Folk Art
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
Vintage American Folk Art Copper Chess Board
Located in Chicago, IL
This enchanting mid-20th century American Folk Art chess board is a true testament to naive and outsider craftsmanship and creativity. Hand-crafted with meticulous care, the board fe...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art
Materials
Copper
Animal Pot by Mata Ortiz Potter Hector Gallegos
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite white ceramic pot by Hector Gallegos is a masterful example of Mata Ortiz pottery, etched with a rich tapestry of animals including several bears, a coyote, a deer, va...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Norwegian Stump Chair ca 1820s
Located in Farsta, SE
Norwegian Stump Chair late 1800-century
Made out of pine with amazing patina and some original paint left.
Height: 70 cm/27.5 inc
Depth: 25 cm/9.8 inch
Width: 37 cm/14.5 inch
Seat ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Pine
19Thc Signed Oil Painting of Sheep ( Listed Artist)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine very well done 19thc oil painting of sheep heard is signed by the artist J. Rorphuro .This is so amazing and a great size.
Category
1870s American Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wood
British Sailor's Woolwork of British Royal Navy Ship
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's Woolwork of British Royal Navy Ship,
Circa 1875
A sailor's woolwork of a port side view of a second rate Royal Navy ship under full sail upon a beautifully depicted...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wool
British Sailor's Woolwork of Four ships including two Royal Navy Ships
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's Woolwork of Four ships including two Royal Navy Ships,
Circa 1875
The charming small sailor's woolwork picture with a rare subject depicting a port side view of fou...
Category
1860s English Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Sailor's Woolwork of Four Ships including an American Ship
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's Woolwork with Four Ships including an American Ship,
Circa 1875
The sailor's woolwork depicts the port side view of four ships including an American ship under a cl...
Category
1860s English Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Vintage Hand Painted Folk Art Chest Box Floral Birds Traditional Medium Storage
Located in Greer, SC
Vintage hand painted and hand crafted domed chest with an elaborate folk art scene throughout the entire box. Stunning artwork with florals, birds, and a courting scene on wood. This...
Category
20th Century Unknown Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Jim Rose Barn House Structure, Welded Steel Sculpture Made with Salvaged Steel
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a welded steel sculpture made by furniture creator Jim Rose. It is sustainable design created from salvaged and recycled steel panels left over from his larger projects. These sculptures reference traditional American Folk Art barn...
Category
2010s American Folk Art
Materials
Steel
Nepalese Sandalwood Buddha Tree, 20th Century
Located in Islamabad, PK
The sculpture, expertly carved from fragrant Nepalese sandalwood, stands as a testament to the rich tradition of wood carving in Nepal. The medium itself adds a sensory dimension to ...
Category
20th Century Nepalese Folk Art
Materials
Sandalwood
French 19th Century Folk Art Leather Box
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful weathered Folk Art box made out of wood and covered with leather. Working lock and key.
France, circa 1850
Weathered, small losses.
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art
Materials
Leather, Wood
Large Figurative African Mangbetu Anthropomorphic Vessel / Jar
Located in Studio City, CA
This is a fantastic piece likely made by the Mangetu tribe of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is finely detailed and quite large and hefty. These pieces were originally made...
Category
20th Century Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Terracotta
Folk Art Wedding Chest, Anno 1903
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Wedding Chest in pastel shades, Eastern Europe, anno 1903, with roses and targets on a red background. A fine example of this particular type of box found in present-day eastern Roma...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Zabihi Collection Red Dragon Vintage Tibetan Rug
Located in New York, NY
A colorful one-of-a-kind Tibetan rug from the 3rd quarter of the 20th century with a dragon motif on red ground
Measures: 3' x 5'7''.
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art
Materials
Wool
19th Century Bocce Balls, France, Set of Three
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Late 19th to early 20th century bocce balls, France, set of three
boxwood, iron and brass nails.
