c. 1900 Antique Wood German Tramp Art Chip Carved Picture Frame Folk Early 1900s For Sale

** I have several rare tramp art, brutalist and Art Deco pieces I'll list over the next few days. Please check back!**

Wonderful antiqueGerman tramp art / chip-carved picture frame, retaining its original period photographic portrait. This is a particularly striking and unusual example, with an almost architectural construction formed from intersecting horizontal and vertical strips of richly colored, hand-carved wood.

The frame is densely decorated with repeatingpyramidal, notched and geometric chip carving, built up in multiple layers to create wonderful depth and texture. The extended rails at the top and bottom and projecting vertical elements give the piece a bold, almost modernist silhouette, while the warm reddish-brown wood has developed a beautiful aged patina. Small old metal pins remain visible throughout the construction and add to its wonderfully handmade character.

At the center is an original black-and-white photographic portrait of ayoung German serviceman in uniform, complete with high collar, shoulder detailing and a distinctive row of metal buttons. The photograph appears to date from thelate 19th or early 20th century, and its softly faded surface and age spotting work beautifully with the primitive character of the frame. At the bottom of the picture is his name: Carl Bopp.

The frame measures approximately8" x 6" overall, with an inner photograph/opening of approximately4" x 2.5".

This is a particularly appealing example ofGerman folk art, combining intricate hand-carved decoration with an unusually sculptural, almost grid-like form. Despite its relatively small scale, the projecting carved elements give it considerable presence and make it just as interesting displayed as an object as it is used as a picture frame.

There is age-related wear throughout, including rubbing, small marks, surface variation, oxidation to the old metal pins and age-related discoloration/spotting to the photograph, all visible in the photographs. Nothing has been restored or refinished.

A wonderful piece ofantique German tramp art, with fantastic texture, strong architectural form and its evocative original military portrait still intact.

Perfect for:folk art, primitive, tramp art, rustic, European farmhouse or eclectic interiors. Beautiful displayed with its original photograph, or the image could be replaced with a favorite photograph, miniature artwork or antique textile.