Folk Art Contemporary Art
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.
Late 20th Century Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Contemporary Art
Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Contemporary Art
Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Contemporary Art
Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wood, Paint, Paper
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Contemporary Art
Plexiglass, Wood, Paint
20th Century Persian Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool
Late 20th Century Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool
Late 20th Century Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool
Late 20th Century Persian Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool
Late 20th Century Venezuelan Folk Art Contemporary Art
Canvas, Paint
20th Century American Folk Art Contemporary Art
Paper
20th Century Persian Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool
20th Century Persian Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool
20th Century Persian Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool
1990s American Folk Art Contemporary Art
Paper
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Contemporary Art
Gold Leaf
Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Contemporary Art
Fabric
20th Century Unknown Folk Art Contemporary Art
Twig
Late 20th Century Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool
Late 19th Century Persian Antique Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool
Late 19th Century Persian Antique Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool
20th Century Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wood, Paint, Paper
Late 20th Century Persian Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool
Late 20th Century Persian Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool, Silk
Late 20th Century Persian Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary British Folk Art Contemporary Art
Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Folk Art Contemporary Art
Belgian Black Marble
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Contemporary Art
Gouache, Paper
Early 2000s Italian Folk Art Contemporary Art
Paper
Late 20th Century Persian Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Contemporary Art
Steel
Late 20th Century Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool
Late 20th Century Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool
1970s Israeli Vintage Folk Art Contemporary Art
Canvas, Acrylic
Late 20th Century Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool
Late 20th Century Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool
1950s Haitian Vintage Folk Art Contemporary Art
Paint
Late 20th Century Persian Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool
Late 20th Century Persian Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool
Late 20th Century Persian Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool
Late 20th Century Persian Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool
Early 2000s American Folk Art Contemporary Art
Paper
20th Century Persian Folk Art Contemporary Art
Wool