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
Nautical Folk Art Ship Diorama in Tramp Art Frame
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Nautical Folk Art Ship Diorama in Tramp Art Frame
Antique ship diorama with full rigged square sails. A waterline model sailing in painted putty ...
Category
20th Century Unknown Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood
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
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
19th Century Double Sailor's Valentine
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Double Sailor's Valentine, mid to late 19th Century, a pair of handcrafted shell collages mounted in mahogany octagonal shadowboxes, hinged together and mounted with a clasp....
Category
19th Century Bajan Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Shell
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
English Sailor's Woolwork Picture of a Port Side View of a Royal Navy Frigate
Located in Downingtown, PA
English Sailor's Woolwork Picture of a Port Side View of a Royal Navy Frigate,
Circa 1865
A very attractive and unusual sailor's woolwork of a Royal Navy Frigate flying the Blue Ens...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
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
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 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
English Early 20th C. Pond Yacht
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This charming antique “pond yacht” from England should appeal to the sailor, the toy collector, the kid-at-heart types alike for the sporty and rea...
Category
20th Century English Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
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
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
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
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
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
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
Folk Art Scratch Built Boat, Early 20th C
Located in London, GB
Scandinavian folk art boat of 2 rigged masts - completely scratch built from pine and teak wood. Original paint finish. Handmade and dating from the earl...
Category
Early 20th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Steel
19th Century Sailor's Woolie with Triple Decker Ship of the Line, circa 1860
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Sailor's Folk Art Woolie with Triple Decker Ship of the Line, ca 1860, depicting a starboard side view of a majestic square-rigged triple de...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
British Sailor's Woolwork of a Royal Navy White Fleet Frigate
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's Woolwork of a Royal Navy White Fleet Frigate
The sailor's woolwork depicts a portside view of a square-rigged three masted ship flying the White Ensign. The blue s...
Category
1870s English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
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
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
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
British Sailor's Woolwork of a Ship in Dramatic Seas off a Coastline
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's Woolwork of a Ship in Rough Seas,
Circa 1875
The British sailor's woolie depicts a starboard view of a three-masted ship under sail in extremely rough weather as th...
Category
1870s English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
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
British Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy Ship
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy Ship,
The sailor's woolwork or woolie depicts a starboard view of a Second-Rate Royal Navy Ship with three masts. T...
Category
1870s English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
British Sailor's Woolwork with Ships off a Chalk Cliff
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's Woolwork with Ships off a Chalk Cliff,
Circa 1875
This exquisite sailor's woolwork, also known as a "woolie," dates back to approximately 1875. The artwork vividly ...
Category
1870s English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
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
American Three Masted Clipper Ship in Bottle on Original Wood Stand, Circa 1880
Located in Charleston, SC
American three masted clipper ship in bottle with cloth rigging in full sail on a painted sea, flanked by a sea side town with evergreen trees, a pain...
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paint
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
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
19th Century British Sailors Woolwork Royal Coat of Arms in Folk Art Frame
Located in London, GB
Antique British Sailors Woolwork, British Sailors Folk Art, Antique Royal Coat of Arms Woolwork.
Rare, charming and characterful 19th Century British Sailor’s Woolwork folk art pict...
Category
1870s English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
Early 20th Century English folk art scratch-built ship model of S.V Liverpool
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century English folk art scratch-built ship model of S.V Liverpool
One of the best examples we have uncovered, an early 20th Century example of an English folk art scrat...
Category
1920s British Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
Turn of the Century Double Sailor's Valentine
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Double Sailor's Valentine, dated 1903, a pair of handcrafted shell collages mounted in mahogany octagonal shadowboxes, hinged together and mounted with a clasp. This valentine features a heart and the inscription "Barbados, 1903."
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, though there is a little looseness to the frame backboards.
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
Early 1900s Bajan Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood
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
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
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
Sailor's Woolwork of HMS Reindeer Made by Henry Payn Hopper
Located in Downingtown, PA
Sailor's Woolwork of HMS Reindeer of a Large Size,
Made by Henry Payn Hopper,
Circa 1865-70
The large woolie depicts a starboard side view of the HMS Reindeer under steam and sail. ...
Category
1860s English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
Ship Carved Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
Carved figure of a woman standing upright on a scrolled base. Carved from Pine with in service paint, American, circa 1850.
Category
Mid-19th Century North American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Pine
19th C. Silk Embroidered and Hand Painted Seascape by Thomas Willis
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th century silk embroidered and hand painted oil on canvas seascape by Thomas Willis (1850 - 1925), depicting the schooner-rigged racing yacht MARION W...
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Canvas, Silk
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
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
Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy Five-Masted Ship under Steam, Minotaur Class
Located in Downingtown, PA
Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy Five-masted Ship under Steam,
HMS Minotaur or HMS Agincourt,
Minotaur Class Broadside Ironclad,
circa 1880
The sailor's woolie depicts a portsi...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
Scratch-Built Ship Model, Circa 1900
Located in Doylestown, PA
A wonderful scratch-built ship model of a steam-sailer with full rigging, on a stand, circa 1890
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Folk Art Ship Diorama
Located in San Mateo, CA
Folk art diorama of a ship being towed by a tug boat. At the bottom of the diorama is a representation of the shore with buildings and a lighthouse. ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Rope, Glass, Wood
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
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
Antique Ships Wheel, circa 1800
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1800, we offer this rare antique Ships Wheel. made in wood and forged steel. Very rare and ancient piece Ideal for the collector of antique nautical objects.
Category
Mid-18th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wood
British Large Woolwork 'Woolie' of Three Ships
Located in Downingtown, PA
Large British woolwork of three ships including the Ada and two smaller craft,
circa 1875.
The wool depicts three ships- a port side view of The Merchant ship Ada, another sail-i...
Category
1870s English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
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
Vintage Thomas Walker & Sons Nautical Trade Sign with Ship Log Instrument
Located in Morristown, NJ
A vintage trade sign from the esteemed Thomas Walker & Sons Ltd, renowned makers of ship’s logs and chronometers in Southampton, UK. The sign is be...
Category
1950s English Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Metal
Mid 19th Century Sailor's Elaborate Woolie
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Sailor's elaborate woolwork, circa 1855, with a photograph of the sailor held in a woolwork frame set on the British flag on a cruciform reserve; with the "Honi Soit Qui Mal ...
Category
1850s English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
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
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
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
Sailor's Folk Art Woolie of a Single Decker Ship of the Line, circa 1850
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Sailor's Folk Art Woolie of a Single Decker Ship of the Line, circa 1850, a sailor's folk art woolwork picture handcrafted of woolen yarn in a bold variety of stitches, depic...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
19th Century Sailor's Woolie of a Double Decker Ship of the Line, circa 1850
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Sailor's Folk Art Woolie with a Double Decker Ship of the Line, ca 1850, depicting a larboard side view of a square-rigged double decker warship under standing rigging, ...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool
1930's Boathouse Marker From Maine
Located in Hudson, NY
Fantastic piece of early 20th century American folk art. The sound object was attached to the side of a Boathouse in maine. Created at some point in the 1930s and retaining the origi...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Aluminum
Antique Sailor's Folk Art Woolie of a Single Decker Ship of the Line, circa 1850
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Sailor's Folk Art Woolie of a Single Decker Ship of the Line, circa 1850, a sailor's folk art woolwork picture handcrafted of woolen and silk yarn in a bold variety of stitch...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Folk Art Nautical Objects
Materials
Wool, Silk
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.