Skip to main content

Unknown Primitives

to
1
2
2
2
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
173,709
3
1
1
1
Creator: Unknown
19th Decorated Blue Tin Tole Water Kettle
19th Decorated Blue Tin Tole Water Kettle

19th Decorated Blue Tin Tole Water Kettle

$595

19th Decorated Blue Tin Tole Water Kettle

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This fantastic tin blue paint decorated tole ware water kettle is in amazing as found condition. It has a blue ground with painted flowers on both sides. ...

Category

Late 19th Century American Adirondack Antique Unknown Primitives

Materials

Tin

Early 19th Century New England Child's Chair
Early 19th Century New England Child's Chair

Early 19th Century New England Child's Chair

$716Sale Price|20% Off

Early 19th Century New England Child's Chair

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Early 19th century ladder back child's chair from New England in fantastic condition. This early chair is mortised and square nail construction.

Category

1870s American Adirondack Antique Unknown Primitives

Materials

Wood

Related Items
Mid-19th Century Child’s Grain Painted Miniature Chest of Drawers
Mid-19th Century Child’s Grain Painted Miniature Chest of Drawers

Mid-19th Century Child’s Grain Painted Miniature Chest of Drawers

$996Sale Price|20% Off

H 20.75 in W 17.5 in D 8 in

Mid-19th Century Child’s Grain Painted Miniature Chest of Drawers

Located in Nantucket, MA

Mid-19th century Benchmade child’s grain painted Miniature chest of drawers. A country piece in the American Empire style, with a step-back drawer and backsplash, above the case with...

Category

Mid-19th Century North American Folk Art Antique Unknown Primitives

Materials

Wood

Early 18th Century Italian Carved and Dovetailed Walnut Alms Box
Early 18th Century Italian Carved and Dovetailed Walnut Alms Box

Early 18th Century Italian Carved and Dovetailed Walnut Alms Box

$1,750

H 11.25 in W 13.5 in D 18 in

Early 18th Century Italian Carved and Dovetailed Walnut Alms Box

Located in San Francisco, CA

Early 18th century Italian carved and dovetailed walnut alms box, circa 1725 Large dovetails and old handwrought nails give this small scale box a hea...

Category

Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Unknown Primitives

Materials

Iron

19th century Primitive Painted Early American Floor Lamp
19th century Primitive Painted Early American Floor Lamp

19th century Primitive Painted Early American Floor Lamp

$900

H 64 in W 15.5 in D 16 in

19th century Primitive Painted Early American Floor Lamp

Located in Savannah, GA

Rare painted iron standing floor lamp made to burn oil but converted to electricity. Nice lines and detail with upturned feet, scroll work and finial at top. See measurements below.

Category

Early 19th Century American Primitive Antique Unknown Primitives

Materials

Iron

Child's American Painted Pine Cupboard Completely Original and Quite Very Rare
Child's American Painted Pine Cupboard Completely Original and Quite Very Rare

Child's American Painted Pine Cupboard Completely Original and Quite Very Rare

$2,400

H 46.5 in W 32 in D 17.5 in

Child's American Painted Pine Cupboard Completely Original and Quite Very Rare

Located in Highwood, IL

Child's American Painted Pine Cupboard Completely Original and Quite Very Rare Our American Pine Original Paint Child's Cupboard is finished in a stunning Georgian Blue with real antique glass knobs...

Category

Early 20th Century American Country Unknown Primitives

Materials

Pine, Paint, Glass

Antique French Primitive Cutting Board, 19th Century
Antique French Primitive Cutting Board, 19th Century

Antique French Primitive Cutting Board, 19th Century

$260

H 15.75 in W 11.22 in D 1.57 in

Antique French Primitive Cutting Board, 19th Century

Located in BORGO, FR

A beautifully timeworn antique French cutting board hand-carved from a single thick piece of hardwood. This authentic primitive kitchen object features a substantial rectangular form...

Category

Early 20th Century French Primitive Unknown Primitives

Materials

Wood

Antique French Primitive Cutting Board, 19th Century
Antique French Primitive Cutting Board, 19th Century

Antique French Primitive Cutting Board, 19th Century

$331

H 23.6 in W 13.4 in D 2.8 in

Antique French Primitive Cutting Board, 19th Century

Located in BORGO, FR

A beautifully timeworn antique French cutting board hand-carved from a single thick piece of hardwood. This authentic primitive kitchen object features a substantial rectangular form...

Category

Early 20th Century French Primitive Unknown Primitives

Materials

Wood

Pine and Oak Rocking Cradle
Pine and Oak Rocking Cradle

Pine and Oak Rocking Cradle

$395

H 31 in W 37 in D 17 in

Pine and Oak Rocking Cradle

Located in Baltimore, MD

This is a charming, very rustic hooded rocking cradle with an interesting and unusual “bird house” with a circular opening, built into the shallow hood,...

