Folk Art Nautical Objects
FOLK ART STYLE
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.
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Style: Folk Art
Early 20th Century Scratch build folk-art ship model
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Scratch build folk-art ship model
Stood on a hand-crafted gesso painted sea effect, which is framed by an ebonised pine base. This is an charming example of an ea...
Category
1920s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Pine
Antique Half Hull Ship Model. English Late 19th Century.
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful half hull model.
Laminated tropical hardwood and pitch pine
Original patina and a fantastic colour
Exceptional quality. I particularly like the finely carved mast.
The...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood
19th Century Hand Carved Ship's Carved and Gilded Trailboard
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Hand Carved Ship's Carved and Gilded Trailboard, Second Half 19th Century, a carved and shaped plaque that is upswept and narrowing towards th...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood
Vintage Pine & Cedar Canoe Scale Model - Canada - Mid 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage pine and cedar canoe scale model - featuring a detailed interior with two seats and fixed oars - the exterior base stained medium walnut, the cedar and pine left natural - un...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Cedar, Pine
American Three Masted Clipper Ship in Bottle on Original Wood Stand, Circa 1880
Located in Hollywood, SC
American three masted clipper ship in bottle with cloth rigging in full sail on a painted sea, flanked by a sea side town with evergreen trees, a pain...
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paint
19th Century Antique Ships Chandler Shop Advertising Sign
Located in Peabody, MA
A relic from Boston’s mercantile history and the seafaring trade. This 19th century shop sign displays a fairly detailed replica of a navigator’s octant (or sextant) and the proprietor’s name and street number...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood
Late 19th Century Sailor's Knot Board
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Sailor's Folk Art Knot Board, circa 1880s, an intricate and elaborate array of approximately 41 bends, hitches, knots, splices, rigging and other fa...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope, Oak
Early 20th Century Folk Art Votive Ship Model
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century Folk Art Votive Ship Model
An early 20th century Folk Art votive ship model. Scratch built using wood and metal. It sits firmly on a bespoke display stand. We believe this example to be French in origin due to it having red, white, and blue beads wrapped around the base of each mast pole. A votive ship, sometimes called a church ship, is a ship model displayed in a church. As a rule, votive ships are constructed and given as gifts to the church by seamen and ship builders.
Dimensions in inches: H 12 x D 17 x W 6
Origin: France
circa: Early 20th century
Condition: Aged
Completely solid in structure and form, aged surface as shown with a deep natural patina across all areas. The ship is secured to the base. With some loss and obvious age, this item is still very charming.
The House of Antiques...
Category
1920s Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood
Antique Tall Copper Storage Chest
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An authentic and all original condition copper Repoussé food storage chest. Tin lined with repousse palmettes on the hinged lid. Brass top handle and lock plate. Originally acquired from a large collection of Nautical items...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Brass, Copper
American Folk-Art Steam Ship Encased Diorama
Located in London, GB
American Folk-art Steam Ship Encased Diorama
We share what we love, and we love this turn of the century hand crafted American folk-art encased steam ship model...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
19th Century English Folk Art Encased Ship Diorama
Located in London, GB
19th Century Folk Art Encased Ship Diorama
A delightful and highly decorated example of a late 19th century English folk art ships model diorama...
Category
19th Century British Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Glass, Wood
Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy on Checkerboard Sea
Located in Downingtown, PA
Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy on Checkerboard Sea,
circa 1865
The British sailor's woolie depicts a port side view of a three-masted ship with trapunto white sails on a rough s...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
3 Masted Sailing Ship in a Bottle
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
3 masted sailing ship in a bottle
Detailed model ship diorama within a spirit bottle dates to circa 1920.
It portrays a three masted fully r...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Folk Art Scratch Built Boat, Early 20th C
Located in London, GB
Scandinavian folk art boat of 2 rigged masts - completely scratch built from pine and teak wood. Original paint finish. Handmade and dating from the earl...
Category
Early 20th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Steel
Very Long Racing Scull or Oar from Eton College Windsor
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Very Long Racing Scull or Oar from Eton College Windsor
This is a fine quality extra long oar from Eton College, the spoon or blade has blue chevrons ...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Ash
Davis Hall Nantucket South Shoal Lightship Hand Woven Basket, circa 1870s
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful and quite rare and hard to find nantucket lightship basket by Davis Hall, (1828-1906). Hall's baskets are prized by collectors of lightship baskets worldwide. This basket is made with his traditional swing handle and rounded lollipop connecting two ends. Hall cultivated his basket-making skill on the South shoal lightship after the American Civil War...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood, Cane, Rattan
Whaler Made Bone and Ebonized Wood Round Lidded Box, circa 1850
Located in Stamford, CT
Whaler made antique bone and ebonized wood round box, circa 1850. With pierced bone medallion and delicately carved bone spiral decorative supports on the...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Bone, Wood
Early 20th Century Scratch Built English Paddle Boat Model
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century scratch built English paddle boat model
A wonderful object, scratch built from found objects and consisting mainly of brass and copper ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Brass, Copper
19th Century Unique Folk Art Guernsey Shell Diorama Display
Located in London, GB
19th century unique Folk Art Guernsey shell diorama display
We are proud to offer a unique folk-art hand-crafted example of a seashell diorama. Display...
