This really is a sweet little frame, and since the photographer’s imprint on the portrait mount is “Karl Muller”, probably German. While it has the typical layering and edge-notching of tramp art, what distinguishes this frame are the carved flowers growing from pots that ascend the sides. Achieved by chip-carving and other gouge- and knife-work, these bas relief panels are folky and quirky, reminiscent of Pennsylvania Dutch craftsmanship. Rising from urns or pots at the bottom, tall leafy stalks terminate in six-petal compass-plotted blossoms. A zigzag design decorates the bottom center, and another, more arched, crests the top. There is a tiny splinter near the top of this element where a nail to attach a hanger poked through from the back; you don’t even notice this (but full disclosure). Consequently, there is a nail head on the reverse by which to hang it. I hope my pictures communicate just how delightful is this creation. Its outside size is 9 3/4″ x 6 1/4″, opening is 6 5/15″ x 3 3/4″. The portrayed is a beguiling wench wearing about 72 layers of clothes. I can furnish more pictures if need be. What are you looking for? I have enormous collections of tramp art, African masks and Panamanian San Blas Guna molas. [NEW] People have been asking what the back looks like, so I have added a picture (last one). It is covered with thick blue gray paper, glued down (so I can’t measure rabbet dimensions, probably 3/16″ – 1/4″ larger than sight size). The item “Nice! Unusual folk art TRAMP ART picture frame CARVED FLOWERS Boston Primitive” is in sale since Tuesday, February 9, 2021. This item is in the category “Antiques\Decorative Arts\Picture Frames”. The seller is “musictramp” and is located in Roslindale, Massachusetts. This item can be shipped to United States.
- Style: tramp art
- Age: late 19th century
- Primary Material: Wood
- Maker: unknown
- Original/Reproduction: Original
- Color: Brown
- Country/Region of Origin: Unknown