Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What is the difference between fine and folk art?
1 Answer
The difference between fine and folk art comes down primarily to function. Fine artists produce paintings, prints, sculptures and other artworks to express an idea or concept, communicate a message or tell a story. With folk art, artists are usually more interested in following cultural traditions than self-expression. Pieces of folk art often have more practical uses compared to works of fine art, such as quilts and furniture. Other examples of folk art include pottery, masks, textiles and carvings. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of fine and folk art.
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
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Shop for Folk Art on 1stDibs
C.1930 Grandmother Flower Garden Hexagon Quilt
Located in Louisville, KY
This quilt is c. 1930. Created with a wonderful color palette of what appears to be feed sack fabric, meticulously arranged with pattern orientations in mind...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Quilts
Materials
Fabric
Large Antique Indonesian Kris Dagger – Ethnographic collectible weapons
Located in London, GB
Large Antique Indonesian Kris Dagger – Ethnographic collectible weapons
A striking and authentic large antique Indonesian Kris (keris) dagger, dating to the early 20th century. This traditional Southeast Asian weapon features a dramatic curved zigzag (luk) blade, expertly forged and finely detailed, symbolizing power and spiritual energy. The blade is paired with a carved Horn hilt and shaped wooden sheath, showcasing classic Indonesian...
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Antique Carved Slate Miniature Chest of Drawers. Welsh, Late 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A charming miniature chest of drawers made from carved slate
With dummy drawers and Prince of Wales feathers detail.
Miniature chests, bureaus and similar pieces of folk art were c...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Welsh Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Slate
Zabihi Collection American Navajo Blanket Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th-century American Navajo Blanket Rug
Details
rug no. j3080
size 2' 6" x 4' 6" (76 x 137 cm)
Category
20th Century American Native American North and South American Rugs
Materials
Wool
Woodpecker Vichtauer Hand Carved Wood Bird, Black Forest Folk Art, 1870s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning large size Austrian 19th century, carved wood bird, mounted on a stand for hanging. The tradition of these in Austria called "Viechtauer" birds goes back to the early 19th...
Category
Antique 1870s Austrian Black Forest Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood, Paint
Extraordinary Vichtauer Hand Carved Wood Bird, Black Forest Folk Art, 1870s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning large size Austrian 19th century, carved wood bird, mounted on a stand for hanging. The tradition of these in Austria called "Viechtauer" birds goes back to the early 19th...
Category
Antique 1870s Austrian Black Forest Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood, Paint
