Antique Tramp Art, Wood Box, Circa 1920-40

This Folk Art Wood Box Is An Excellent Example Of Simple & Pure "Tramp Art" At Its Birth and was made either in Canada or United States and dates 1920-1940. The exterior of the box is hand carved with a touch of “Arts & Crafts” Movement in mind. The interior of the box is lined with an Art Nouveau design wall paper.

COMMENT: A Fabulous Collector Item! Real History!

A LITTLE HISTORY ABOUT “TRAMP ART”

Tramp art is a unique woodworking style that became popularized from 1880-1940. It is characterized by the notch carving and layering or pyramiding of many small pieces of wood for decorating a variety of objects. Recycled wood from cigar boxes was typically used.  Much of the folk art of this period was made from sundry wood materials.

There are many misconceptions that “tramp art” was made by wandering hobos. Today the more informed have realized that this was a derivative of folk art and continued into the 1940’s. Some of the skilled imaginative craftsman were of German descent and traveled to parts of the United States and Canada and spread their talents of working with wood.

Tramp Art is free form and unconventional in its art form and adheres only to the limits of its originator of a specific piece. Today our familiarity and appreciation of such art forms has become very prevalent in a society where so many things are made by machine and lack the human touch.

CONDITION: Considering its age, this little tramp art box or chest is in good condition. The interior wall paper lining is worn but is original to the piece. The box is in original condition and has not been treated or stripped. It is in “as found” condition. It has not been altered from its original state. Patina is original.