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
Related Questions
- What is the difference between art and fine art?1 Answer
- What is the difference between fine and functional art?1 Answer
- What is the difference between fine art and decorative art?1 Answer
- What is the difference between fine jewelry and jewelry?1 Answer
- What is the difference between fine jewelry and high jewelry?1 Answer
Shop for Folk Art on 1stDibs
Mid-Century Plexiglass and Brass Miniature House Table Lamp, Handcrafted, 1950s
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare hand-crafted miniature chalet table lamp.
This enchanting table lamp is a rare mid-century piece, handcrafted in the form of a miniature house. Constructed from delicate transl...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Japanese Two Wooden Kabuki Dolls Renjishi 1990s
Located in Paris, FR
They are two Kabuki (Japanese theater) dolls made with woods and silk.
The woods are for body parts and silks are for kimono parts that they are wearing.
These dolls are from Renjish...
Category
1990s Japanese Showa Antiquities
Materials
Silk, Wood
Ararat Rugs Oversized Mamlouk Rug A Majestic Revival of Islamic Artistry Carpet
By Ararat Rugs
Located in Tokyo, JP
Origin and Inspiration:
The Mamlouk Rug is a contemporary masterpiece that draws its inspiration from the rich textile traditions of the Mamlouk Sultanate, which reigned over Egypt a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Revival Turkish Rugs
Materials
Wool, Natural Fiber, Organic Material
Early 19th Century Ebony and Ivory Dominoes Set in Box
Located in Louisville, KY
Just imagine if these dominoes could share the many stories they've heard around the table from various players over the centuries.
This unique oak box with a small lock plate and ...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Early Victorian Antiquities
Materials
Brass
Bullfinch Viechtauer Hand Carved Wood Bird Black Forest Folk Art, Austria, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Austrian 20th 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 century w...
Category
Vintage 1910s Austrian Black Forest Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood, Paint
Superb Heavy Tribal Silver cuff bracelet Somalian African Tribal
Located in London, GB
A superb heavy tribal bracelet from the Horn of Africa, attributed to the Ethiopian, Somali, or Nubian regions. Crafted from high-grade silver, this substantial piece is richly decor...
Category
Antique 19th Century Somali Tribal Art
Materials
Leather
