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Folk Art Antiquities

FOLK ART STYLE

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.

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Style: Folk Art
Antique 18th Century Hindu Bronze Deity Ardhanarishvara Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Bronze sculpture of Hindu Deity Ardhanarishvara. Often referred to as the androgynous form of the god Shiva, this antique presents beautiful detail and patina. Aside from the longevi...
Category

18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Bronze

Early 19Thc Pantry Container
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This early 19Thc European fine hand crafted pantry box is in fine condition and natural old patina.
Category

19th Century English Antique Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Wood

"Usu", Hande-carved, Wabi-sabi, Early 20th Century, Japan
Located in Edogawa-ku Tokyo, JP
"Usu" is one of the traditional tools with a rich history, representing an important aspect of Japanese culture, especially in culinary arts. Typically, it consists of a large wooden...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Wood

"Usu", Hande-carved, Wabi-sabi, Early 20th Century, Japan
Located in Edogawa-ku Tokyo, JP
"Usu" is a traditional Japanese tool with a deep cultural significance, particularly in the culinary arts. This unique item typically features a large wooden or stone bowl with a fla...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Japanese wooden grain thrasher - antique farm tool, wabi sabi art piece, mingei
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
This is a part of Japanese antique wooden grain thrasher for rice & wheat, called "Senbakoki" - thrashing the bundle of grain with this comb-like part. It's a unique, wabi sabi art ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Japanese Double Gourd Ikebana Woven Basket and root
Located in Buffalo, NY
20th Century Japanese Double Gourd Ikebana Woven Basket and Root.. amazing sculpture / art.. Retain original inserts.. one basket re-glued , repaired.. (see photo)
Category

20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Wicker, Wood

Artefact, Majapahit Terracotta Expressive Head, Java, 1300 AD
Located in Antwerp, BE
A figurative construction ceramic probably a water collector simply modeled, this head is very expressive and the details can clearly be seen. The Trowulan archaeological site, approximately 100 square kilometres, located in the Mojokerto Regency is believed to contain the remains of what was once the capital city of the Majapahit Empire, featured by 14th century poet Mpu Prapanca in his poem Nagarakretagama. The city was razed during a fight between Girindrawardhana and Kertabhumi in 1478. The Trowulan site is the only archaeological site dating to the Hindu-Buddha classical age to be found in Indonesia. Archaeological remnants and artefacts of the old city in the Trowulan Site were found buried underground as well as on the surface and are still being found today.rtefact:Majapahit terracotta...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Javanese Antique Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic

15th Century Majapahit Terracotta Handmaiden Figure (Woman Holding Her Hair)
Located in Bagnolo Mella, Brescia
The sculpture captures a moment of serene grace, as the woman delicately holds her hair with her right hand, exuding an air of elegance rarely found in similar works. What makes this piece particularly unique is its unusual coloration: unlike most terracotta figures, which typically exhibit reddish-brown tones, this figure has darkened over time to a striking grey-black-brown hue. This transformation occurred due to centuries of submersion in the mud of the Brantas River, where the natural elements enriched the statue with its distinct coloration (refer to the photos of discoveries during the extraction of other statues, as seen on pages 16-17 of the catalog). Originating from the Trowulan region in East Java, this handmaiden figure is documented on page 161 as figure number 28 in the Majapahit catalog and stands as a rare example of terracotta craftsmanship from this ancient civilization. The piece has been carefully studied and authenticated by Professor Agus Aris Munandar, a distinguished scholar in Indonesian archaeology. Professor Munandar, born in 1959, is currently the professor of Indonesian Archaeology at the University of Indonesia in Jakarta. His extensive research focuses on Hindu-Buddhist archaeology, iconography, and the ancient history of Indonesia and Southeast Asia. He served as a member of the Indonesian team of experts at National Cultural Heritage from 2015 to 2018 and previously held the role of Head of Institute and Research at the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Indonesia. Now the head of the Department of Archaeology at the University of Indonesia, Professor Munandar has authored numerous articles and 19 books, many of which delve into Majapahit culture and artifacts, solidifying his reputation as a leading scholar in the field. This extraordinary figure is accompanied by a preface from Professor Massimo Vidale of the University of Padua, who offers invaluable insights into the significance of Majapahit terracotta...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Javanese Antique Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Terracotta