Category

Late 19th Century Irish Rustic Antique Unknown Primitives

Materials

Oak, Pine

Antique Carved and Decorated Ship's Figurehead
Antique Carved and Decorated Ship's Figurehead

Antique Carved and Decorated Ship's Figurehead

$3,245Sale Price|44% Off

H 79 in W 10 in D 10 in

Antique Carved and Decorated Ship's Figurehead

Located in Sheffield, MA

Antique carved and decorated ship's figurehead, circa 1890, depicting a regal bird with a beak. The sculpture is in original paint. Although there has been much paint loss and age cr...

Category

Early 19th Century Indian Antique Unknown Primitives

Materials

Wood

Swedish Early 19th Century Folk Art Washboard in Pine, circa 1850 signed AAS
Swedish Early 19th Century Folk Art Washboard in Pine, circa 1850 signed AAS

Swedish Early 19th Century Folk Art Washboard in Pine, circa 1850 signed AAS

$533

H 1.97 in W 25.99 in D 8.67 in

Swedish Early 19th Century Folk Art Washboard in Pine, circa 1850 signed AAS

Located in Boden, SE

A Swedish washboard in pine dated 1850 with owner initials AAS The farmers and country-side folks were proud of the few things they owned and used to carve their initials and to date...

Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Unknown Primitives

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Decorated Mangle Board
18th Century Swedish Decorated Mangle Board

18th Century Swedish Decorated Mangle Board

$1,480

H 4.73 in W 34.26 in D 5.12 in

18th Century Swedish Decorated Mangle Board

Located in Kramfors, SE

Folk art mangle board from northern Sweden. This is a typical proposal gift to the would-be bride from the groom. If he had the skill the groom would make...

Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Folk Art Antique Unknown Primitives

Materials

Pine

Antique French Primitive Cutting Board, 19th Century
Antique French Primitive Cutting Board, 19th Century

Antique French Primitive Cutting Board, 19th Century

$296

H 23.23 in W 11.02 in D 1.97 in

Antique French Primitive Cutting Board, 19th Century

Located in BORGO, FR

A beautifully timeworn antique French cutting board hand-carved from a single thick piece of hardwood. This authentic primitive kitchen object features a substantial rectangular form...

Category

Early 20th Century French Primitive Unknown Primitives

Materials

Wood

Previously Available Items
Large 19Thc Original Powder Blue Cheese Box / Pantry From New England
Large 19Thc Original Powder Blue Cheese Box / Pantry From New England

Large 19Thc Original Powder Blue Cheese Box / Pantry From New England

Sold

H 8 in Dm 14.5 in

Large 19Thc Original Powder Blue Cheese Box / Pantry From New England

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This fine & sturdy 19thc original powder blue painted cheese or pantry box in fine condition ! These larger then life boxes are very rare to find with such great surface. A real coll...

Category

19th Century American Adirondack Antique Unknown Primitives

Materials

Wood

-9Thc Original Mustard Painted Furkin From NE
-9Thc Original Mustard Painted Furkin From NE

-9Thc Original Mustard Painted Furkin From NE

Sold

H 10 in W 11 in D 12 in

-9Thc Original Mustard Painted Furkin From NE

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This original chrome yellow original painted firkin or bucket, with lid, was found in New England.The the condition is very good. Nice strap bands or fingers with copper nails.

Category

Late 19th Century American Adirondack Antique Unknown Primitives

Materials

Wood

19thc Hand Carved Dough Bowl from New England
19thc Hand Carved Dough Bowl from New England

19thc Hand Carved Dough Bowl from New England

Sold

H 4 in W 14 in D 10 in

19thc Hand Carved Dough Bowl from New England

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This fine hand carved dough bowl has amazing Undisturbed patina and aged burn marks on the interior. This hand carved dough bowl is in fine cond...

Category

19th Century American Adirondack Antique Unknown Primitives

Materials

Pine

Large 1930s Folk Art Shell Encrusted Owl in Brown Black and White
Large 1930s Folk Art Shell Encrusted Owl in Brown Black and White

Large 1930s Folk Art Shell Encrusted Owl in Brown Black and White

Sold

H 11.25 in W 6 in D 5 in

Large 1930s Folk Art Shell Encrusted Owl in Brown Black and White

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

What a great way to add a touch of whimsical decor to a room! Covered in various types of sea shells, this tall bird captures the exquisite craftsmansh...

