Early 20th Century Square Tramp Art Hinged Lidded Box

Details

Description

his object is an antique Tramp Art box, a distinct style of American and European folk art. It measures 8 … Read more his object is an antique Tramp Art box, a distinct style of American and European folk art. It measures 8 inches wide by 8 inches deep by 6 inches tall. It has a hinged lid and the inside of the box if covered in a black velvet. The velvet is coming unglued and is no longer in one piece as can be expected with a piece of this age. The exterior has some old white paint here and there that has turned to a more muted hue due to it’s age creating a beautiful patina. There are some words on the underside of the lid as well as on the bottom of the box.

Key Characteristics
• Material: Typically constructed using reclaimed wood from discarded wooden cigar boxes or shipping crates.
• Technique: Made through layering and geometric notch-carving (also known as chip carving).
• Design: The wood edges are intricately carved into repetitive V-shaped notches, then stacked into distinctive, pyramidal, or crown-like geometric layers.

History & Context
• Era: This form of woodworking flourished primarily from the 1870s through the 1940s.
• • Artisans: Despite the name "tramp art," these pieces were rarely made by transients. Instead, they were typically crafted by skilled, self-taught working-class artisans and hobbyists who used readily available, inexpensive materials See less