Pinocchio, Child's Bed

NameBed

Maker Unknown, WPA Artist

Date1940's

Place madeUnited States, North America

Mediumwood, paint, metal

Dimensions42 1/4 in H x 36 in W x 1 3/4 in D (headboard) 35 1/2 H x 36 W x 1 3/4 D (footboard) 64 in H x 6 1/8 W x 1 1/8 D (slats)

Credit LineInternational Folk Art Foundation

Terms

value (economic concept)

Object numberFA.2003.57.1V

ProvenanceBed was found by the vendor (Lane Coulter) at a flea market in Roundtop, Texas, and the dealer said it was acquired in Minnesota.

DescriptionChild's single bed (headboard, footboard and 2 side rails). Bed is handcarved in New Mexican style, decorated with Disney characters. Central figure on headboard is Pinocchio in red short pants, black shirt, green suspenders and gloves, and holding a red apple. On each side is a Jimminy Cricket dressed in brown, green and blue with a top hat in right hand and umbrella in left hand. On the footboard is a cat (Figaro) sleeping in a small bed covered by a crazy quilt. An angel cat sits on a pillow above the cat's head. The same blue, green and cream colors are used. The footboard is inscribed with "Tootsie". The figures are in relief on grooved inset panels. The posts and connecting boards are also grooved inset panels. The boards on each side of the main figures are carved in a lattice pattern. The bottom board of the footboard is chip carved in a bullet pattern painted bright colors, with a grooved diamond pattern on each side. Side rails are chipped carved on each side of a grooved diamond pattern. The colors of the chip carving on the footboard are repeated. Metal is used to connect rails to head and footboards. ? WPA