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.
Metal Money Box Piggy Bank, Antique Vintage Sweden
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming mid-century Swedish tin bank issued by Postverket (the Swedish Postal Service), known as the "Sparlåda" (Savings Box). Designed to encourage regular saving, these colorful...
Metal
1930s Traditional Hand-Crafted Terracotta Sicilian Head of Moro Vase
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This exceptional 1930s traditional Sicilian Teste di Moro vase is a remarkable testament to rustic sicilian folk art, completely hand-crafted from raw, ungla...
Terracotta
19th Century Swedish Hand-Carved Oak Dough Bowl, circa 1850
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautifully hand-carved Swedish oak dough bowl, or tråg, dating to around 1850. Hewn from a single solid piece of oak, this authentic country piece displays a wonderful sculptural ...
Oak
18th Century Original Blue Painted Swedish Wood Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Swedish original painted blue pine wood box from the countryside of Sweden. Based on the flower decoration style, probably from Centre-North Sweden. The Rococo-period in the Folk A...
Iron
Large Vintage Painted Folk Art Trout Trade Sign, Fish Monger’s Metal Shop Sign
Located in Lisse, NL
Step into a time when storefronts told their story with charm and character. This striking, hand-painted metal trout sign is a rare and wonderfully quirky example of the early 20th-c...
Zinc
19thc Blue Painted Firkin in Original Paint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19thc original Blue painted Firkin. Original Copper nail construction. Fantastic patina. Wonderful old blue paint, the interior is a beautiful natural color and in great condition.
Wood
$956Sale Price|20% Off
Large bent Wood Wicker Laundry Basket
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large natural wooden laundry basket. This basket is made from bent wood and is a strong ans sturdy piece.
Bentwood
Blue Marbled Antique Swedish Wooden Trough, Hand-Made with Original Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Blue marbled wooden trough and plate from Sweden made during the mid 1800s. This unique antique was made by hand in northern Sweden around 1850. Very unusual to see original blue mar...
Wood
Vintage Tonala Pottery Small Cat Sculpture, Hand-Painted Bird Decor
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Charming small Tonala pottery figurine depicts a reclining cat with folded front paws and raised head; the cat is looking forward with wide open, large eyes and a slightly surprised ...
Ceramic, Pottery
Large Late 19th Century Wood Scandinavian Painted Swan Decoy Centerpiece
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very charming vintage wooden hand-carved swan sculpture with a detailed bill and raised wings. This European folk art swan features an aged white ...
Wood, Paint
Large Vintage Hand-Carved Crocodile in Dark Wood
Located in Esbjerg, DK
85 cm long and lean crocodile in hand-carved wood. We have been told that it was brought home from Africa during the 1980s by a Danish Tourist. It has a screw to its back - allowing ...
Hardwood
A Family of Greenlandic Tupilak 's - Hand-Carved in Reindeer Stag & Bone
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A group of 5 Greenlandic Tupilaq 's - mythological shaman figurines hand-carved in Reindeer stag and bone. A tupilak is a traditional avenging monster and carved figure from Greenlan...
Bone
ELFRIEDE MEINDL - Folk Art Ceramic Atlantic Fisherman Figure - Canada - C.1970's
Located in Chatham, ON
ELFRIEDE MEINDL (1926-2020) - Fine vintage folk art ceramic figure of an Atlantic fisherman on a plinth base - small size - featuring elaborate hand made and hand crafted details thr...
Ceramic
Large Antique Georgian Style Bleached Picture Frame English, 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful plain Georgian style picture or mirror frame Bleached tropical hardwood The measurement given below is the outside of the frame. Sight measures 19 x 14 inches. 48 x 36 cm...
Wood
Farmhouse Chicken Wire Egg Fruit Basket Carry All, Vintage Industrial Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful chicken wire made Basket, circa 1930s. Made of wire and wooden handles. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria. Nice addition to any Country Kitchen. Size given in meas...
