Fire Bellows c. 1840

This anonymous, hand-painted bellows, dating to the early 19th century, demonstrates the simple yet functional nature of 19th-century folk art. The piece is crafted from wood and leather, and is adorned with a vibrant floral design in red, yellow, and green hues. The bellows would have been used to blow air into a fire, and its size and ornamentation suggest that it may have been a decorative or ceremonial piece. "Fire Bellows" is currently on display at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.