Category
1880s British Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Natural Fiber
19th Century Whaler Made Turned Ebony Stemmed Cup
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century whaler made carved and turned ebony stemmed cup. "Manila P.I." painted on one side. Manila, Philippine Islands would have been a port of call on ...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Ebony
19th Century New England Painted Wood Sea Shell Folly
Located in Stamford, CT
A rare and likely unique five tier shell folly in the form of a pyramid or temple filled with sea shells and coral. All hand carved and hand painted black with red base paint showing through giving it a wonderful surface and patina. Each tier with four column supports and four finials, the top with an urn form finial. This piece from and old Maine estate was clearly made with love. Quintessential New England folk...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Shell, Wood
Early 20th Century Folk Art Boat Model Collection
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century Folk Art Boat Model Collection
Every now and again something truly amazing comes along, this is true in this amazing collection of...
Category
1920s British Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Brass, Copper
19th Century Ships Salt Beef Barrel, Oak and Brass Ships Storage Tub
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th Century Ships Salt Beef Barrel, Oak and Brass Ships Storage Tub
A survivor from the 18th Century, this excellent piece would have been used for sto...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Oak
19th Century Yacht Rudder and Carved Tiller
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th Century Yacht Rudder and Carved Tiller
The rudder is a good decorative piece as is the tiller which has a figure head carved on the end wit...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Ash
Large Vintage Model LCM USN Landing Craft
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large vintage model LCM USN landing craft.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Aluminum
Antique Large Oakwood Model Sailboat Ship Boat on Base Stand
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique large oakwood model sailboat ship boat on base stand, circa early to mid-20th century.
Measurements: On stand: 26" H x 35" W x 9.75" D. Ship: 24" H...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Oak, Pine
American Carved Wood & Painted Ship Officer on Watch with Ship Lantern, C. 1890
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Folk Art carved wood and painted ship officer on watch standing on a two tiered squared plinth with a brass and galvanized ship lantern hanging from wrist. Late 19th Century.
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
Large 19th Century Presentation Half Hull Model of a Whale Ship
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Presentation Half Hull Model of a Whale Ship, circa 1850, a large plank on frame model of a bluff-bowed and wide abeam whale ship. The model wa...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Pine
Large Vintage Boat Model
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive handmade boat or cruiser model, expertly crafted in mahogany with brass hardware and attention to detail, retaining her original motor and named Mayflower. Presented on a ...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Mahogany
Related Items
Large French 19th Century Hand Carved Wooden Fragment of a Marionette
Located in Buisson, FR
Very nice handcarved fragment of a marionette.
France, circa 1850. Weathered, small losses and old repairs
Measurement include the wooden base.
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Textile, Wood
French, 19th Century Iron Shoemakers Shop Sign
Located in Buisson, FR
Original riveted sheet iron shoemakers shop sign. Unique find,
France, circa 1800-1850. Traces of red paint visible.
Weathered.
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Iron
19th Century, Apothecary Trade Sign
Located in Nantucket, MA
Figural trade sign in the form of a mortar and pestle, both the mortar and pestle are hand turned and gilded, with strong ring turnings. The top is capped with zinc and still bears i...
Category
Late 19th Century North American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Zinc
Mid-20th Century Israeli Mezuzah
Located in New York, NY
Early Israeli Mezuzah on velvet mounting with ornate silvered body, and with gilded top and base. Decorated with colored glass and with gilded bell hangin...
Category
1940s Israeli Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Brass
Ethnic Musical Instrument, Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Ethnic musical instrument is a unique object realized in the half of the 20th century.
Ethnic musical instrument made by craftsmanship with wood and recycled materials.
Mint c...
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1970s Italian Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood
Vintage Tobacco Advertising Sign, Belgium, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
1950s Advertising Sign for the Belgian Tobacco Brand VDC - Deinze.
This Litho Cardboard Sign has lots of colors due the different packages and types of tobacco flavors.
Made in Brussels - Belgium by J.De Grève and co.
This Vintage Sign can stand as a Counter Display Sign ( standing system has never been used before ) or can be hung as Wall Decoration - Wall Art
It's a New Old Stock Sign, so in very good condition. Only the left upper corner has a small trace due storage through the time.
