Folk Art Nautical Objects
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
Vintage Sea Shell Encrusted Plant - Nautical Folk Art
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A captivating vintage sea shell-encrusted planter bursting with natural seaside beauty. This meticulously handcrafted piece is adorned with hundreds of small clam-like shells on the ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Shell
19th Century Large Sailor's Valentine in Mahogany Case, circa 1880
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Large Sailor's Valentine in Mahogany Case, circa 1880, a hand-crafted shell collage with heart and rosebuds pattern within an eight-pointed star, set in a large mahogany octa...
Category
1880s Bajan Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Shell, Wood
British Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy Ship off Land, Signed & Dated WR 1865
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy Ship off Land,
Signed & Dated WR 1865.
Crafted with meticulous detail, this charming miniature woolwork depicts a Royal Navy ship sailing nea...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
British Sailor's Woolwork of Named HMS Atalanta Coming into Port
Located in Downingtown, PA
Large and Historically Significant Sailor's Woolwork of HMS Atalanta,
British,
Circa 1880.
This large and impressive sailor's woolwork, or "woolie," is a richly colored and wonderf...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
British Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy Ship in Bay with House
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy Ship in Bay,
Circa 1860-75
This meticulously crafted sailor's woolwork, often called a "woolie," is rendered in Berlin wool and portrays a Ro...
Category
1860s Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
Mid Century Large Motorized Hand Made Chris Craft Cabin Cruiser C1955
By Chris Craft Boats
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and large cabin cruiser boat model with an untested motor and batteries. 41.5 inches long and sitting on a brand new custom made stand with a nautical theme. In very good vi...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
British Sailor's Woolwork of Second Rate Royal Navy Ship
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's Woolwork of Second Rate Royal Navy Ship,
Circa 1760-65
The sailor's woolie depicts a port side view of a Second-Rate Royal Navy ship under full sail on a blue sea w...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
Scottish Early 20th C. Pond Yacht
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This charming antique “pond yacht” from Scotland will appeal to the sailor, the toy collector, the kid-at-heart types alike for the sporty and real...
Category
20th Century Scottish Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
Double Sailor's Valentine "Forget Me Not" Signed and Dated "Barbados, 1915"
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Double Sailor's Valentine, Signed and Dated "Barbados, 1915," a pair of handcrafted shell collages mounted in mahogany octagonal shadowboxes, hinged together and mounted with...
Category
1910s Bajan Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Shell, Mahogany
Very Decorative Antique Ship Model with Beautiful Wear and Tear
Located in Beerse, VAN
Beautiful antique ship model made of different types of painted wood.
It was most likely made as a toy as we can tell by the less detailed construc...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood
Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy Ship with Red Ensign with Two Bermudan Ketches
Located in Downingtown, PA
Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy Ship with Red Ensign off the Coast of Bermuda,
Circa 1865
The British sailor's woolwork or woolie, as this type of artwork is called, depicts a port ...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
British Sailor's Woolwork with Port Side view of Ram-bowed Royal Navy Ship
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's Woolwork with Port Side view of Ram-bowed Royal Navy Ship,
Circa 1880.
This 19th-century sailor's woolwork, or "woolie," presents a striking port side view of a Roy...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
Early Large Sailor's Valentine in Ebonized Case, circa 1920
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Large Sailor's Valentine in Ebonized Case, circa 1920, a hand-crafted shell collage with hear and rosebuds pattern set in a large ebonized octagonal shadowbox, wired on the r...
Category
1920s Bajan Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Shell, Wood
19th Century American Carved and Decorated Ship's Figurehead, circa 1880
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century American Carved and Decorated Ship's Figurehead, circa 1880, in the form of an elegant young lady, with lovely features and beautifully carved hair pulled back in a bun,...
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Pine
Handmade WWII Era Folk Art Battleship Child's Toy
Located in Red Lion, PA
This handmade folk art battleship from the early 1940s is a remarkable example of wartime craftsmanship, reflecting both the patriotic spirit and resourcefulness of the era. Crafted ...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
British Sailor's Woolwork Picture of Five Ships Off a Coastline
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's Woolwork Picture of Five Ships offshore,
Circa 1875
The large sailor's woolwork or sailor's woolie depicts five different ships. The largest ship is in the center ...
