Folk Art Spectacles
Recent Sales
Antique Late 19th Century American Industrial Signs
Glass
Vintage 1920s French Early Victorian Signs
Brass
Antique 19th Century American Signs
Metal
Vintage 1910s Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Early 20th Century Signs
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Art
Tin
Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Signs
Iron, Zinc, Gold Leaf
Vintage 1910s American Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Silk
Antique Mid-19th Century French Folk Art Signs
Iron, Zinc
Antique Early 19th Century English Paintings
Canvas
Antique 19th Century English Paintings
Board
Vintage 1940s American Folk Art Sculptures
Tin
Antique Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Signs
Iron
Antique Late 19th Century American Signs
Glass, Wood
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.
- Is mandala art folk art?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Yes, mandala art is folk art. The definition of folk art is art that reflects the sociocultural characteristics and values of a particular group of people. Mandala art fits this definition due to its association with the Hindu and Buddhist faiths. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of folk art from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Mexican folk art can be characterized by vibrant colored paintings and jewelry designed with floral motifs. Lush forests and animals, especially birds, are featured in Mexican folk art, which is a blend of Indigenous and European methods and skills. You’ll find a variety of Mexican folk art from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Among the materials used in folk art are cloth, wood, paper, clay and metal.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Jamini Roy was an Indian artist whose paintings often reflected his Indian roots. Roy combined imagery from Indian folk art with Western motifs to create his unique modern works. Subjects ranged from paintings of legendary figures to everyday life in rural Bengal. His goal was to make art affordable to everyone. Browse a selection of Jamini Roy paintings 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.