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What is the difference between fine and folk art?

1 Answer
What is the difference between fine and folk art?
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
Shop for Folk Art on 1stDibs
Large Antique Painted Folk Art Pike Trade Sign, Fish Monger’s Metal Shop Sign
Located in Lisse, NL
Kindly note that we arrange the shipping ourselves to ensure a smooth, secure, and reliable delivery. This allows us to provide the best possible service and care for your purchase. ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Zinc

Ararat Rugs Oversized Mamlouk Rug A Majestic Revival of Islamic Artistry Carpet
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

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

Hand Carved Signed Large Vintage Antique Wood Swan Decoy Sculpture, 1929
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic, large hand-carved swan decoy with a beautiful, natural glowing patina that comes with age. This piece has a wonderful classic shape and finely carved texture. The work ...
Category

Vintage 1920s American Folk Art Decoys

Materials

Wood

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 Renjishi Story. They were made in Japan around 1990s in Showa era. Dimensions: 8.5 × 6.5 x H9.5 cm (White kabuki doll...
Category

1990s Japanese Showa Antiquities

Materials

Silk, Wood

Ararat Rugs the Barbieri Tree Design Carpet, Persian Revival Rug, Natural Dyed
Located in Tokyo, JP
The source of carpet comes from the book Orient Star - A Carpet Collection, E. Heinrich Kirchheim, Hali Publications Ltd, 1993 nr.64 and Islamic Carpets, Joseph V. McMullan, Near Eas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Revival Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Natural Fiber, Organic Material

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