Vintage Carnival Props
20th Century American Folk Art Vintage Carnival Props
Wood
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Vintage Carnival Props
Resin, Fiberglass, Paint
Mid-20th Century Modern Vintage Carnival Props
Oil, Board
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carnival Props
Plaster
Recent Sales
1930s French Folk Art Vintage Carnival Props
Wood, Paint
20th Century French Vintage Carnival Props
Papier Mâché
1940s American Vintage Carnival Props
Wood
1930s American Vintage Carnival Props
Wood
1960s Unknown Folk Art Vintage Carnival Props
20th Century American Vintage Carnival Props
Paint
Mid-20th Century North American American Craftsman Vintage Carnival Props
Hardwood
People Also Browsed
1950s American Folk Art Vintage Carnival Props
Canvas
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Vintage Carnival Props
Ceramic
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Carnival Props
Wood
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Carnival Props
Fiberglass
Early 20th Century Austrian Arts and Crafts Vintage Carnival Props
Metal, Brass, Wire
1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Carnival Props
Ceramic
1970s Dutch Arts and Crafts Vintage Carnival Props
Brass
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carnival Props
Bronze, Wrought Iron
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carnival Props
Plexiglass
19th Century French Rococo Vintage Carnival Props
Crystal, Ormolu
1920s English Art Deco Vintage Carnival Props
Chrome
1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carnival Props
Marble, Chrome
2010s French Vintage Carnival Props
Iron
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carnival Props
Fabric, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carnival Props
Brass
1910s French Art Deco Vintage Carnival Props
Blown Glass
Finding the Right Carnival-art for You
The collection of original antique and vintage carnival art on 1stDibs includes paintings and posters that promoted traveling carnivals and circuses of years past as well as masks, sculptures and other works of folk art associated with widespread public celebrations that mark the start of harvest season or are rooted in religion.
The concept of “Carnival” is linked to an event that precedes Lent, the season of preparation before Easter for Christians (it may also have roots in Ancient Rome’s pagan Saturnalian festival), while the modern traveling carnival that we know — i.e., amusement fairs — existed during the 19th century in North America. The Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 was pivotal to these traveling amusement fairs.
Some of the most famous celebrations of Carnival around the world include Karneval in Germany, Carnival in Brazil and Mardi Gras in the United States. Carnival in Barbados is a traditional harvest festival. The bright colors, the caricatured masks and floats and the over-the-top nature of Carnival continue to enthrall millions across the globe.
Carnivals have always given way to impressive displays of creativity and folk art. Folk art is art created by people who are not classically trained for either utilitarian or decorative purposes. With respect to visual art in folk art, it refers to work that is reflective of a community’s culture and usually handmade by craftspeople working within a popular tradition.
Carnival art reflects the way different cultures celebrate or mark an important community event. Some examples of Carnival art include fabric dolls and marionettes that are used to tell stories and capture your imagination. Antique dolls make for striking collectibles positioned for display on any shelf in your home, while carnival masks make a bold statement as wall art. A collection of masks could create an elevated accent wall in a living room or dining room.
Browse 1stDibs to find unique antique and vintage carnival art for your space today.
Read More
A Giant Wedding Cake Has Us Looking at Portuguese Tiles in a New Light
At Waddesdon Manor, artist Joana Vasconcelos has installed a three-tiered patisserie inspired by the narrative tile work of her homeland. We take a look at the cake sculpture and how Portuguese tiles have been used in architecture from the 17th century to today.
Why Jules Chéret Was the King of the Modern Poster
The streets of fin-de-siècle Paris were set aglow with colorful poster ads, thanks to the printing techniques invented by Jules Chéret. Now, the Milwaukee Art Museum is celebrating this undersung talent in America's first solo show dedicated his exuberant works.
Why the American Flag Has Had So Many Different Star Patterns
Expert Jeff Bridgman explains the history and meaning behind the twinkling constellations that have graced Old Glory.
Peggy Guggenheim Loved Modernism, but She Also Collected Tribal Art
The iconoclastic style setter displayed African and Oceanic art, as well as works by indigenous peoples of the Americas, alongside pieces by such major modernists as Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock.
The 13-Star American Flag Had More Variations Than You’d Think
Perfect for July 4th weekend, a new show at Philadelphia's Museum of the American Revolution displays an array of antique red, white and blue flags.
Tramp Art, America’s Most Misunderstood Art Form, Is Trending in Interiors
Designers are beginning to see this enigmatic form of folk art in a whole new light.