Stunning 19th Century French Folk Art Sculpted Treen Gnome Circa 1875
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:18837 | Style: French folk art - 19th century |
| Original/Reproduction: Original | Age: 1850-1899 |
| Country/Region of Origin: France |
Stunning 19thcentury French folk art sculpted treen gnome, circa 1875We purchase collections of Continental lighting, metalwork, ceramics, glass & textiles, enabling me to offer a quantity of rareantiques. Please register mystore/page in your favorites, for a fine range of 14th to 19th century periodmetalwork, lighting & other pieces, all guaranteed, as to age, condition& origin; I have far more than I can possibly keep upwith, as to eBay! Text, formatting & images... © 2019 – R. JosefBurdett-Williamson – all rights reserved.Breveté, 2019, par M. R. Josef Burdett-Williamson. ATTENTION – défense de reproduction ! We are very serious, as to IntellectualProperty & Author rights – violations are reported to our attorneys in Paris& Leeds. Please readmy terms of sale carefully!Elly BurdettThis is in France.Pieces in the group photo are for scale.You are only buying the featured piece.Free collection by appt. is possible:my collections & some of Elly’s many new arrivals can be viewed. Please note:For those not familiar with my eBay store, you aredealing with 2 different people in England & France. I’m a part-timeantiques dealer, & sometimes exhibit at UK antiques shows.
My associate in France is an expat American historian of European DecorativeArts & museum curator, with 45 years of advanced experience. Sincerely, ET Burdett Dear friends &clients: We have more Fine Arts & Antiques than wecan begin to keep up with, as to eBay – at least 4, 000 period pieces. Groupphotos will give you a slight idea of the depth of mycollections, and Elly's inventory - keep watching this page. R. Josef Folk art in any country is such a vast & rich subject thatit can only be addressed in the broadest fashion, in survey books that arenon-specific. In the French context, one of the best is L'ART POPULAIRE EN FRANCE, by Jean Cuisenier (pub. 1975, Office duLivre). It is far more than a "coffee table" book, and coverstheory, diffusion and diversification, with both intelligence and erudition.However, the area is so broad that many specifics are not included – like theinterface of the Alsace with Germany or Switzerland; an extensive discussion onthe Regional folk art of either Brittany or Normandy, or French sailor-work. Imention Western Coastal France, because I’ve seen other figurative sculpted pieceswith similar faces (albeit smaller). The only other books I know of thatextensively address French folk art are the very useful and numerous, butout-of-print and hard-to-find volumes by folk art expert Roger Verdier.I haven’t had time to properly research this suberb piece of folk art atlength, and the provenance doesn’t help – it came from a dealer in the farSouth of France whom I’ve been buying from for 10 years, but he is specializedin lighting, Fine Arts, and 20th century design. This is a “monoblock”work – sculpted from one solid piece of wood – the color and grain look likecherry, but I’m quite sure that it’s French fir – I have a one-board top Frenchtavern table in the same wood. The “gnome” designation is an educated guess –perhaps he was a prosperous inn-keeper or sailor? As can be seen in the groupphoto, I avidly collect French folk art – all of the other pieces are from mycollection, and not for sale.The base of this stunning sculpted container has clearaffinities with Black Forest work, but most (if not all) Black Forest pieces that I’ve handled havebeen in walnut, not fir. The tree-stump at the back of the base is not merelydecorative – it is a handle – I’m not sure of the intended function, exceptthat it must have been a seldom-used, and highly prized presentation piece – thecondition is nothing less than phenomenal. The interior is too small to have been practical as atobacco jar, and it never had a liner of any sort – the cavity in the base is 3 & 1/2" wide by 3” by 3” deep, and as is visible, has been used– the color is substantially darker than the upper hollow, and there is afaint, pleasant odor (not of tobacco). This was originally stained and varnished, and retains its original finish –it has been recently waxed, and the wax goes over a light coat of oxidation onthe hinge. The holes in the bottom are from nails, and not insects (see photo #8) – it used to be mounted on another piece of wood. Rather than run on aboutthe obvious quality of the carving, I’ll let the photos speak for themselves, but this is one of the finest pieces of French folk art of this period (orearlier) that I’ve ever been able to buy for Elly for resale - do zoom in on the face, clothing and watch chain!The internal strength