Description: The dog figure on the left is a ceramic piece almost 12" high, painted black and white. The dog on the right is mid twentieth century chalk ware, 8.5" high.


History: Though there is some debate about its origins, American chalk ware is thought to have begun in the mid-19th century with the Pennsylvania Dutch. About 1910, as the demand for these low-cost decorative objects was dwindling, carnival chalk figures began appearing, and they continued to be made and sold into the 1950s. Though early figurines often had a pink tint, many were painted in bold (some might say garish) colors. Popular personalities of the time, including the Kewpie Doll, Popeye, Rin Tin Tin, and Betty Boop and her dog Bimbo, were among the carnival-goers’ favorites. Since none of the products was marked by the maker, they are very hard to trace, and finding pieces that have survived with minimal chipping is becoming more difficult as time goes on. Modern-day collectors often rely on eBay to trade duplicates or add to their collections.

Provenance: N/A


Dimensions: Weight (Pounds & Ounces) = 4 | Height(in) = 16 | Width(in) = 12 | Depth(in) = 12

Size of Artwork(in): 11.75 x 11 x 3.5" largest


Artist Name: N/A


Medium: Chalk, soft paste, paint.


Circa: Circa 1950

The chalk ware dog has about 10% paint loss and some chips along the base. Good condition for original chalk ware.