Category
1870s English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
British Sailor's Woolwork of a Tea Clipper
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's Woolwork of a Tea Clipper,
Circa 1875
The large sailor's woolwork or woolie as they are also called depicts a port side view of a tea clipper ship...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
Vintage Pond Yacht
Located in Norwell, MA
Wooden pond yacht with natural finish and painted white above the waterline. Linen sails, blue deck.
70" long x 11 1/2" wide x 78" ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Brass, Lead
$7,554
British Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy Ship Anchored in Bay
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy Ship Anchored in Bay,
Circa 1860-75
This charming sailor's woolwork, commonly referred to as a "woolie," presents a Royal Navy frigate at anc...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
American Gilt Carved Wood and Poly Chromed Roman Guard Figurehead, Circa 1890
Located in Charleston, SC
American gilt carved wood and poly chromed nautical figurehead of Roman guard in military attire. Late 19th century.
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
American American Painted Cast Iron "Old Salt" Maine Fisherman Doorstop
Located in Downingtown, PA
American Painted Cast Iron "Old Salt" Maine Fisherman Doorstop or Bookend,
Hubley Manufacturing Company,
The 1920s.
The two larger figures depict an old salt fisherman standing ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Iron
A folk art diorama model passenger ship in a bottle English circa 1930
Located in Central England, GB
This early 20th century ship in a bottle diorama is of a rarer subject being an early large steam ocean going passenger liner set in a scene just off the shoreline with a lighthouse ...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Glass
Nantucket Lightship Basket, Made by Davis Hall on the South Shoal Lightship
Located in Nantucket, MA
Oval Nantucket lightship basket with shaped oak swing handle
ending in carved round “lollipop” ends and brass ears. Remnants of
the original paper label remains on the bottom. Made...
Category
Late 19th Century North American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Cane, Rattan, Oak
Folk Art Ship Model
Located in Doylestown, PA
A naive Folk Art ship model in carved wood with fabric sails and elaborate rigging, American, circa 1900.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood
$1,650
20th Century Diorama Folk Art Three Mast Model Ship in a Bottle English, C 1930
Located in Central England, GB
A fine Diorama Folk Art Model ship in a bottle
This skilfully made diorama of a three-mast early 19th century sailing ship at harbour with a raised landscape behind and cottages set...
Category
20th Century English Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Glass
Early 20th Century Folk Art Scratch Built Ship
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Folk Art Scratch Built Ship
Without doubt, one of the nicest examples of an early 20th Century English folk art ship model named Victoria. Amazing detail and charm...
Category
1920s British Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Brass
British Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy Ship with Sunset
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy Ship with Sunset,
Circa 1875
This is a lovely example of a sailor's woolie with wonderful color and subject.
The sailor's woolwork or sailor...
Category
1870s English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
British Sailor's Large Woolwork of a Royal Navy Ship Under Full Sail
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's large woolwork of a royal navy ship under full sail,
circa 1875
The sailor's woolie or woolwork depicts a starboard ...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy Battleship Coming Into Port
Located in Downingtown, PA
Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy Second Rate Battleship Coming into Port,
Circa 1865
The British sailor's woolwork has a dramatic view of a Royal Navy Second Rate Battleship coming i...
Category
1860s English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
Vintage Hand Crafted Scale Model of a Fishing Boat - Canada - Mid 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage hand crafted scale model of a fishing boat - featuring a detailed interior with two seats, a removable fishing net with floats and a coiled rope to the front - the wood left ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood
Large Vintage Hand Blown Glass Fishing Float A good Example, hand blown
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Vintage Hand Blown Glass Fishing Float
A good Example, hand blown with a large pontil and hand knotted hemp rope net, in good antique condition
The float is 12” in diameter an...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Blown Glass
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Shellwork Table
Located in Milford, NH
A wonderful folk art rectangular shellwork table featuring a top with foliate polychrome sand design around shells under glass, with the entire surface of the sides and legs covered with small seashells set...
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Shell, Glass, Wood
Early 20th Century Folk Art Boat Model Collection
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century Folk Art Boat Model Collection
Every now and again something truly amazing comes along, this is true in this amazing collection of...