of the Continental folk art & antiquemetalwork market sometimes makes it difficult for me to buy such quality antiquesfor Elly, but we’ve been both diligent and fortunate, with literallyvan-loads of new acquisitions to be offered. Elly still has boxes from lastsummer, awaiting unpacking – whatever you see on eBay, multiply it by 10 to 100or more, to get an idea of what is on hand. If you are looking for literally anything inthe way of antique French folk art, early glass, hearth or kitchen implements, or early lighting, feel free to ask - we have them, and in quantity.We are independently listed with the NewEngland Appraisers Association, for France or England.Condition: trulyoutstanding, as-seen, & as described. There are no repairs –this is original, complete and intact. The overall color and patination arefabulous, and vary from top to bottom, as they should. The only conditioncomment is the obvious chip between the two lowest buttons on the waist-coat. Thereis otherwise only very minor surface wear – this has clearly held pride ofplace in someone’s home for the past 150 or so years. Note: Photos arehigh resolution – use magnification for viewing details. Please ask, if youwish more.© R. JosefBurdett-Williamson Certified expert & appraiser, New England Appraisers Association.FoundingTrustee, NewBedford Museum of Glass.Height – 14 & 1/4” (36.2 cm.): base – 8” (20.3 cm) by 6 & 3/4” (17.2 cm). Weight – 1.56 kilos, notincluding packaging.Insuredshipping within France is 16 Euros; to the UK & EU is 24 Euros – to NorthAmerica is 56 Euros. IF this can be safely packed and remain under 2 kilos total, the shipping to North America will be less.We don't charge for packing & handling, & always offer grouped rate posting, with no time limits.We ship from both France & the UK– please read listings carefully – rates& conditions are substantially different.Important!We usually mail within 3 to 7 working days from clearance of payment: but request that buyers beunderstanding of delays due to illness, severe weather, or computer problems: this is strictly a small business, with no employees! Intolerantbuyers, or those leaving less than 5-star feedback (no longer invisible) willbe black-listed.This is not a "decorator" shop - eBay’s Consumer Goods-generated“Hassle-free returns” policy does not apply to arbitrary whim, orunqualified opinion! Returns are accepted - if: there is a major problem withthe age, condition or origin of a piece as described; andthis is confirmed by a qualified expert with professional credentials. Photographs of any alleged damage are required - theyare mandatory for insurance claims.What you pay for shipping is our actual cost – international shipping is stupidly expensive - we have absolutely no control overrates – I lose 4% to PayPal, and often absorb extracosts, such as double-boxing.International buyers – please inquire, as to mailing costs! FromFrance, rates to the Russian Federation are the same as the US.Note: Our independent certifications with theNew EnglandAppraisers Association (in both France & England) expedite Customsclearances, and prevent EXCESS duties from being incorrectly imposed onantiques conforming to the 100 years legal dateline, thus saving buyers 10% to 43% inrelevant countries.Payments: PayPal, French or UK checks, or bank drafts, & all banktransfers accepted. I am obliged to accept PayPal, but prefer banktransfers, or UK or French checks - PayPal takes a 4% bite out of alltransactions - including shipping costs.My Frenchbusiness associate is an expatriate American historian of Decorative Arts, apublished antiques editor & writer, curator, certified appraiser, &internationally respected authority in early glass, lighting, metalwork, sculpture, period furniture & other categories. He has placed pieces withFrench & US museums, including the Smithsonian, & assists me withacquisitions, research & texts. You can buy from me, with confidence inyour purchases. We are separate and private, academic collectors, looking todefray the costs of advancing with our own collections. R. Josef is the only European Decorative Arts specialist for the New England Appraisers Association residing in the European Union, and isavailable for expertise or arbitration. We are independently listed with the New England Appraisers Association, for France or the UK. ETBurdettDear buyers – apologies for the intrusive copyrightlines, but they are there because R. Josef is an extensively published expertwith ongoing academic & commercial commissions, including forthcomingbooks. Listings often contain original research & information that has notappeared before; several British & Continental eBay sellers have beenreported for plagiarizing formatting & texts. Wefiercely protect our Intellectual Property rights – and in court, whennecessary.
