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Tramp Art Hanging Wall Shelf
Likely dating to the mid-20th century, this handmade tramp art wall shelf measures 20 inches wide by 6 inches deep. Built from layers of notched wood, the exterior features the characteristic chip-carved texture associated with tramp art, a folk art tradition that often repurposed discarded wood such as cigar boxes or fruit crates. The design allows for versatile display: it can be hung with the flat side facing upward for a standard shelf, or flipped to use the recessed side for holding small items securely. The dark, aged finish and subtle wear reflect decades of use, adding to its utilitarian charm and historical character.
Tramp art was popular from roughly the 1870s through the 1940s. No one knows for sure how the practice got started, but the materials used to make it, especially wooden cigar boxes, had become standard around the 1850s. Cigar smoking was very popular at the time, and by law, the boxes couldn't be reused by cigar manufacturers, so there were plenty of them around. The people who made tramp art weren't trained artists. They taught themselves how to chip the wood and assemble objects. Some sources suggest that tramp art was made by itinerant workers and tradesmen, which means they traveled from place to place selling goods and services. But not all tramp art was made by wanderers or people without permanent homes. It took time and patience to assemble tramp art objects.
Good vintage condition with wear consistent with age / use