Girl in a Panama Hat, not signed This is a very attractive hand made piece dating from the middle of the 20th Century...

Highly colorful and completely operational hard to find LARGE tin child's toy spinning top made by the J. Chein Company, Harrison, New Jersey, Circa 1950. It works great and is in co...

This brightly lithographed tin wind-up toy in colors of red, yellow, and blue, with a driver dressed in appropriate motorcycle clothing, depicts a young man driving a delivery cart with "Speed Boy Delivery" printed on each side of the wagon. The manufacturers logo is clearly marked on both sides of the stake wagon and on the right shoulder of the driver "MAR" with a circle around it and "Made in The United States of America, New York, N.Y." around the circumference (see images). The license plate number is "268", which, along with the red painted inside of the drivers arms (as it should be!) indicates this earlier version and authenticity. Nearly 100 years old, it still operates fine and, upon winding the attached wind-up key a few times and placing the toy on the ground, the motorcycle and driver move across the floor on the way to their deliveries; do not over wind. (see video attached to this listing). The toy is completely original and in very good condition, with no repairs or restorations of any kind and no touch up or repaint. The arms and steering handle bars are also original (sometimes replaced) and they have the appropriate paint and markings. This would make a welcome addition to a collection of pre-war Americana. Dimensions: 9 7/8" long x 5 7/8" wide x 5 3/4" high After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys...

Vintage Shooting Lodge Target Plaque 1883. A rare and beautiful wooden shooting target plaque with inscriptions. This rare kings plaque was issued by a s...

A late 19th century Kurd Persian Bidjar Rug with an animal lion rug pattern Measures: 3'3" x 6'2'.

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 draw...

This hand-hooked rug was found in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and has such great geometric lines. It has a thick NAP and is really great condition.The rug is sewn on linen and on a custom made wood...

We offer this antique tortilla press maker in mesquite wood, circa 1950.

19th Century Framed Print of Beethoven A portrait of Beethoven sat with pen an score in hand in a 3” moulded gilt frame In good condition und...

Sailor's Woolwork of H.M.S. Meeanee Outward Bound, Year 1862. The British sailor's woolwork or woolie depicts a starboard view of the H.M.S. Meeanee outward bound passing a lighthouse as she sets out to sea leaving an unknown port on a wavy sea depicting with bands of different blues and white. She flies the red ensign and a red banner used to message sailors that their hip was leaving port. Along the lower section is a wide silk band with the following: H.M.S. Meeanee. Outward. Bound, Yer 1862. Dimensipons: 15 1/2 inches high x 21 3/4 inches wide x 1 inch deep. There are, as seen, various small minor looses. Now within Museum UV Glass. H.M.S. Meeanee was a two-deck 80-gun second rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched on 11 November 1842 at Bombay Dockyard. She was named after the Battle of Meeanee. The Meanee had originally been intended to be named the Madras, and retained the figurehead of a native of Madras, though it no longer appropriate. The head builder at the H.E.I. company dock and shipbuilding yard was Cursetjee Rustomjee. She sailed from Bombay for England in August 1849 with Persian artefacts for the British Museum. Meeanee a Vanguard Classship was fitted with screw propulsion in 1857. The London Times on Wednesday 31 December 1856 wrote that she was in Sheerness- The new ship Meeanee, 80 guns, is in No. 2 dry dock, being altered to receive screw steam machinery. From late 1862, H.M.S. Meeanee was commanded (until paying off at Sheerness) by Captain George Wodehouse as part of the Mediterranean Fleet. In 1870 she was a hospital ship moored in the centre of Hong Kong Harbour tending to the British Army. She was broken up in 1906. The Battle of Meeanee. Sir Charles Napier led a small force of 2,500, consisting of native infantry and cavalry and one British regiment, The Cheshire Regiment, against the Baluchi Army of the Ameers of Scinde. The desert fortress of Emaun Ghur was destroyed and then, on the 17th February 1843, Napier's small force defeated 30,000 Baluchis at Meeanee. A month later the Baluchis were defeated again at Hyderbad. The province of Scinde fell into British hands and the Cheshire Regiment gained the honours of Meeanee, Hyderbad and Scinde. The honours of Meeanee and Hyderbad are shared with some Indian Regiments.

Funky and very cool Mexican terracotta doll figure with articulated limbs. Since it is solid terracotta it is likely this is a mold from which other dolls were made. As a folk art sculpture it is absolutely charming. The military hat...

Tonala folk art pottery charger or wall plate - large size - hand made and hand painted with a swan and flowers - elaborate border - unsigned - Mexico - circa 1970's. Excellent v...

Vintage Ken Edwards Mexican ceramic quail bird form Tonala Pottery. Beautiful vintage Mexican hand made and hand painted TONALA Art Pottery. Deco...

Kwamina Amoaku Ghana, 1960's Fante Asafo flag in cotton applique patterns. Fante People. Asafo Flags are created by the Fante people of Ghana. The flags are visual representations...

Vintage Sulky and Rider Folk Art Weather Vane Additional information: Materials: Iron Color: Black Period: 1940s Place of Origin: North America ...

1960s Moroccan Tribal Rug, Hand woven North African Ethnic Textile Floor Covering.Vintage Moroccan flat-weave stripe Kilim rug. Hand crafted large siz...

Handpainted Swedish wooden traditional Dala pig toy. Designed by Nils Olsson in Sweden, circa 1960. Materials: Wood In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age...

A rare, likely one-of-a-kind, large antique, circa 1860s, early American hand carved, painted, and sculpted wooden patriotic barber pole advertising trade sign / open sign...

A wonderful, unique, and quite engaging original painting titled "Milky Way Dreaming" by indigenous Australian Aboriginal artist Janet Forrester Ngala...

Antique Carved Pine Half Hull Model of a Coasting Schooner, circa 1920, a hollow-carved shell half hull model with clipper bow and great shear, and nice serpentine carved trailboard....

San Francisco trolley toy Friction cable car; made of all tin; important to note because this was the first of it's kind having been made in the 1950s. They were all tin (no plastic); 7 1/4" long (not shorter); green (not red or multi-clored); "Bay and Taylor St" placard; #504" and most importantly the figures are actual FIGURES made of formed pressed steel and then hand painted and lithographed. Cheaper later models were simply lithographed into the flat sheet steel. Also, my example works (see video). It is a friction toy...

A fantastic late 19th Century refectory table in its original folk art decoration, the top with foliate scenes of birds in foliage with vines and bunches of fruit on a ocre backgroun...

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...

Coming from an American Folk art collection of animal sculptures- only one. A fine huge, signed, and heavily hand carved charming erect rabbit measuring 21 inches tall and 9 inches wide- one of the largest hand carved rabbits...