Metal, Wire
Vintage Carved Wood Dog Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage hand-carved wood dog sculpture beautifully captures the loyal spirit and graceful posture of a canine through skilled craftsmanship and expressive detailing. Expertly ca...
Wood
$423Sale Price / item|20% Off
Victorian Treenware Hanging Salt Box, 19th Century.
Located in Hannover, DE
I present to you a set of beautiful hanging salt box from the 19th century. The two are made out of wood, rich in colour and patination, They can be left standing but the intention b...
Wood
American Folk Art Large Painted Wrought Iron Sitting Cat Statue 1950s-1960s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage large American Folk Art statue features a large cat sitting with its tail raised up and slightly curled, looking straight forward with its ears perked up. The cat is sculpted...
Metal, Wrought Iron
American Folk Art Door Stop in the Form of a Sitting Cast Iron Tuxedo Cat
Located in Downingtown, PA
Cast Iron Charm: American Folk Art Cat Doorstop This charming piece of American folk art is a cast iron doorstop modeled in the form of a black and white tuxedo cat. Doorstops like ...
Iron
Antique American Tramp Art Carved Box, Early 20th Century Folk Art
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Folk Art Tramp Art Carved Box, probably Late 19th/Early 20th Century. A decorative box ornamented with layers of classic Tramp Art chip carved borders enclosing velvet ground panels centered by elongated star...
Velvet, Wood
Antique Tramp Art Carved Wooden Box, Folk Art Jewellery Casket, Late 19Th C.
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE FOLK ART WOODEN BOX A wonderful example with typically notch carved exterior and bulbous geometric forms. Incorporating green velvet panels on each side as well as a stuffe...
Velvet, Wood
$1,380Sale Price|47% Off
Swedish 18th Century Bentwood Travel Box or Chest
Located in Buisson, FR
Rare and very beautiful Swedish travel box with stunning patina and hand forged iron details. Working lock and key ( bronze key from the 19th century). Sweden, circa 1750-1800. Weath...
Iron
$1,590 / item
19th Century Swedish Painted White Mora Clock
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish 19th Century painted long case clock or Grandfather clock. This Scandinavian folk art clock is from the region of Småland, where the village of Lönshult is (see the name of t...
Pine, Paint
Antique Wooden and Cardboard Apothecary Pharmacy Storage Jar for Valerian Root
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1900s wooden and cardboard apothecary pharmacy storage jar or box for Valerian Root. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Found at an estate sale...
Plywood, Paper
Antique Labu Sayong Carafe, Hand-Carved Ceramic Folk Art from Malaysia
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Antique traditional Southeast Asian ceramic Labu Sayong water cooler carafe bottle vase with hand-carved graphic and organic decorations. Dark blackish brown gourd shaped shiny piece...
Clay, Pottery, Ceramic
A group of five life-size wooden articulated hands for mannequins. Italy, 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
A group of five samples of articulated hands for dummies, made in various types of wood: national walnut, chestnut, maple. Mounted on bases, made of cast iron and brass for the locki...
Brass, Iron, Cast Iron
Vintage Large American Hand Woven Gathering Buttocks Basket
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage or antique oversized gathering basket features traditional rib or buttocks shape with the bent wood ring rim and handle. The plaited splints are carefully interwoven to carry...
Wicker, Oak
19th Century Swedish hand painted pine storage box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century hand painted pine storage box circa 1840. We are pleased to offer this original painted storage box. Hand painted florals to the lid with initials mjd and an anno date...
Pine
Model of a greenhouse, in the style of the “Serre de Jardin”, France 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
Model of a greenhouse in glass and iron. The greenhouse has an iron base, rectangular in shape, with cut corners. The body of the greenhouse, made of iron and glass, is welded to the...
Iron
Set of two Swedish Root Basket from 19th-20th century
Located in Farsta, SE
Set of two Swedish Root Basket from 19th-20th century Made from pine and spruce roots, these are very strong yet lightweight, with a beautiful pattern on the bottom. Height: 12-14....
