Kirsten Dunst's Vintage Lamp Is Thrift Store Hunting Goals

It took one look inside Kirsten Dunst's home for a 2021 Architectural Digest feature to get thrift hunters talking about popsicle stick lamps. The "Spider-Man" actress had a couple displayed at her antique-filled home, which she highlighted as she spoke about the interior design process with collaborator Jane Hallworth. These curious pieces are actually examples of tramp art, a practice made popular during the Depression period that may have originated from German and Scandinavian immigrants in 19th-century North America. As for the popsicle stick look, well, that is just a popular way to describe the thin strips of wood that these craftsmen would tear from everyday objects like crates and cigar boxes. They would then reassemble them into eye-catching geometric furniture and accessories in spiral and zig-zag shapes, such as Dunst's lamp, as well as boxes, and picture frames. 

Dunst's popsicle stick lamp is thrift store hunting goals, and if you're specifically on the lookout for one like it, then you could be in luck. Lamps and other smaller items are far and away the most common types of tramp art and, therefore, easier to thrift. They're also not as expensive as other antique lamps, considering that, as mentioned, they were not made from valuable materials nor were they backed by renowned brands and manufacturers. Examples available on eBay, for example, can be as affordable as $50. With collectors on the rise, this could change, so, if you're a fan of this peculiar style, definitely grab a few items while tramp art is still relatively niche.

Because of its moniker, humble makeup, and Depression-era associations, some speculate that tramp art was mostly made in homeless encampments. Art historians, however, think the name comes from the German "trampen," meaning "hitchhike." Though this still reflects the notion of itinerant, vagrant art, it's actually related to an historical custom among tradesmen of German-speaking countries known as "Wandergesellen," who would travel around for experience after completing their training. Whatever its history, tramp art's charm stems exactly from this unique dialogue between the usage of readily available materials and the high level of skill required to make such artful pieces. 

When encountering popsicle stick lamps at your favorite thrift store, a local estate sale, or among a trove of family heirlooms, an easy way to tell if your antiques are worth anything, is to look at the intricacy of the woodwork — the more ambitious the design, the more valuable the piece. Unfortunately, don't bother looking for markings or any kind of provenance as very few of these items will have them. You can, however, read up on some of the most famous tramp artists such as John Martin Zubersky or John Frank Zadzora to be able to better identify valuable pieces in the wild. 

Of course, if you're just looking to find the perfect vintage lamps for your space, there are endless popsicle stick lamp models. Some are made to be hung, others to adorn a bedside table or desk. Some are purely wood, while others are decorated with beads, and small tiles. The eclecticism of these pieces makes it so there is something for every taste and style just waiting to be added to your collection.