Folk art can take many forms and be
made of just about any material. However, it is the wood
carved animal and birds, made in America in the 19th century
that rates the big bucks and collector respect.
The majority of American folk art
carvers are unknown. Not so Charles Hart known as the “penguin
carver.” Long before the movie “March Of The Penguins” focused
on these remarkable creatures, collectors had discovered the
folk art penguins carved by Charles Hart. Hard to believe Hart
once sold his penguin carvings on the road between Essex and
Gloucestor, MA. It was inspired by Admiral E. Byrd’s Polar
Expedition in the 1930s. These days, when any of his penguins
turn up prices range from the high hundreds to the thousands. He
carved them in many sizes.
Well known to collectors is 19th century
folk art carver Wilhelm Schimmel, from Pennsylvania. Many carved
wood eagles and animals have been attributed to him. The wood
carvings are of several types: whittled, carved, turned or
scratch-carved. Schimmel used a cross-hatched pattern.
Polychromed paint finished them off. The most popular subjects
were the barnyard animals and roosters in the area.
Not all animal and bird figures were of
wood. Many were made of whatever materials were at hand. This
included metal and gypsum. Even dippers made of gourds
added eye appeal when the handles were carved in the shape of
barnyard animals. No matter how humble the purpose, untrained
American artisans added humor and beauty to the most humble
objects. Everything from tools and kitchen utensils to
gravestones and architectural ornaments used animals and other
creatures as motifs. This type of work, brought to America by
German settlers who moved to Pennsylvania, came to be known as
Pennsylvania Dutch. However, farmers who lived in other sections
of the country, “prettied up” kitchen items for their wives.
Small kitchen shelves and comb cases that were meant to hang on
the kitchen wall were decorated with animal carvings. Even kraut
cutters and knife boxes were topped with animal and bird motifs.
The woods used depended on the region.
When the pieces weren’t carved from a single piece of wood, the
woods were mixed. For instance, maple and holly, ebony and oak
creatures were inlaid.
Sailors at sea used whale ivory to carve
what we call" scrimshaw”. It to is a form of folk art. Even beef
and pork bones from their diet of salt beef and pork were turned
into carvings. Some of the most expensive kitchen gadgets these
days are pie crimpers and “jaggers” costing hundreds of dollars.
Handles showed the artistry in their depiction of animal and
other figures.
Whether the mid 19th century animal
forms of metal are a folk art spin-off, or another form, is up
for debate. After the 1850s when new casting techniques were
developed, animals and other decorative forms were cast into
nutcrackers, hitching-post finials and door stops. Even the
boot-scraper became a work of art when it was made in the shape
of a cat or dog.
Still around, and not true antiques, are
dog-shaped lawn ornaments. Popular from the 1920s to 40s, they
were painted and made of both metal and pine.
CLUES: Reproductions and outright fakes
abound in this collecting field. Folk art carving from other
countries is often passed off as American. Other items are brand
new with faked aging. Know your dealer. Or, expect the
unexpected.
Not everybody appreciates the look of folk art.
If you have any questions, you can Email us at
antshoppe@aol.com
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PO Box 2175, Keystone Heights, FL 32656-2175
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