15th Century Majapahit Terracotta Handmaiden Figure (Fertile Woman with Child)
Located in Bagnolo Mella, Brescia
Immerse yourself in the captivating legacy of the Majapahit Empire with this rare and beautifully preserved 15th-century terracotta handmaiden figure. Depicting a fertile woman tenderly holding her child, this evocative sculpture symbolizes the deep-rooted cultural values of fertility, family, and domestic protection that were integral to Majapahit society. These figures were often kept in households as guardians of the hearth, believed to bring prosperity and ensure the well-being of the family. This statue radiates a sense of ancient spirituality and reverence. Its connection to both the sacred and the everyday life of Majapahit culture makes it a fascinating piece for collectors and historians alike. Hailing from the esteemed Trowulan region in East Java, this rare piece has journeyed through centuries before finding its place in the private collection of Anacleto Spazzapan. Documented in the Majapahit catalog on page 144 as figure number 11, it has been meticulously studied and authenticated by Professor Agus Aris Munandar, a prominent authority in Indonesian archaeology. Professor Munandar, born in 1959, is currently the professor of Indonesian Archaeology at the University of Indonesia in Jakarta. His extensive research focuses on Hindu-Buddhist archaeology, iconography, and the ancient history of Indonesia and Southeast Asia. He served as a member of the Indonesian team of experts at National Cultural Heritage from 2015 to 2018 and previously held the role of Head of Institute and Research at the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Indonesia. Now the head of the Department of Archaeology at the University of Indonesia, Professor Munandar has authored numerous articles and 19 books, many of which delve into Majapahit culture and artifacts, solidifying his reputation as a leading scholar in the field. Professor Munandar's endorsement, complemented by a preface from Professor Massimo Vidale of the University of Padua, offers invaluable insights into the religious and decorative significance of Majapahit terracotta...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Javanese Antique Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Terracotta

Antique Pair of Cased South African Ostrich Eggs Hand Painted
Located in Lincoln, GB
These antique pair of cased South African ostrich eggs is a unique and exquisite addition to any collection. The eggs are hand-painted with intricate designs, showcasing the talent a...
Category

19th Century South African Antique Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Ostrich Eggshell

Korean Laquer Chest
Located in San Marino, CA
Korean drop front chest. The original dark lacquer has mellowed to an attractive orange and red. Covered with black metal strapping and decorated metal.
Category

19th Century Korean Antique Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Lacquer

Related Items
Japanese Antique Stone Display Stand / Objet / Before 1868s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old stone stand in Japan. I don't know the details if it was used as a stand for beating straw, but it seems to be before the end of the Edo period. The round silhouette...
Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Stone

Japanese Antique Table, Desk, Double-sleeved desk, Wabi-Sabi, Early 20th Century
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This antique Japanese table was produced in the Taisho period (1912-1926). This is a double-sleeved desk whose lacquer has gained a deep flavo...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Cabinets, Wabi Sabi, Japandi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is a beautiful cabinet that evokes the atmosphere of the Taisho period. It is made of lauan and cedar. It is finished with persimmon tannins and soot, which bring out the text...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Cabinets, Wabi Sabi, Japandi
Japanese Antique Cabinets, Wabi Sabi, Japandi
H 31.89 in W 33.47 in D 13.78 in
Wooden Flower Stand, Japanese Antique, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique wooden flower stand from the Meiji period. At the time, it was used as a workbench by craftsmen. There are small marks on it, probably from using a hammer. A clo...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Cabinets, Wabi Sabi, Japandi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique Japanese-style cabinet made in the Meiji period. The texture of the black lacquer, smoked with soot from the hearth, has a unique depth and charm that is unlike a...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Cabinets, Wabi Sabi, Japandi
Japanese Antique Cabinets, Wabi Sabi, Japandi
H 34.65 in W 70.08 in D 20.48 in
Japanese Antique Open shelf, Wabi Sabi, Japandi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This antique is just the right size for a storage shelf. This is a rare shelf with flap doors that has a Japanese essence. A flap door is a door that can be opened and stored insid...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Open shelf, Wabi Sabi, Japandi
Japanese Antique Open shelf, Wabi Sabi, Japandi
H 64.18 in W 35.63 in D 11.82 in
Japanese wooden wabi-sabi board/Early 20th century/Display stand/MINGEI
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old wooden work board called a “Kate-Kiri-Ban,” which was used in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, around the early 20th century. The name breaks down as fo...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Chestnut

Japanese antique large bamboo double layered basket - wabi sabi primitive decor
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
New finds from the farmer's barn. Japanese antique hand woven bamboo basket - can store the heavier object because of the double layered structure of thin bamboo & thick bamboo laye...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Bamboo