The first ball has the letters PP in brass, the second ha...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art
Materials
Brass, Iron
1970's Mexican Hand Carved Gourd Bowl Sculpture with Animal Motifs
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 1970's Mexican jackfruit gourd bowl, hand carved with animal motifs on outer surface, Interior has a natural surface.. This piece was likely given a...
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Organic Material
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
Materials
Iron
Two Swedish 19th Century Trough with Originalpaint from Northern Sweden
Located in Boden, SE
Two Swedish 19th century Folk Art Trough with untouched original paint from Lulea Norrbotten, Northern Sweden.
Painted English red wood trough.
The trough is in untouched original ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Pine
19th Century Sailor's Woolie of a Four Masted Barque, signed by maker, ca 1880
Located in Nantucket, MA
Late 19th Century Sailor's Woolie of a Four Masted Barque, circa 1880, a handcrafted sailor's woolwork picture depicting a starboard side view of a four master with square rigged for...
Category
1870s English Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Folk Art Carved Wood Penguin Wearing Nike Shoes
Located in Chicago, IL
Meet this delightful American Folk Art hand-carved pine penguin sporting a pair of painted Nike shoes! With a whimsical tilt of his head, he exudes an endearing charm, as if ponderin...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art
Materials
Pine, Paint
Austrian Hand Painted Armoire
Located in London, GB
This Magnificently charming Tyrolean dowry wardrobe is most likely crafted by a local cabinet maker and painted by a local painter in the style of Tyrolean folk art...
Category
1820s Austrian Antique Folk Art
Materials
Pine
Folk Art Boat Model, 1930’s
Located in Doylestown, PA
A folk-art ship model of a freighter, circa 1930, carved in wood and hand-painted with details in metal.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art
Materials
Scrap Wood
Bold Expressionist Folk Art Portrait, Original Vintage Gouache Painting, 20th C.
Located in Bristol, GB
VINTAGE ORIGINAL GOUACHE PAINTING
Depicting a black figure in a hat carrying two large fish across his shoulder using a paddle. There are birds behind with fish in their bellies.
...
Category
20th Century Asian Folk Art
Materials
Paint
Rare Collection of Fairground Knockdown Hand Carved Figures
Located in London, GB
Rare Collection of Fairground Knockdown Hand Carved Figures
A unique collection of 22 hand carved folk-art fairground (Jeu De Massacre) figures. This rare to market collection consists of an entire fairground stall collection and contains several forms of characters from soldiers to country house ladies with straw bags...
Category
1920s French Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Wood
19th Century Sailor's Woolie of a Double Decker Ship of the Line, circa 1850
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Sailor's Folk Art Woolie with a Double Decker Ship of the Line, ca 1850, depicting a larboard side view of a square-rigged double decker warship under standing rigging, ...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Antique, Vernacular 1912 Swedish Log Chair, Traditional Carved Kubbstol
Located in Stockholm, SE
Antique Folk Art Kubbstol from Sweden. A Kubbstol is a dug-out pine trunk chair. It's a primitive construction with a simple design and this particular piece is made from a large lo...
Category
1910s Swedish Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Fabric, Pine
Early 20th century gesso over pine articulated skelton puppet
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century gesso over pine and articulated puppet
A very cool example of a folk-art gesso over pine and metal early 20th century articulated puppet of a skeleton figure. This...
Category
1940s British Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Red Breasted Merganser Decoy, circa 1960s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage Red Breasted Merganser Drake Decoy, circa 1960s - 1970s, a hand carved and hand painted red breasted merganser drake decoy in a swimming posture with slightly turned and canted head, with carved crest, bill mandible and nares, glass eyes, bold black and white paint with red highlights.
Beautiful decoy done in the racy Canadian Maritimes style. The posture with head both slightly turned to the left, and slightly canted or cocked to the left as well, is a delightful tricked learned from the great Maine decoy...
Category
1960s Canadian Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Pine
Whimsical Carousel Pig Carnival Ride Mexican Attrib Higareda Brothers
By Higareda Brothers
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and whimsical vintage Mexican carnival amusement ride carousel pig attributed to the Higareda workshop.