Category
1920s British Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Brass, Copper
British Sailor's Large Woolwork of HMS Brunswick
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's large woolwork of HMS Brunswick,
Made by J. H. Miller, Brixton,
Circa 1865
The large-scale sailor's woolwork depicts an image of a Royal Navy Second Rate Battleship...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
British Sailor's Woolwork of Three Royal Navy Ships, Circa 1885
Located in Downingtown, PA
British sailor's woolwork of three royal navy ships
Circa 1885
The British sailor woolwork depicts an unusual scene of three different types of Royal Navy Ships which are all flying the White...
Category
1880s English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
19th Century Double Sailor's Valentine
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Double Sailor's Valentine, circa 1880, a pair of handcrafted shell collages mounted in mahogany octagonal shadowboxes, hinged together and mounted with a clasp and a chain for hanging. This valentine features a heart and the message "Forget Me Not."
The valentine is in great condition, but does of course have a few shells that have come loose over the past century and a half. The cases remain in great condition as well.
Each Measures: 9-1/8 in H x 9-1/8 in W
Victorians in the Age of Exploration and its accompanying Eclectic Movement embraced arts and crafts from around the world. Shell boxes are frequently seen, and even the odd shell diorama...
Category
Late 19th Century Bajan Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Shell, Mahogany
British Sailor's Woolwork of HMS Victor Emanuel with Red and White Ensign Border
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's Woolwork of HMS Victor Emanuel with Red and White Ensign Border,
Named after Victor Emanuel, King of Sardinia (also known as Piedmont-Sardinia) and future King of It...
Category
1870s English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
Folk Art Nantucket Island Ornamental Fishing Line "Fish" Spool Souvenir
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand carved and painted mint green fish souvenir spool from Nantucket Island (ca. 1940s, MA, USA). The fishing twine is connected to a small metal hook affixed to the fish's mouth. Warm patina / good age commensurate with history (small spots of wood / paint loss along with crazing). Small but impressive vintage fishing collectible...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Stone
19th Century English Folk Art Encased Ship Diorama
Located in London, GB
19th Century Folk Art Encased Ship Diorama
A delightful and highly decorated example of a late 19th century English folk art ships model diorama...
Category
19th Century British Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Glass, Wood
British Sailor's Woolwork of a Royal Navy Second Rate Battleship
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's Woolwork of a Royal Navy Second Rate Battleship,
Circa 1875
The charming simple sailor's woolie depicts a starboard side view of a Royal Navy second rate battleship...
Category
1870s English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
Circa 1960s German & French Navis-Plath Binnacle in Case for a Life Boat
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1960s Navis-Plath binnacle in case for a life boat, Germany & France. Brass & iron in dovetailed case. Crafted in Germany and assembled by Poitevin-Duault in Bordeaux, France. ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Brass, Iron
British Sailor's Woolwork of Merchant Ship Under Full Sail
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's Woolwork of Merchant Ship Under Full Sail,
Circa 1875
The British sailor's woolie depicts a port side view of a large three-masted ship flying the Red Ensign on a f...
Category
1870s Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
French Riviere Table Lamp Handmade With Shells, France Early 20th Century
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
Shells lamp handmade very original.
Possibly unique piece-This beautiful and original lamp sculpture of natural shells or conch shells
It's like an illuminated sculpture
A very elaborate piece with very good work done with small shells. It is a very unique piece that will attract attention wherever it is placed, due to its originality and the quality of its work. More than illuminating, it is a lamp worthy of being on a pedestal and being displayed and admired.
It is equally spectacular for each of the 4 faces
Antique Artisan...
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Shell
American Gilt Copper Three Masted Ship Weathervane Mounted on Stand, circa 1890
Located in Charleston, SC
American gilt copper three masted ship weathervane with flags mounted on stand, late 19th century.
Measures: 8" square at base.
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Copper, Iron
Sailor's Folk Art Knot Board, circa 1940
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early Vintage American Sailor's Folk Art Knot Board, circa 1940, a classic piece of sailor's folk art showcasing over 50 knots, bends, hitches and splices, ...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope, Plywood
Edwardian Shellwork Valentine Diorama of a Sloop under Sail
Located in Downingtown, PA
Edwardian Shellwork Valentine Diorama of a Sloop with Lighthouse
Date: Circa 1900
Origin: England
Materials: Shells, coral, seaweed, chromolithograph, wood, glass
Dimensions: 8 inc...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Shell
19th Century Unique Folk Art Guernsey Shell Diorama Display
Located in London, GB
19th century unique Folk Art Guernsey shell diorama display
We are proud to offer a unique folk-art hand-crafted example of a seashell diorama. Display...