Wooden Low Table, Japanese Antique, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique wooden low table from the Meiji period. At the time, it was used as a workbench by craftsmen. There are traces of work that look like they were done with a hammer...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Large Wooden Mortar / Flowerpot / Wabi-sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is a large Japanese mortar. The material is Zelkoba, and it seems to be around the Meiji period. It is characterized by the strong wood grain and black surface of Zelkoba. It...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Flower Stand, Early 20th Century
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
Introducing a pinnacle of Japan's Taisho era furniture, this piece exemplifies meticulous craftsmanship akin to sculptural artistry. Adorned with intricate decorations reminiscent of...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Wood, Cherry

Wooden Low Table, Japanese Antique, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique wooden low table from the Meiji period. It was used as a workbench by craftsmen at the time. It is made of high-quality Japanese zelkova wood and finished with l...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Previously Available Items
Red Lacquer Chinese Hourglass Basket
Located in Chicago, IL
With vibrant color and contrasting textures, this rustic Chinese basket is an exquisite example of traditional folk basketry. The basket is hand-woven to an hourglass shape using thi...
Category

20th Century Chinese Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Bamboo

Antique Bamboo Straw Hat / Wabi Sabi , Display
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
An old hat hand-woven bamboo and straw. We found this in Japan, but it's not clear where or when it was made. The texture of the bamboo that has changed over time is amazing. This wo...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Bamboo, Straw

Antique Bamboo Straw Hat / Wabi Sabi , Display
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
An old hat hand-woven bamboo and straw. We found this in Japan, but it's not clear where or when it was made. The texture of the bamboo that has changed over time is amazing. This wo...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Bamboo, Straw

Thai Antique Bottle 15th Century / Old Vase / Southeast Asian Antiques
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
A bottle baked in Thailand around the 15th century. Trade with Southeast Asia has been active in Japan for a long time. Many ceramics were imported from Thailand and Vietnam. Also, in the 1900s, many ceramics were excavated in Thailand and imported by the Japanese. This is also an excavated pottery. By applying a glaze containing iron and baking it, it turns into such a dark brown color. A bottle with a unique shape in Thailand. It is very nice. It is stored in a special wooden box. There are small scratches, but it did not leak even if I put water in it. However, if you put water in it for a long time, it may ooze from the bottom, so it is recommended to put water in another container and put it in the jar when decorating flowers, just in case. The same thing was published in an art book on Vietnamese pottery...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Thai Antique Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Pottery

Temple Hannya Mask
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century terracotta decorative handmade Temple Hannya mask This lot is a wonderful example of a decorative Japanese early 20th century Temple ...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Terracotta

Temple Hannya Mask
Temple Hannya Mask
H 10.5 in W 7 in D 5 in
Chinese Trunk in Wood and Ornemented Leather, circa 19th Century
Located in Miami, FL
Authentic 19th century Chinese Trunk ornemented With animated scenes, figures and animals, Hand-painted scenes all around the trunk.     
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Leather, Wood

Ancient Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Sculpture of a Fat Court Lady
Located in London, GB
A beautiful ancient Chinese Tang dynasty pottery figure of a lady, dating to 740-780 AD. This stunning piece reflects the idealized beauty of the high Tang period. Standing facing, her sensitively modeled face has a natural beauty and charm expressed in the delicate features. The full cheeks, carefully plucked brows and gentle smile have been finely painted, the hair in a large coif, bunched at the top. There is clarity in the treatment of the drapery, standing in flowing robes whose folds are fluently indicated, her bound feet protrude from the bottom of the gown. The surfaces of the figure seemingly melt into one another without organic separation, producing a sense of graceful carriage. This novel style, notable for its theme of Baroque plumpness, flourished during the mid-8th century. As the fashion for foreign styles increased at the cosmopolitan Tang court, tight-fitting dresses gradually receded. A new style of plump, voluptuous woman dressed in flowing gowns became popular; the so called "fat lady". This shift in aesthetic tastes is thought to have been influenced by the Emperor Ming Huang's favourite concubine, Yang Guifei...
Category

18th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Folk Art Antiquities

Japanese Straining Baskets
Located in Chicago, IL
Items are antique bamboo straining baskets used during the preparation and serving of Japanese cuisine. Sold as a collection of three.
Category

20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Bamboo

Folk Art antiquities for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Folk Art antiquities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage antiquities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with bamboo, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art antiquities made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for antiquities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $420 and tops out at $6,525 while the average work can sell for $700.

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