This ultra charming carousel pig carving was made in a smaller scale f...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Napoleonic, French Prisoner of War ox bone Double 9 domino set.
Located in London, GB
Napoleonic, French Prisoner of War ox bone Double 9 domino set.
An exceptional example of a Napoleonic, French Prisoner of War ox/mutton bone Double 9 domino set encased in cribbag...
Category
1830s French Antique Folk Art
Materials
Natural Fiber
Scandinavian Folk Art Wine, Alcohol Oak Cask, 19th Century
Located in Bochum, NRW
19th century Scandinavian wooden cask made of oak staves that are held together with iron banding.
Wonderful piece to add to your collection of Folk Art, early Scandinavian farm pr...
Category
1850s Swedish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Folk Art Hotel Dress Code Sign, circa 1950
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage Folk Art Hotel Dress Code Sign, circa 1950, a whimsical hand painted sign from a posh resort in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This great little sign was collected bac...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Antique 19th Century Indian Kalighat Painting of Krishna Milking Cow
Located in New York, NY
Antique late 19th Century Indian Kalighat natural pigment watercolor painting of Krishna milking a cow under a Pipal tree. The cow is smiling at Krishna, with divine love. The cosmic...
Category
Late 19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art
Materials
Paper
Unusual American Antique Geometric Hook Rug, c.1930s
Located in Buffalo, NY
American Antique Geometric Hook Rug, c.1930s,, Wonderful use of color, patterns, Very unusual with its traditional floral and abstract geometrics. Nice original condition. Age appro...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Vintage Santon de Provence French Clay Doll Figurine Old Woman Holding Clay Pot
Located in New Orleans, LA
This highly collectible and fascinating figurine represents the santon of Provence.
The santon is made of terra-cotta (head, body, legs, forearms, hands, feet,). The base is made of wood. The arms are connected to the body and allow articulation (simultaneously lift both arms)
Traditional dress of lovely provincial fabrics and delicate lace representing french Provence.
Series of French santons...
Category
1930s French Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Fabric, Clay
19th Century Sailor's Valentine
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Sailor's Valentine, circa 1870, a hand crafted double "sailor's valentine" shellwork picture featuring a central heart and the motto "From Barbados" within concentric ri...
Category
Mid-19th Century Bajan Antique Folk Art
Materials
Shell, Mahogany
Hand Carved Folk Art Wood Basket
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Hand carved Folk Art wood basket depicting fruit. We had the wood professionally refinished. Basket measures 15" wide, 3.5" deep and 16.75" high.
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Early 20th century Folk Art English Puppet Collection
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century Folk Art English Puppet Collection
A charming set of seven hand made early 20th Century English folk art puppets. Each with hand crafted clothing, fully articula...
Category
1920s British Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Lead
Indonesian Carved Papua New Guinea Boat Model Dugout Trencher Plough Display 68"
Located in Dayton, OH
Intriguing Folk Art carved dugout boat model. Features carvings on each end and pointed bow / stern. Made in Papua New Guinea, circa late 20th century
The huge, oversized small sca...
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Mexican Jaguar Mask
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960. We offer this antique Mexican Jaguar mask made in leather, mirror for eyes and boar bristles.
These masks depict jaguars and tigers used in ...