Tobacco collectables - vintage signs - retro wall decoration...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Paper
19th Century Hand Written Persian Book
Located in London, GB
19th century oil on board of a Blacksmith
Of rectangular form, the papier Mache and ebonised cover is finely painted, covered in flowers and a circular motif to the central section...
Category
1850s Unknown Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Paper
STEAM SHIP MODEL "KING OF THE MISSISSIPPI" 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
STEAM SHIP MODEL "KING OF THE MISSISSIPPI"
In wood, rope and other materials. Little flaws.
Dim.: 30 x 60 x 30 cm
good conditions
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood
Teak and Brass Nautical Ship's Clinometer
Located in Nantucket, MA
A handsome brass and teak ship's clinometer with a black melamine type background. An brass embossed clipper ship at the top. Used to measure the degree of healing on a boat, or on l...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Brass
19th Century French Hand Carved Polychrome and Painted Wall Crucifix
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique carved statue of Christ nailed on the cross was crafted in France, circa 1850. Found in a private chapel in the Rhone Valley, the large cross features a detailed hand ca...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
Vintage Mr. Peanuts Dispenser, USA, Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Mr. Peanuts Dispenser is an original decorative object realized in the mid-20th century.
This vintage object was realized by Tarco Company and it was used as a real peanut...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Plastic
Mounted Half Block Ship Model of a 1936s America's Cup Sloop the Endeavour II
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early Mounted Half Block Ship Model of a 1936s America's Cup Sloop
This half block miniature boat model is dedicated to Joe and has quiet the provenanc...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Cherry, Maple
H 7.25 in W 31.5 in D 3.5 in
Previously Available Items
French Sailor's Silk and Woolwork of Sailors Working on the Masts of a Ship
Located in Downingtown, PA
French Sailor's Silk & Wool of Sailors Working the Masts of a French Battleship.
19th Century
Océan-class ships of the line were a series of 118-gun three-decker ships of the line o...
Category
1870s French Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool, Silk
British Sailor's Flag of Nations Woolwork of HMS Victoria
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's Flag of Nations Woolwork of HMS Victoria
circa 1875
The large sailor's woolie depicts a view of portside view of HMS Victoria within a central porthole view whic...
Category
1870s English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
19th Century Folk-art Ship Diorama
Located in London, GB
19th Century Folk-art Ship Diorama
A highly decorative piece of English nautical folk art, in the form of a carved wooden ship displayed in a bespoke ...
Category
1880s British Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood
Large Vintage Boat Model
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive handmade boat or cruiser model, expertly crafted in mahogany with brass hardware and attention to detail, retaining her original motor and named Mayflower. Presented on a ...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Sailor's Woolwork of Ship in Wild Seas, circa 1840
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early 19th century Sailor's Woolwork, circa 1830s - 1840s, depicting a British single decker warship under reefed top-gallant sails, in fantastic high seas under a wild sky, set with...
Category
1840s English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
Seascape with Sidewheel Steamship, by B. Wallis, circa 1850
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century seascape with a side-wheel steamship, by B. Wallis, circa 1850, an oil on canvas American School seascape with a British paddlewheel steamer on the American coast; the s...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Canvas
Bronze Mermaid, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful bronze Mermaid - Signed. Colorful Tumble Stones and Crystals. Green and Jade color marble base.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Bronze
1950s French Model Sailboat on Metal Stand
Located in High Point, NC
A beautiful miniature wooden boat produced in France, circa 1950. A model pond sailboat balanced on a metal stand, leans on two slender rods in an airy ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
1960s French Model Boat on Metal Stand
Located in High Point, NC
This carved wooden boat offers a vibrant vintage accent. Made in France in the 1960s, the form suggests a humble fishing vessel — but the richly painted finish evokes an air of festi...
Category
1960s French Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
Folk Art Sailor's Knot Board, circa 1900
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Folk Art Sailor's Knot Board, circa 1900, having sixteen sailor's specialty knots: bends, hitches and splices used regularly aboard ship. All of the knots are original and mounted on a dark stained plywood panel, within a simple dark stained frame. Seven of the knots do not have identifying plaques beneath them.
It is a treat to find a genuine old sailor...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Other
19th Century Sailor's Folk Art Woolie with Photograph of a Young Queen Victoria
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th century sailor's Folk Art Woolie with Photograph of a Young Queen Victoria, circa 1896, hand crafted wool yarn picture with silver thread highligh...
Category
1890s English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool, Thread
H 16.25 in W 17.5 in D 1 in
Mid Century Yacht Quarterboard
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage mid century yacht quarterboard, circa 1950, a hand carved and hand painted yacht name-board in weathered but very strong and stable painted surface. Great name and attractive...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood
Folk Art nautical objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art nautical objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage nautical objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, folk art, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art nautical objects made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for nautical objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $200 and tops out at $9,500 while the average work can sell for $2,139.
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