Ear Spool
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Central American Pre-Columbian Figurati...
Ceramic
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Native American Objects
Sandstone
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Mexican Pre-Columbian Figurative Sculpt...
Ceramic
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Mexican Pre-Columbian Ceramics
Ceramic
Antique 15th Century and Earlier South American Pre-Columbian Figurative...
Ceramic
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Native American Objects
Stone
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Peruvian Antiquities
Wool
Early 20th Century Mexican Figurative Sculptures
Stone
Recent Sales
Mexican Antiquities
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Mexican Antiquities
Antique 16th Century Peruvian Antiquities
Pottery
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Mexican Pre-Columbian Antiquities
Ceramic, Earthenware, Terracotta
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Silver Plate, Enamel
2010s Dutch Modern Decorative Bowls
Travertine
2010s Dutch Modern Serving Bowls
Marble
Antique 17th Century French Baroque Animal Sculptures
Oak
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Egyptian Tribal Tribal Art
Organic Material, Wood
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Moroccan Natural Specimens
Bone
Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Nouveau Vases
Ceramic
2010s Dutch Modern Serving Bowls
Marble
2010s Portuguese Minimalist Night Stands
Burl, Poplar
2010s American Organic Modern Vases
Ceramic, Stoneware
Antique Early 1800s Chinese Decorative Boxes
Wood, Lacquer
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Vanities
Ormolu
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Scu...
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Screens and Room Dividers
Canvas
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Glass
Glass
Finding the Right Folk-art for You
Folk art refers to a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Vintage, new and antique folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, portraiture and paintings, carnival art, quilts and duck decoys.
American folk art is frequently valued because of the traditional 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. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.
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 folk art on 1stDibs.
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A Giant Wedding Cake Has Us Looking at Portuguese Tiles in a New Light
At Waddesdon Manor, artist Joana Vasconcelos has installed a three-tiered patisserie inspired by the narrative tile work of her homeland. We take a look at the cake sculpture and how Portuguese tiles have been used in architecture from the 17th century to today.
Why Jules Chéret Was the King of the Modern Poster
The streets of fin-de-siècle Paris were set aglow with colorful poster ads, thanks to the printing techniques invented by Jules Chéret. Now, the Milwaukee Art Museum is celebrating this undersung talent in America's first solo show dedicated his exuberant works.
Why the American Flag Has Had So Many Different Star Patterns
Expert Jeff Bridgman explains the history and meaning behind the twinkling constellations that have graced Old Glory.
Peggy Guggenheim Loved Modernism, but She Also Collected Tribal Art
The iconoclastic style setter displayed African and Oceanic art, as well as works by indigenous peoples of the Americas, alongside pieces by such major modernists as Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock.
The 13-Star American Flag Had More Variations Than You’d Think
Perfect for July 4th weekend, a new show at Philadelphia's Museum of the American Revolution displays an array of antique red, white and blue flags.
Tramp Art, America’s Most Misunderstood Art Form, Is Trending in Interiors
Designers are beginning to see this enigmatic form of folk art in a whole new light.