Category
1880s British Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Natural Fiber
19th Century Ship’s Figural Transom Carving
Located in Nantucket, MA
Very Scarce Ship’s Figural Transom Carving, Early to Mid 19th Century, a hand carved and hand painted figural plaque of an elegant woman in blue dress with...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood
A four mast 18th century ship in a bottle, English folk art circa 1920
Located in Central England, GB
This very good example has been hand built in a smaller sized square bottle than normally seen. It contains a large four mast 18th century ship fully rigged and with open sails leaving the shoreline which has high cliffs and buildings whilst about to pass a lighthouse. The scale and detail are very good and it has been very nicely hand painted. These rare folk art bottles...
Category
Early 20th Century British Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Glass
Scale Model of a Fully Fitted Whale Boat, circa 1950s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage Scale Model of a Fully Fitted Whale Boat, circa 1950s, a hand crafted wooden model of a carvel hulled whale boat having a smooth strake edge to edge construction, fully fitte...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood
Nautical Folk Art Hand Carved Wooden Whimsy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
American whimsy with traditional 'ball in cage' decoration, all carved and whittled from one continuous piece of wood, circa early 20th century. The bottom tip suggests that this pie...
Category
1910s American Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood
Robert Fultons Steamship "The Clermont" in a Spectacular Model Form 6.5 ft long
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular Model Form of the Steamship The Clermont built Robert Fulton and serving as New Yorks first Steamship on the Hudson.
This model has a motor ( not checked for function) an...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
Large 19th Century Presentation Half Hull Model of a Whale Ship
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Presentation Half Hull Model of a Whale Ship, circa 1850, a large plank on frame model of a bluff-bowed and wide abeam whale ship. The model wa...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Pine
Ship in bottle diorama "Seamaid" English circa 1920
Located in Central England, GB
This is a very fine example of the art of building a model ship in a glass bottle. It is constructed in a large rectangular whiskey bottle. The ship is a three masted barque named Se...
Category
Early 20th Century British Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Fabric, Glass
$1,371 / item
Edwardian Shellwork Valentine Diorama of a Lighthouse with Ship
Located in Downingtown, PA
Edwardian Shellwork Valentine Diorama of a Lighthouse with Ship
Date: Circa 1900
Origin: England
Materials: Shells, coral, seaweed, chromolithograph, wood, glass
Dimensions: 10 3/4...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Shell
19th Century Watercolor Seascape with Shipwreck
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique seascape with shipwreck on a rocky shore, mid-19th century, a watercolor on paper seascape with a shipwrecked brig on the rocks, with another squall rolling in on horizon, un...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Paper
Antique Nantucket Ship's Wheel Dining Table
By Nancy Chase
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique ship's wheel dining table from Nantucket Island, made by the renowned Scrimshaw artist Nancy Chase (1931-2016). Nancy bought this Late 19th Century Ship's Wheel from an antiq...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Glass, Wood
$3,840 Sale Price
20% Off
Painted Wood Relief Model of a Three-Mast Ship, 20th Century
Located in Buchanan, MI
A painted wood relief model of a three-mast ship
20th century
With a plaque reading Oriol 1884, in a shadowbox frame.
Measures: 26 1/2 x 13 1/2 inches (fra...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Canvas
19th Century Sailor's Woolie with Ship at Anchor Within Oval Cartouche, ca 1850
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Sailor's Folk Art Woolie with Ship at Anchor Within Oval Cartouche, ca 1850, depicting a square-rigged single decker warship under furled sails, anchor chain leading off...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
18th or 19th Century French Ship Chandler's Trade Sign
Located in Nantucket, MA
18th or 19th century French ship chandler's trade sign, circa 1800, an oval pine double sided sign built with large dove-tails, advertising Cooperage and...
Category
1790s French Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Pine
Folk Art nautical objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art nautical objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage nautical objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, wall decorations, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art nautical objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original nautical objects, popular names associated with this style include Hubley Manufacturing Company, Nancy Chase, and Steve Hazlett. 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 nautical objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $140 and tops out at $17,500 while the average work can sell for $3,400.