{"product_id":"exceptional-pair-of-late-19th-century-chip-carved-cross-corner-oxford-tramp-art-frames-with-original-chromolithographs","title":"Exceptional Pair of Late 19th Century Chip-Carved Cross-Corner (Oxford) Tramp Art Frames with Original Chromolithographs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA striking and sculptural matched pair of late 19th century cross-corner (“Oxford”) frames, boldly executed in deeply chip-carved softwood and retaining their original dark, time-worn surface. These are not the typical naïve tramp art examples — but rather finely worked, rhythmically carved compositions that bridge formal geometric precision with raw folk expression.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach frame is constructed in the classic cross-corner format, with dramatically projecting arms terminating in multi-tiered starburst points, creating a dynamic architectural silhouette. The surfaces are richly ornamented with repeating chevron and notched patterns, cut with confidence and consistency, producing a strong interplay of light and shadow across every plane. The carving is crisp and deliberate, suggesting a practiced hand and elevating these well beyond commonplace examples.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHoused within are their original Victorian chromolithographic portraits — a boy and girl rendered in soft, romantic tones, their luminous blue eyes and delicately stippled features providing a compelling contrast to the bold, almost architectural severity of the frames. The combination creates a visually powerful juxtaposition: refined sentiment contained within assertive, hand-hewn structure — a hallmark of the best folk presentations of the period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe frames retain their original backs and early hanging hardware, and exhibit a deep, untouched patina consistent with late 19th century production. The overall presentation is cohesive, authentic, and highly decorative, with strong wall presence from every angle. Condition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e* Boy portrait: glass with a stable crack approximately 3½ inches in length at lower right; no loss and not visually distracting in display.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e* Girl frame: minor loss to the rear portion of one lower spike; not visible from the front and does not impact presentation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e* Both: minor expected wear to high points, consistent with age and use; surfaces untouched.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Folkism Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45128826880109,"sku":null,"price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/1957\/4381\/files\/WhatsAppImage2026-04-21at1.07.52PM.jpg?v=1776791325","url":"https:\/\/folkismantiques.com\/products\/exceptional-pair-of-late-19th-century-chip-carved-cross-corner-oxford-tramp-art-frames-with-original-chromolithographs","provider":"Folkism Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}