No. 100438014

Sold
Box - Wood - 1920s Tramp Art
Final bid
€ 62
2 days ago

Box - Wood - 1920s Tramp Art

Tramp Art Hand-Carved Folk Art Box with Interior Mirror – 1920s A striking example of early 20th-century folk craftsmanship, this authentic Tramp Art wooden box (ca. 1920s) showcases the unmistakable layered chip-carved technique that defines the genre. Hand-crafted from solid wood and richly patinated through a century of gentle use, the exterior features intricate geometric relief carving with stacked pyramid and serrated motifs, creating a sculptural, architectural presence. The interior reveals a period-correct mirror set into the lid, offering both charm and utility. The mirror glass shows desirable signs of age, consistent with original 1920s manufacture, and remains firmly mounted. The box opens and closes smoothly on its original small hinges. Historical context Tramp Art emerged in the late 19th century and flourished into the 1920s, created by artisans—often travelling craftsmen or self-taught carvers—using pocket knives, reclaimed cigar-box wood, and found materials. These objects reflect a deeply personal, repetitive, and meditative carving tradition rooted in folk ingenuity rather than academic design schools. Examples from the 1920s represent the mature phase of the movement, where carving density and rhythmic layering reached their peak. Dimensions & weight Approx. 16 x 26 x 17 cm (h x w x d) Weight: approx. 0.9 kg Condition Structurally excellent, solid, and stable. In a pre-loved condition; missing some small parts. Original mirror and hinges intact Traces of age-related wear add to authenticity A sculptural and soulful collector’s piece that brings warmth and texture to curated interiors, cabinets of curiosity, or folk-art collections.

No. 100438014

Sold
Box - Wood - 1920s Tramp Art

Box - Wood - 1920s Tramp Art

Tramp Art Hand-Carved Folk Art Box with Interior Mirror – 1920s

A striking example of early 20th-century folk craftsmanship, this authentic Tramp Art wooden box (ca. 1920s) showcases the unmistakable layered chip-carved technique that defines the genre. Hand-crafted from solid wood and richly patinated through a century of gentle use, the exterior features intricate geometric relief carving with stacked pyramid and serrated motifs, creating a sculptural, architectural presence.

The interior reveals a period-correct mirror set into the lid, offering both charm and utility. The mirror glass shows desirable signs of age, consistent with original 1920s manufacture, and remains firmly mounted. The box opens and closes smoothly on its original small hinges.

Historical context
Tramp Art emerged in the late 19th century and flourished into the 1920s, created by artisans—often travelling craftsmen or self-taught carvers—using pocket knives, reclaimed cigar-box wood, and found materials. These objects reflect a deeply personal, repetitive, and meditative carving tradition rooted in folk ingenuity rather than academic design schools. Examples from the 1920s represent the mature phase of the movement, where carving density and rhythmic layering reached their peak.

Dimensions & weight
Approx. 16 x 26 x 17 cm (h x w x d)
Weight: approx. 0.9 kg

Condition
Structurally excellent, solid, and stable. In a pre-loved condition; missing some small parts.
Original mirror and hinges intact
Traces of age-related wear add to authenticity

A sculptural and soulful collector’s piece that brings warmth and texture to curated interiors, cabinets of curiosity, or folk-art collections.

Final bid
€ 62
Zhu Chen
Expert
Estimate  € 140 - € 170

Similar objects

For you in

Home & Garden Decor

Set a search alert
Set a search alert to get notified when new matches are available.

This object was featured in

                                        
                                                                                                    
                    
                                        
                                                                                                    
                    
                                        
                                                                                                    
                    
                                        
                                                                                                    
                    

How to buy on Catawiki

Learn more about our Buyer Protection

      1. Discover something special

      Browse through thousands of special objects selected by experts. View the photos, details and estimated value of each special object. 

      2. Place the top bid

      Find something you love and place the top bid. You can follow the auction to the end or let our system do the bidding for you. All you have to do is set a bid for the maximum amount you want to pay. 

      3. Make a secure payment

      Pay for your special object and we’ll keep your payment secure until it arrives safe and sound. We use a trusted payment system to handle all transactions. 

Have something similar to sell?

Whether you're new to online auctions or sell professionally, we can help you earn more for your special objects.

Sell your object