Pine, Spruce
Sitting Tuxedo Cat Door Stop Painted Cast Iron, American Folk Art
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage or antique cast iron door stop features a tuxedo cat form with polychrome painted decor. The realistically sculpted cat is depicted sitting with its head turned to a side and...
Metal, Iron
Russian Hand Painted Lacquerware Palekh Miniature Table Box
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and exceptional finely painted vintage Imperial Russian lacquerware box. Exquisitely hand-crafted in the Palekhsky District (Палех) of wes...
Lacquer
Korean Celadon Maebyeong Vase, Flying Cranes and Clouds
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage vase features celadon craquelure glaze with motifs of flying cranes and clouds, the "Thousand Cranes" design that common to Korean Goryeo ware. It has the distinct Maebyong shape with small opening, short neck, round shoulder, wide base, and constricted waist. The vase is signed and stamped on the bottom with maker's marks. Maebyong is the Korean pronunciation for the Chinese Meiping...
Pottery, Ceramic, Celadon
Japanese Tall Ikebana Basket, Bamboo, Suruga Sensuji Style
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage bamboo Ikebana basket features tall cylindrical shape with prominent rounded handle. The basket is woven of thin round bamboo strips that are secured with light brown fiber, ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
$119Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Folk Art Hand Painted Flower Design Serving Bowl
Located in San Carlos, CA
🌼 Beautiful Vintage Folk Art Pottery Serving Bowl – Signed by Artist 🌼 Add a touch of vintage, Mid Century charm and artistry to your collection or home decor with this gorgeous v...
Pottery
24" Tall Antique Swedish Large Wooden Horse Carved Hand-Painted 19th Century
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Tall antique Swedish horse in carved wood with original patinated paint in off-white color with blue dots. Made circa end of the 19th century. Th...
Leather, Wood
Vintage Native American Knitting Basket with Cover and Handles, Adirondack Regio
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage knitting basket with lid and braided strap handle is strikingly similar to the one in Ethnographic department collection of the Peabody...
Wicker, Rattan
$461Sale Price / item|20% Off
Antique Indian Metal Water Jugs, Hand-Crafted Folk Art, 19th Century
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Two large antique rustic metal water jugs handmade by Indian artisans in the 19th century. Large generous belly and flaring neck on every item. Great vintage condition with small de...
Metal
19th Century Country English Chest with House Facade
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming folk art 19th-century country English pine blanket chest or box featuring a Georgian manor house facade on the outside. The storage box has a hinged top and handles on each ...
Iron
Ken Edwards Signed Tonala Mexico Art Pottery Ewer Bud Vase with Bird
By Ken Edwards, Tonala Pottery
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage ceramic bud vase in shape of ewer was hand made by Ken Edwards in traditions of Tonala pottery. It is decorated with bird and abstrac...
Pottery, Ceramic
19thc Original Mustard Painted Firkin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original mustard painted furkin from New England with original copper nail construction.The surface is the best.
Wood, Paint
A Mounted 17th Century Folk Art Brass Bassinoire Cover from France
Located in Buisson, FR
This pierced brass decorative element from France was originally the cover of a bassinoire from the 1600s. A bassinoire is a device where hot coals are inserted into a vented recept...
Brass
Large Sculpture Made of Handwoven Palm Leaves with Two Spheres
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These large hand-woven palm sculptures are made from natural palm and provide rustic, organic modern, contemporary design for any home decor. Their unique w...
Palmwood
Antique Tramp Art Box, Hand-Carved Two-Toned Wood, France, Circa 1900
By Tramp Art
Located in Valencia, VC
Charming Antique Tramp Art Box, France, Circa 1900 A very charming tramp art box featuring beautifully hand-carved work in two-toned wood. The lighter sections are framed with delic...
