Tramp Art Miniature Chest of Drawers

A wonderful antique Tramp Art miniature chest of drawers, hand-carved entirely in the classic “Crown of Thorns” chip-carved pyramid pattern that defines this folk art tradition. Built up in layered wood, likely repurposed from cigar boxes or crate wood in the traditional manner, the piece features a scalloped gallery back, a stack of working drawers, and small turned feet, all covered edge to edge in the same painstaking geometric notching.

Tramp Art was practiced by anonymous makers, itinerant craftsmen, immigrants, and hobbyists, largely between the 1870s and 1940s, using little more than a pocketknife and salvaged wood. Each piece is entirely unique, reflecting the individual hand and patience of its maker; no two Tramp Art pieces are ever quite alike. Miniature chests like this one were especially popular forms, often used as jewelry or trinket boxes as well as decorative objects in their own right.

The piece measures 13”x10”x5”. It is in overall good condition with working drawers. There are several small chips on the side and a small split in the gallery back. On one drawer the top layer of wood is not continuous, which appears to be original to the piece is not a break. 

Please note that items are antique or vintage and may present signs of wear or use. All sales are final.