00035
My associate in France is an expat American historian of European DecorativeArts & museum curator, with 45 years of advanced experience. Sincerely, ET Burdett Dear friends &clients: We have more Fine Arts & Antiques than wecan begin to keep up with, as to eBay – at least 4, 000 period pieces. Groupphotos will give you a slight idea of the depth of mycollections, and Elly's inventory - keep watching this page. R. Josef Folk art in any country is such a vast & rich subject thatit can only be addressed in the broadest fashion, in survey books that arenon-specific. In the French context, one of the best is L'ART POPULAIRE EN FRANCE, by Jean Cuisenier (pub. 1975, Office duLivre). It is far more than a "coffee table" book, and coverstheory, diffusion and diversification, with both intelligence and erudition.However, the area is so broad that many specifics are not included – like theinterface of the Alsace with Germany or Switzerland; an extensive discussion onthe Regional folk art of either Brittany or Normandy, or French sailor-work. Imention Western Coastal France, because I’ve seen other figurative sculpted pieceswith similar faces (albeit smaller). The only other books I know of thatextensively address French folk art are the very useful and numerous, butout-of-print and hard-to-find volumes by folk art expert Roger Verdier.I haven’t had time to properly research this suberb piece of folk art atlength, and the provenance doesn’t help – it came from a dealer in the farSouth of France whom I’ve been buying from for 10 years, but he is specializedin lighting, Fine Arts, and 20th century design. This is a “monoblock”work – sculpted from one solid piece of wood – the color and grain look likecherry, but I’m quite sure that it’s French fir – I have a one-board top Frenchtavern table in the same wood. The “gnome” designation is an educated guess –perhaps he was a prosperous inn-keeper or sailor? As can be seen in the groupphoto, I avidly collect French folk art – all of the other pieces are from mycollection, and not for sale.The base of this stunning sculpted container has clearaffinities with Black Forest work, but most (if not all) Black Forest pieces that I’ve handled havebeen in walnut, not fir. The tree-stump at the back of the base is not merelydecorative – it is a handle – I’m not sure of the intended function, exceptthat it must have been a seldom-used, and highly prized presentation piece – thecondition is nothing less than phenomenal. The interior is too small to have been practical as atobacco jar, and it never had a liner of any sort – the cavity in the base is 3 & 1/2" wide by 3” by 3” deep, and as is visible, has been used– the color is substantially darker than the upper hollow, and there is afaint, pleasant odor (not of tobacco). This was originally stained and varnished, and retains its original finish –it has been recently waxed, and the wax goes over a light coat of oxidation onthe hinge. The holes in the bottom are from nails, and not insects (see photo #8) – it used to be mounted on another piece of wood. Rather than run on aboutthe obvious quality of the carving, I’ll let the photos speak for themselves, but this is one of the finest pieces of French folk art of this period (orearlier) that I’ve ever been able to buy for Elly for resale - do zoom in on the face, clothing and watch chain!The internal strength of the Continental folk art & antiquemetalwork market sometimes makes it difficult for me to buy such quality antiquesfor Elly, but we’ve been both diligent and fortunate, with literallyvan-loads of new acquisitions to be offered. Elly still has boxes from lastsummer, awaiting unpacking – whatever you see on eBay, multiply it by 10 to 100or more, to get an idea of what is on hand. If you are looking for literally anything inthe way of antique French folk art, early glass, hearth or kitchen implements, or early lighting, feel free to ask - we have them, and in quantity.We are independently listed with the NewEngland Appraisers Association, for France or England.Condition: trulyoutstanding, as-seen, & as described. There are no repairs –this is original, complete and intact. The overall color and patination arefabulous, and vary from top to bottom, as they should. The only conditioncomment is the obvious chip between the two lowest buttons on the waist-coat. Thereis otherwise only very minor surface wear – this has clearly held pride ofplace in someone’s home for the past 150 or so years. Note: Photos arehigh resolution – use magnification for viewing details. Please ask, if youwish more.