Table top desk

NameDesk

Artist Artist Not Recorded

Probably madePennsylvania, United States, North America

MediumWood, stain, brass, metal

Dimensions24 7/16 × 23 5/8 × 24 7/16 in. (62 × 60 × 62 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of Charles G. (Gil) Mull, A.2019.12.1ab

Object numberA.2019.12.1ab

ProvenanceDonor purchased both the writing desk and the chip carved mirror at a Pook and Pook auction in 2018.

DescriptionTramp art writing desk. a: body and interior shelf parts, b: lid. This piece is comprised of large heavily decorated base of notched, carved, and layered wood affixed to the base with brass tacks. The flat surface of the desk is a writing surface that is hinged at the upper junction with the back of the desk. This lifts up to reveal a storage area beneath the writing surface. At the top of the desk there are three small storage spots, which get larger from proper right to left. Below this there are four larger storage spaces that are separated by wooden dividers that are decorated with the same notch carving and three brass tacks each. The front, sides and back are decorated with the same notch carving comprised of hearts, and geometric patterns.