Antique Southern Folk Art Trade Sign ‘Nashville Tattoo’ Handpainted on Tin Presumably Nashville, TN, circa 1920s This antique Southern Folk Art trade sign, inscribed ‘Nashville Tattoo,’ is a rare and museum-worthy piece, presumably from Nashville, TN, circa 1920s. It stands as a remarkable survivor from the era when tattooing began to gain widespread popularity in the United States, particularly during the 1920s’ ‘Cosmetic Enhancements’ period. At this time, tattooing had evolved with the advent of more advanced and efficient equipment, making the art form more accessible to the working class, even as it remained controversial among the elite. Interestingly, the 1920s also saw a rise in tattoos as a form of permanent makeup, a trend popularized by British tattoo artists George Burchett and Sutherland MacDonald, which eventually made its way to the United States. This era marked a unique moment in tattoo history, where the practice expanded beyond traditional designs to include cosmetic applications, especially among women. The sign itself, hand-painted on tin, likely adorned a storefront, carnival, or circus, advertising tattoo services. The word ‘Nashville’ is rendered in bold, creamy white script, while ‘Tattoo’ is similarly painted in bold white letters, accented with subtle red edges, all set against a blackened background. This piece is a true masterwork of American folk art, embodying the spirit and history of early 20th-century tattoo culture. It is ready to be framed or installed in your collection, home, or business, where it will undoubtedly be a cherished relic of a short-lived, unique period of American Southern history.  Overall Measurements: 47 inches high x 10.50 inches wide x.07 inches thick

• Dimensions:
  Height: 10.5 in (26.67 cm)Width: 47 in (119.38 cm)Depth: 0.07 in (1.78 mm)
• Style:
  Folk Art (Of the Period)
• Materials and Techniques:
  Metal,Hand-Painted
• Place of Origin:
  United States
• Period:
  Early 20th Century
• Date of Manufacture:
  20th Century
• Condition:

  GoodWear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading.