Featured Old Willow Twig Rocker

Here's another one of the pieces I found at the old gent's 'barn sale' where I found the antique coffee grinder. It's a full-size willow twig rocker supposedly (family lore ?) created by a 'Hobo' in the 1920's. I doubt the proprietor was trying to jack-up the price on this item with tag, because of what he charged me .
I couldn't exactly classify it as 'Tramp Art'-not 'fussy' enough, but it's def in that realm.

 

Hmmmm. “Hobo made” sounds like family mythology. The craftsmanship looks too exacting for that. It’s a nice piece all on its own!

 

Folk art.

Debora

 

Thanks Ghop & Debora-I like it a lot, I think it's 'folk art' too. I told the fellow I bought it from to call me if he feels like opening up one of his other out buildings !

 

I think the story of an itinerant maker is plausible.

https://www.facebook.com/themuseumo...-chairparis-burke-or-lee-cou/750639813958465/

Debora

 

Thanks for the insight-that's a great piece of history Debora.

 

Hobo or not, the maker knew what he/she was doing. I always like these but, sadly, there isn't much demand for them. .... at least not here. Might be different elsewhere.

 

Might be lead paint on that guy.... just fyi.

 

Re Brad-I'm not sure how popular it is in Oregon either, though there are scads of old 'heritage' style cabins in the sate.
Here's what 'u-kno-what' said-"Antique bent willow twig furniture is most popular in historic & high-end rustic resort regions across North America-Adirondacks of upstate New York, Great Lakes/North Woods states (Michigan & Minnesota), and Appalachian mountain retreats."
PS- Gd point Pott,it looks like original paint. Wonder how I can seal or mitigate it w/o destroying the original look ? That's a great point-with all the Farm House Primitive purists around, demanding original patina-how do they conquer lead ?

 

Don't know! There seems to be plenty of it around our fair city... houses and estates sales abound.

 

I think I can seal seal it w/ a clear matte finish ?
PS-Spot on Pott, there's gotta be a lot of lead paint surfaces still around.Lead paint properly applied seems to last for a long,long time.

 

Modern History of Lead Paint-Even though lead carbonate's been used for thousands of years,in the modern era here's a timeline.
Industrialization (1800s): The mass production of paint made lead highly accessible. The first commercial white lead factory in the U.S. opened in Philadelphia in 1804.
The "Gold Standard" Era (1900s–1940s): Lead paint became the premium choice for buildings and furniture because it resisted moisture, dried quickly, and resisted weathering. Interior paints sold before 1940 were often composed of up to 50% lead.
PS- I still occasionally see an old can containing lead paint at garage and estate sales !

 

Yes. Something like a matte clear spray Krylon would work. You could use something that you brush on or apply with a rag, but that might take forever to get all the surfaces covered. Be sure to knock off anything that is not well adhered first.

 

Finally found what the 1st Dibbies call it- 'Adirondack Twig Rocker'.