Brass
Antique Original Clock Cabinet from Sweden, Hand-Crafted Untouched Veneered Elm
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish antique clock cabinet made during the early to mid 1800s, circa 1820 to 1840. The cabinet is veneered and waxed elm. The lower cabinet is...
Elm
Vintage Large Tonala Mexico Pottery Cat, Hand Painted, Signed
By Tonala Pottery, Ken Edwards
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Playful stretching Tonala pottery cat figurine is decorated with beautiful hand painted abstract geometric and floral designs in blue, green, and earthy brown palette. Variations in...
Ceramic, Pottery
19Thc Hand Carved Wooden Bowl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a hand carved or turned butter bowl.The condition is very good.
Wood
Custom French Beaded Floral Spray, Studio VL
Located in Riverdale, NY
Massive Custom French Beaded Spray by Studio VL from the 1990's. Fantasy oversized Lilac hand beaded into a large exaggerated scale in unusual color combinations with new and vintage French and Czech glass beads. Based on the traditional craft of French beaded flowers...
Brass
Spanish Talavera Hand Painted Pottery Vase, Vintage Signed
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage ceramic vase features a traditional rounded form, decorated with the characteristic hand-painted Talavera de la Reina motifs of colorful country flowers. The rim is accentuat...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Majolica, Pottery
Custom French Beaded Spray, Studio VL
Located in Riverdale, NY
Custom French Beaded Spray, Studio VL from the 1990's, France. Custom made in exaggerated scale with unusual color combinations of new and vintage French and Czech beads. Based on the traditional craft of French beaded flowers...
Brass
20th Century Vintage Dressmaker's Mannequin Covered in Old Newsprint
Located in Round Top, TX
This vintage dress/suit form is perfect for displaying dressed up or simply as a fun vintage accent. An additional feature of the mannequin is the black painted wood tripod base wit...
Wood, Paint, Paper
Antique American Gathering Basket
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is an antique, hand-woven American utilitarian gathering basket, dating from the late 19th century to the early 20th century (circa 1880–1930). The high handle combined with...
Wood
Vintage Vietnamese Backpack Basket
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Vintage Vietnamese Backpack Basket. A woven form starting with a square bamboo base tapering up to an open round sturdy mouth with a a smooth interior surface, specifically used in t...
Bamboo
20th Century American Folk Art Carved Stop Sign
Located in Chicago, IL
A 20th century American Folk Art hand-carved and painted wood stop sign mounted on a custom steel stand.
Wood, Paint
Antique Tramp Art Picture Frames, Hand-Carved Folk Art, Circa 1900s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Set of two antique oval shaped layered tramp art wooden picture frames manufactured in the early 20th century or the late 19th century possibly in Scandinavia. Hand-carved with small...
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Betrothal or Wedding Basket with Peony and Bird motif
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This early 20th-century bentwood bamboo/rattan/wicker Chinese wedding basket with polychrome paint is marvelously beautiful. The basket It has very beautiful and intricate weaving de...
Bamboo, Wicker
Jim Rose - Construct No. 05, Salvaged Steel and Aluminum Industrial Objects
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here he has welded together various metal pieces to...
Metal, Steel
Folk Art Vintage Carved Wooden Bowl Goose Handle
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage Folk Art carved wooden bowl or open box features a hand-carved wood construction, accented with rattan splints and fitted with carved handle in shape of goose head and neck. ...
Wicker, Wood
$3,400
Swedish Marriage Box
Located in Greenwich, CT
A Swedish dowry box presented to the bride by her parents on the occasion of her marriage, decorated with homemade pigments in traditional folk-art patterns in faded grey blues and s...
Wood
Brutalist Welded Metal Owl Sculpture Candle Holder Folk Art
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Whoooo wouldn’t love this guy? This handcrafted vintage welded metal owl is everything I love about Brutalist sculpture—raw, textured, wonderfully imperfect, and full of personality...
Metal