© R. JosefBurdett-Williamson Certified expert & appraiser, New England Appraisers Association.FoundingTrustee, NewBedford Museum of Glass.Height – 14 & 1/4” (36.2 cm.): base – 8” (20.3 cm) by 6 & 3/4” (17.2 cm). Weight – 1.56 kilos, notincluding packaging.Insuredshipping within France is 16 Euros; to the UK & EU is 24 Euros – to NorthAmerica is 56 Euros. IF this can be safely packed and remain under 2 kilos total, the shipping to North America will be less.We don't charge for packing & handling, & always offer grouped rate posting, with no time limits.We ship from both France & the UK– please read listings carefully – rates& conditions are substantially different.Important!We usually mail within 3 to 7 working days from clearance of payment: but request that buyers beunderstanding of delays due to illness, severe weather, or computer problems: this is strictly a small business, with no employees! Intolerantbuyers, or those leaving less than 5-star feedback (no longer invisible) willbe black-listed.This is not a "decorator" shop - eBay’s Consumer Goods-generated“Hassle-free returns” policy does not apply to arbitrary whim, orunqualified opinion! Returns are accepted - if: there is a major problem withthe age, condition or origin of a piece as described; andthis is confirmed by a qualified expert with professional credentials. Photographs of any alleged damage are required - theyare mandatory for insurance claims.What you pay for shipping is our actual cost – international shipping is stupidly expensive - we have absolutely no control overrates – I lose 4% to PayPal, and often absorb extracosts, such as double-boxing.International buyers – please inquire, as to mailing costs! FromFrance, rates to the Russian Federation are the same as the US.Note: Our independent certifications with theNew EnglandAppraisers Association (in both France & England) expedite Customsclearances, and prevent EXCESS duties from being incorrectly imposed onantiques conforming to the 100 years legal dateline, thus saving buyers 10% to 43% inrelevant countries.Payments: PayPal, French or UK checks, or bank drafts, & all banktransfers accepted. I am obliged to accept PayPal, but prefer banktransfers, or UK or French checks - PayPal takes a 4% bite out of alltransactions - including shipping costs.My Frenchbusiness associate is an expatriate American historian of Decorative Arts, apublished antiques editor & writer, curator, certified appraiser, &internationally respected authority in early glass, lighting, metalwork, sculpture, period furniture & other categories. He has placed pieces withFrench & US museums, including the Smithsonian, & assists me withacquisitions, research & texts. You can buy from me, with confidence inyour purchases. We are separate and private, academic collectors, looking todefray the costs of advancing with our own collections. R. Josef is the only European Decorative Arts specialist for the New England Appraisers Association residing in the European Union, and isavailable for expertise or arbitration. We are independently listed with the New England Appraisers Association, for France or the UK. ETBurdettDear buyers – apologies for the intrusive copyrightlines, but they are there because R. Josef is an extensively published expertwith ongoing academic & commercial commissions, including forthcomingbooks. Listings often contain original research & information that has notappeared before; several British & Continental eBay sellers have beenreported for plagiarizing formatting & texts. Wefiercely protect our Intellectual Property rights – and in court, whennecessary.
00035