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Leather
20Thc School House Quilt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This cool school house quilt is multi colored houses and very well pieced. Great used condition.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art
Materials
Cotton
Early 20th Century Folk Art Ship Diorama
Located in San Mateo, CA
Folk art diorama of a ship being towed by a tug boat. At the bottom of the diorama is a representation of the shore with buildings and a lighthouse. ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art
Materials
Rope, Glass, Wood
19th Century Sailor's Woolie with Triple Decker Ship of the Line, circa 1860
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Sailor's Folk Art Woolie with Triple Decker Ship of the Line, ca 1860, depicting a starboard side view of a majestic square-rigged triple decker warship under weigh (the...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wool
19Thc Signed Oil Still Life Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine 19thc folk art still life painting is painted on board and has been re-framed.The detail work is amazing.The condition is pristine.It is signed by the artist in the lower r...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Vintage Folk Art Hand-Carved "Ball in Cage" Obelisk Whimsy Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Folk Art whimsy 'ball in cage' obelisk sculpture whittled from one continuous piece of wood and adhered to a wooden plinth base, circa 1940s. The carved supports holding the two ball...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Hand Carved English Fairground Carousel Panel
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Hand Carved English Fairground Carousel Panel
A rare piece of traditional English fairground art attributed to Orton and spooner. All carved from sections piece ...
Category
1910s British Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Pine
Antique Folk Art Painted Spinning Top Toy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Folk Art turned and painted wooden toy top retaining its original paint (ca. late 19th Century, USA).
Features a notched stem and striped multi-color design in yellow, green and red....
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Antique Blue Chinese Pictorial Throw Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th century Chinese pictorial throw-size rug
Measures: 2'8' x 5'.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Early 20th Century Folk Art Whirligig Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Folk Art Whirligig Figure
A naïve and charming example of an early 20th century folk art English hand carved pine whirligig figure. Carved from sections of pine ...
Category
1920s British Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Pine
Naive Folk Art Sculpture, France, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Naive sculpture from the 1950s, embodying the essence of Folk Art with its intricately carved vine. This anonymous masterpiece from Auvergne, France, s...
Category
1950s French Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Wood
19th Century Hand Made Folk Art Carnival Spinning Wheel On Stand
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fun and fabulous Folk Art Carnival Spinning Wheel from the latter part of the 19th century. Totally original and in fantastic condition. Nice old Ted and black paint looks to be corr...
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art
Materials
Oak, Paint
Antique Monalisa handmade painted replica.
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Painted during 1972 and 1976. We offer this Antique Monalisa handmade painted replica signed by Lourdes Cúe.
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Linen
Zabihi Collection Blue Vintage Turkish Reindeer Animal Square Throw Rug
Located in New York, NY
mid 20th century Turkish Rug with a reindeer on a blue field with flowers hovering around
Details
rug no. j3837
size 1' 9" x 1' 11" (53 x 58 cm)
Category
20th Century Turkish Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Naive Folk Art Country House Landscape, Original Antique Oil Painting, 19th C.
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE ORIGINAL OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING DEPICTING A RURAL SCENE, POSSIBLY ROSS ON WYE
A charming depiction of a country house and grounds with a town behind including a tall spire...
Category
19th Century English Antique Folk Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Zabihi Collection Vintage Turkish Reindeer Animal Square Throw Rug
Located in New York, NY
a mid 20th century turkish anatolian pictorial rug
Details
rug no. j3831
size 2' 4" x 2' 4" (71 x 71 cm)
Measures: 2'4" x 2'9\4".
Category
20th Century Turkish Folk Art
Materials
Wool
Small Mid Century Ceramic Outsider Stoneware Bowl in Blue and Brown
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A petite hand-thrown drip ceramic bowl in blue and brown. This piece is small and perfect for use as a trinket dish for change or keys. The vessel is round in form, and features drip...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Pair of Vintage Primitive Oversized Hand Weights/Dumbbells
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand-carved dumbbells, each from one continuous piece of wood accented with carved lines (circa 1930s, USA).
Natural toned wood, perfectly aged with rich patina/soiling/splits from a...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Wood
A spherical white ceramic cachepot with cracked enamel France XXth century
By Roger Capron
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A spherical white ceramic cachepot with cracked enamel, an anonymous work from the 20th century, distinguished by exquisite cutouts that elegan...
Category
1970s French Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Folk Art folk art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage folk art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original folk art, popular names associated with this style include Berber Tribes of Morocco, Mosche Bianche, Jim Rose, and Nils Olsson. 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 folk art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $35 and tops out at $49,500 while the average work can sell for $1,387.
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