Set of Two Small Folk Art Hand Carved Trench Art Whimsy Ball in Cage Sculptures

Circa 1910 trench art whimsy figure composed of a ball in cage, all whittled form one piece of wood. Figurines, like this example, were sculpted by soldiers during the war. Good age ...

Petite devotional Folk Art whimsy 'ball in cage' sculpture with holy cross motif whittled from one continuous piece of wood (ca. 1910-1920, USA). Hand carved, lacking symmetry and re...

Folk Art whimsy 'ball in cage' obelisk sculpture whittled from one continuous piece of wood and adhered to a wooden plinth base, circa 1940s. The carved supports holding the two ball...

Folk Art whimsy 'ball in cage' sculpture whittled from one continuous piece of wood (circa 1940s/50s, USA). Unusual piece composed of multiple stacked geometric forms with etched 'x'...

Hand made wooden bowling balls with thumb and finger grips carved out of the wood. 12" in diameter. Heavy and substantial. Slightly varying size and patina for each ball giving them ...

Here is a very charming, yet modern, hand-carved wood lamp. The carver is unknown, but the "ball in cage" technique has been a popular subject in folk art pieces for decades. Based o...

Early 20th century circus balancing balls. We share what we love, and we love these rare early 20th century hand crafted wood and glass mirror English circus balancing balls. Each section is hand crafted using pins...

Beautiful, unique Boule ball pair, France, late 19th Century. Diameter 9,5 cm. In the 19th century, the manufacture of boules balls underwent significant development in France as the game of boules, particularly the pétanque variant, gained in popularity. The manufacture of boules balls during this period was a manual process that required expertise, precision and love to detail. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in rural areas of France and other Mediterranean regions, olive wood was a commonly used source of material for making boules balls. This was not only due to the availability of the material, but also to the outstanding properties of olive wood, which was characterized by hardness, strength and a rich grain. First, the olive wood was carefully selected and shaped into raw balls, which were then sanded to the desired size and shape. The nails were then hammered into the balls one by one, making sure that they were evenly distributed and firmly anchored. Finally, the spheres were polished and coated with a protective varnish to enhance their natural beauty and protect them from the elements. The use of nails to decorate and reinforce olive wood boules was a traditional practice that not only gave the ball a rustic aesthetic, but also improved its durability and contributed to customization. Many balls were made according to the specific requirements and preferences of the players. Nails were driven at regular intervals around the ball, with each nail hole precisely placed so as not to affect the balance and weight distribution of the ball. These nails not only served as a decorative element, but also helped to strengthen the structure of the ball and make it more resistant to the hard knocks and wear and tear during play. Individual engravings or decorations were often applied to the balls to make them unique and identify the player. Antique boules...