Antique Tramp Art Box

Details

Description

This is a handmade tramp art box, a folk art tradition that flourished in the late 19th and early 20th … Read more This is a handmade tramp art box, a folk art tradition that flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, created primarily from repurposed cigar boxes and scrap wood.

Exterior Design
• Construction: Built with characteristic chip-carved, layered notches—a hallmark of tramp art. Each piece of wood is meticulously cut into small, pyramid-like ridges and stacked in successive layers, creating a highly textured, almost architectural look.
• Shape: The box is rectangular with projecting corners and stepped layers, giving it a strong geometric presence.
• Panels: Red velvet inlays are set into the top and sides, adding warmth, richness, and contrast against the golden wood.

Interior
• Lining: The inside is lined with turquoise-blue patterned fabric, with a floral motif, which would have been a decorative and protective choice for jewelry or keepsakes.
• Detail: A small red pull tab hangs from the lid, making it easier to open. It has been torn over the years but still useable

Base & Markings
• The underside shows green felt pads, probably to protect furniture surfaces.
• Hand-carved inscriptions include:
• “E.D. Gresly” (likely the maker’s name).
• Date: 6 – 21, 1921
• Initials EDG and other hand-etched marks, reinforcing its handmade, personal nature.

Style & Significance
• Though tramp art peaked earlier (1880s–1930s), artisans continued the tradition much later, often as hobbyists or folk art enthusiasts.
• This box exemplifies the resourcefulness and ornate craftsmanship of tramp art: taking humble materials and transforming them into something highly decorative.
• The use of velvet and bright fabric linings adds to its folk luxury appeal.

✨ Overall, this is a striking example of 20th-century tramp art revival, blending folk tradition with personal artistry. See less