French Carnival Art

Early 20th century papier Mache carnival mask of a German soldier An early example of a French carnival mask in the form of a German soldier. With hand crafted detail included pain...

Early 20th century fairground figure In the form of Benito Mussolini this early 20th century hand carved French fairground knockdown figure is in or...

A rare, important and most charming French carousel amusement ride by important Parisian craftsmen Limonaire Frères / Limonaire Brothers (France; 1839-1932) Hand-crafted in Paris, France in the late 19th century, exceptionally executed near life-size form depicting a standing donkey figure with the rare unique feature of a nodding head. Finished in country fair taste, hand-carved solid wood construction, the menagerie merry-go-round ride presents splendidly, with the original layered polychrome paint finish, enhanced by beautifully aged heavily worn patina acquired over many years of carnival use. Signed, retaining the original manufacturer's brass plaque that reads: "Sculptures Pour Forains, Chevaux De Bois Etc, Limonaire Freres, Paris, 166 Avenue Daumesnil" The extremely rare, museum quality example is one of the very few surviving Limonaire Frères wooden carousel fixtures, one of only a handful imported to the United States, and quite possibly the last surviving donkey! DIMENSIONS: (approx) 44" High, 52" Wide, 10" Deep PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION: Acquired from the highly reputable auction house, Schultz Auctioneers, Clarence, New York. Important Antiques & Decorative Arts catalog HISTORY: Limonaire Frères were an amusement ride and later street organ...

A 1950's rare original James Ensor style papier mâché theatre head. This item was obtained via a private collection (France).

Early 20th Century Rare Chicken Fairground Target Panel from Paris Made from pine and papier Mache with hand painted detail. Known as a Passé Boule in France these fairground amusem...

Fantastic 19th century carousel pig. Super whimsical carnival piece from a bygone era. Carved wood with cast iron curly tail and handle. Original layers o...

Antique French Double Seater Carousel Rocker Horse Beautiful antique French double seat carousel rocking horse. The horse is carved wood and h...

An old French game, hand painted wood and papier mache with five figure in the windows and a detailed papier mache "tiled" roof. This game makes a charming and curious object.

Early 20th Century Fairground Roulette Wheel French in its origin, this early 20th century hand crafted pine roulette wheel is in full working order. With its original metal wheel ...

Huge late 1970s/ early 1980s French painted fairground / carnival / sideshow banner. Presumably part of an American themed ride or attraction, it's decorated with cool girls, makeup,...

Early 20th century Limonaire Freres Paris fairground carousel horse Dimensions in inches: H 31” x W 50” x D 11” Age: 1920 Origin: France (Paris) Condition: Fair Overview A rare ear...

Old carnival "giant" circa 1950. Light wood and foam structure, papier maché head. Made to be worn by 1 person.

Early 20th century hand carved pine fairground figure A rare piece of fairground art, in the form of a hand carved, painted polychrome Jeu de massacre fairground knock- down figure. ...

Add a touch of whimsy to your space with these charming antique carousel figure's.. featuring a carved wooden pigs. Crafted with precision and mounted on a sturdy vintage industrial ...

19th Century hand carved wood and polychromed Jeu de massacre fairground figure A rare piece of fairground art, in the form of an oversized hand carved painted polychromed Jeu de massacre fairground knock- down figure. Made from sectioned wooden and dressed in hand made clothing. A larger than normal example which makes this quite rare and highly collectable in its quirky and characteristics look. A fairground game from France, the jeu de massacre was a common game in French fairgrounds...

French antique birdhouse find it in Paris. We painted the base only the dome is in original condition and it is beautiful. Dimension of the dome heig...

Early 20th century fairground figure An early 20th century hand carved French fairground knockdown figure in the form of Pierre Jean Marie Laval , i...

Antique 1930s judge theatre papier mâché head from Paris This lot is a rare original 1930s papier mâché French theatre heads. This item was obtain...