Catalog: Antiques: Decorative Art: Folk Art (96)

A wonderful double sided smalt trade sign for D.M. Woodward, Doctor of Chiropractic. The gilded letters and the black smalt background are virtually intact and vibrant. The frame is original, and measures 28 3/4 inches by 14 inches by 2 inches deep. There is a small sliver out of the frame at one upper edge, and a small gap in the frame at the corner. Aside from these very minor flaws, the piece is in excellent condition.

A fine set of 4 watercolor schoolgirl paintings executed with a very high degree of artistry, probably originally done as bookplates. They have been mounted in pairs in attractive figured maple frames. The first frame has the paintings shown in the 2nd and 3rd photos and the 2nd frame has the paintings shown in the 4th and 5th photos.

The paintings and frames are in excellent condition, with the first frame, shown in the top left of the first photo, measuring 12 5/8" by 10 3/4"...

A beautifully executed American watercolor on paper portrait painting of a woman. The sitter has auburn curls and is dressed in an Empire style dress with wide lace collar, a paisley bordered shawl, white turban, and matching pearl and gem brooch and earrings. All the details are very finely limned.

The painting is in excellent condition, with no creases, tears, fading, or restoration. Sight size is 8" by 6 1/4", and the gilt molded frame size is 10" by 8 1/4".

A charming metal artist's trade sign mounted under glass in a fine period wood frame. Obviously done to showcase his skill, it shows a palette with brushes resting in the thumb hole along with flowers, additional flowers and a bird outside of the palette.

The sign and the frame with its original backboard are in excellent condition. Sight size 13 1/2" by 9 1/2", and a framed size of 17" by 12 1/2".

A fine painted gameboard painted with red numbers on black squares on a brown background. This type of gameboard was supposedly used for playing checkers games by mail, using the numbers to describe the piece positions; also possibly used for teaching checkers; size is 29 1/2" by 21" by 1 1/2". Excellent condition.

This striking and well executed miniature watercolor painting, on natural organic material, depicts a blue-eyed handsome young gentleman. He is wearing a black coat and tie, white shirt with a stickpin, and is sporting a fashionable hairstyle for the times.

The sight size of the painting is 2 1/2" by 2". It is housed in its original cast brass locket which is 2 5/8" by 2 1/8", and, in the engine turned back, has a glazed aperture containing a woven plait of hair...

A spectacular calligraphic work by E. Bambeck, signed and dated as part of the painting. Using pastels, watercolors, and pen and ink, he has limned a pair of very lifelike parakeets on white branches against a stark black background. The details and artistry that has gone into this work is truly of the highest order.

The condition is excellent, with no smudges, tears, toning or other problems. The bright white blobs in the center of some of the photos are reflections of lamps...

This is a charmingly rendered watercolor on paper portrait of an attractive little girl, leaning against a hillock of red flowers amidst green foliage. The artist has chosen to omit details in the background, and, instead, draws the viewer's focus to the subject by limning her dress in a bright blue, and having her hold several flowers in her hand. The work possesses a whimsy and naivete that brings a smile to one's face, as good folk art often does...

A wonderful and strong American freehand watercolor on paper folk art theorem. Strawberries, apples, cherries, and pears, with their foliage, are depicted in bold colors with a whimsical style. They rest in a large bowl with a light brown tint (not stained).

In contrast to the creasing, heavy foxing and flaws that many examples of this type art have, the overall condition is excellent, with no tears and only a spot or two or discoloration...

A charming hooked rug depicting a woman holding a flower and sitting in a chair beside a large kettle over an open fire. The wall behind her shows a painting and a window through which can be seen a church. Rugs of this size and this period showing an interior scene are quite uncommon.

The 21" by 17" rug is mounted in a museum approved manner on acid free board. The condition is excellent, with no issues.

A wonderful and amusing hooked rug depicting an aardvark. I have collected many rugs featuring animals but have never seen another with an aardvark. Well, at least I think this is someone's interpretation of an aardvark, or possibly a beaver, armadillo or pangolin. Whatever the craftsman was aiming for, one has to smile at this, and at the pinkish salmon background color surrounded by a scalloped teal border. Cotton yarn and with original burlap foundation.

The size is 43" by 30 1/2"...

A nicely executed painting of Stephen Girard, capturing the inner essence of this important person. Excellent condition, and in a period gilt frame which is in very good condition. Sight size is 21 3/4" by 16".

Stephen Girard came to the United States, and Philadelphia, around 1776, and became one of the wealthiest men in the nation. He was well-known for his philanthropy, and founded Girard College. During the War of 1812, Girard was responsible for saving the U.S. from financial collapse...

A folky miniature portrait painting of a young man. With his stylish hairdo, high collar, and patterned vest, and pin, the gentleman exemplifies a dandy of the time. The blue hues in the background provide a striking contrast to the relatively monochromatic tones of the sitter.

The miniature is 2 3/8" by 1 3/4" and is housed in its original 2 1/2" by 2" brass case, which also has a lock of hair in the rear aperture. Condition is excellent, with no cracks, bowing, or paint flaking.

A charming folk art, watercolor on paper, portrait of a very pretty young woman. She is wearing a mourning band on each arm, and is sitting quietly on a chair, with the sheet music of "The Julia Polka" on her lap. Since the painting is titled, in pencil along the lower margin, "Julia ???", the most likely explanation is that this is Julia, mourning for the loved one who probably wrote the song for her...

A bold and beautiful tinsel, or foil, painting, reverse painted on glass. The subject matter is a yellow and white urn, filled with a bountiful array of various flowers, done in a rainbow of colors. The period and probably original frame is of high quality mahogany, which is very rarely found on this type of work.

The painting is in overall excellent condition, and the frame itself has some scuffing and wear, which could easily be touched up...

A nicely executed, watercolor on paper, small American folk art portrait of a young woman. The subject is wearing a vibrant blue dress, and is holding a book as she sits in a chair beside a table with a vase of flowers. Fine detailing abounds in her jewelry, and the lace accents on her clothing.

The paper has some overall light toning and the painting is in excellent condition, with no creasing, tears, or stains...

This is one of the most vibrant and spectacular splint baskets you are likely to encounter. The chrome yellow paint is complemented by the deep red wrapping at the top and on the wood handle. Found in Pennsylvania, it has a 9 1/4" diameter, is 6 3/4" tall not including the handle, and 11" tall including the handle.

The paint is all original with no loss, and the structural integrity is pristine, with no breaks.

Vibrant yellow with black freehand decoration. All original with very, very minor touchups to black. Signed Charles(?) H. Blanders, Putnam, NY?. 10 7/8" by 5" by 4 1/2". Excellent condition.