Oaxaca Carvings
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Wood, Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Toys
Acrylic, Wood
Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Wood, Paint
People Also Browsed
2010s Mexican Folk Art Figurative Sculptures
Ceramic, Clay
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Figurative Sculptures
Hardwood, Mahogany, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
2010s Folk Art Abstract Sculptures
Wood, Acrylic
2010s Folk Art Abstract Sculptures
Wood, Acrylic
2010s Folk Art Abstract Sculptures
Wood, Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Victorian Games
Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art More Folk Art
Acrylic, Wood
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Bird Cages
Iron
Antique 19th Century North American Spanish Colonial Religious Items
Tin
Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Toys
Tin
Antique 15th Century and Earlier German Decorative Art
Other
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Onyx, Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Australian American Classical Musical Inst...
Gold
Antique Early 19th Century English Gothic Revival Historical Memorabilia
Wrought Iron
2010s Folk Art Abstract Sculptures
Wood, Acrylic
Recent Sales
Antique Early 19th Century Mexican Spanish Colonial Figurative Sculptures
Cedar, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Wood, Paint
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Wood, Paint
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Acrylic, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Sculptures and Carvings
Sheet Metal
2010s Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Wood, Paint
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Acrylic, Wood
Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Wood, Paint
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Wood, Paint
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Wood, Paint
Antique Early 19th Century Mexican Folk Art Blanket Chests
Pine
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Toys
Acrylic, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Wood
Vintage 1960s Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
Vintage 1970s Mexican Folk Art Sculptures
A Close Look at Folk Art Furniture
Folk art is a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Antique, new and vintage folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, duck decoys, portraiture and paintings, carnival art and quilts.
Quilts are a quintessential part of American folk art but their roots are international, with quilting dating back to Ancient Egypt. The practice spread to Europe and was especially prominent in the Middle Ages, with one of the oldest surviving examples being the Tristan quilt made in Sicily in the 14th century. They were made as bedcovers and clothing, including as a layer for knights to wear beneath their armor. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.
Elsewhere, the vast range of work associated with Mexican folk art includes masks made by Mexican craftspeople for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater.
Works in the folk art tradition are valuable because of the skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story.
During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.
Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of antique, new and vintage folk art on 1stDibs.