Category

20th Century Philippine Primitive Unknown Primitives

Materials

Shell

19th Century Early Pine Saddle/Saddle Blanket Rack
19th Century Early Pine Saddle/Saddle Blanket Rack

19th Century Early Pine Saddle/Saddle Blanket Rack

Sold

H 64 in W 54 in D 24 in

19th Century Early Pine Saddle/Saddle Blanket Rack

Located in Los Angeles, CA

19th century handmade of pine and square nail construction. This fantastic rack was found in Montana on a ranch and has amazing undisturbed surface. The condition is very good with n...

Category

Mid-19th Century American Adirondack Antique Unknown Primitives

Materials

Pine

Tall Hand Carved Wood Tramp Art Keepsake Box with Lid on Stand
Tall Hand Carved Wood Tramp Art Keepsake Box with Lid on Stand

Tall Hand Carved Wood Tramp Art Keepsake Box with Lid on Stand

Sold

H 11 in W 11 in D 8 in

Tall Hand Carved Wood Tramp Art Keepsake Box with Lid on Stand

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

Often known as “prison art” the most widely acknowledged term for this lovely carved wood piece of Folk Art is know as “Tramp Art”. This particular piece is...

Category

Late 19th Century American Folk Art Antique Unknown Primitives

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Cast Iron Cow Door Stop
Early 20th Century Cast Iron Cow Door Stop

Early 20th Century Cast Iron Cow Door Stop

Sold

H 9 in W 14 in D 3 in

Early 20th Century Cast Iron Cow Door Stop

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This original painted cast iron cow door stop is in in good condition. It is unsigned but looks like a Hubley.

Category

1930s American Country Vintage Unknown Primitives

Materials

Iron

Set of Three Primitive Folk Art Tripod Stools
Set of Three Primitive Folk Art Tripod Stools

Set of Three Primitive Folk Art Tripod Stools

Sold

H 32.75 in W 21 in D 23.75 in

Set of Three Primitive Folk Art Tripod Stools

Located in Peabody, MA

An assorted collection of handmade primitive stools with tripod legs, circa 19th and 20th century. Included is a walnut live edge stool circa 1870s, se...

Category

19th Century American Primitive Antique Unknown Primitives

Materials

Chestnut, Maple, Walnut

Collection of 19th Century Horse Blanket Pillows / 5 Pieces
Collection of 19th Century Horse Blanket Pillows / 5 Pieces

Collection of 19th Century Horse Blanket Pillows / 5 Pieces

Sold

H 20 in W 20 in D 5 in

Collection of 19th Century Horse Blanket Pillows / 5 Pieces

Located in Los Angeles, CA

These fine 19th century horse blanket pillows are in fine condition and all have tobacco colored cotton linen backings. There are a total of five pillows in this collection. Fantasti...

Category

Late 19th Century American Adirondack Antique Unknown Primitives

Materials

Wool

Iron Painted Bull Door Stop
Iron Painted Bull Door Stop

Iron Painted Bull Door Stop

Sold

H 5.5 in W 9 in D 3 in

Iron Painted Bull Door Stop

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This fine handmade Folk Art bull has a amazing untouched surface and is very heavy. It is in very good condition.

Category

1890s American Adirondack Antique Unknown Primitives

Materials

Iron

19th Century Set of 2 Original Green Painted Firkins
19th Century Set of 2 Original Green Painted Firkins

19th Century Set of 2 Original Green Painted Firkins

Sold

H 15 in Dm 17 in

19th Century Set of 2 Original Green Painted Firkins

Located in Los Angeles, CA

These two original painted green furkins are in good condition and are early cut nail construction. One is signed by the maker Murdock JN. Top smaller green bucket is in fantastic co...

Category

Early 19th Century American Country Antique Unknown Primitives

Materials

Wood

1930s Indonesian Handwoven Rattan and Bamboo Hauling Basket
1930s Indonesian Handwoven Rattan and Bamboo Hauling Basket

1930s Indonesian Handwoven Rattan and Bamboo Hauling Basket

Sold

H 24 in Dm 14 in

1930s Indonesian Handwoven Rattan and Bamboo Hauling Basket

Located in Middleburg, VA

Beautiful handwoven Indonesian hauling basket made from rattan and bamboo with a remarkable deep color and patina. This Agrarian art makes for a beautiful display or storage piece in...

Category

20th Century Indonesian Unknown Primitives

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Unknown primitives for sale on 1stDibs.

Unknown primitives are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wool and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Unknown primitives, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original primitives by Unknown were created in the folk art style in united states during the 20th century. Prices for Unknown primitives can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $450 and can go as high as $1,600, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $685.

Questions About Unknown Primitives

  • Are paintings by unknown artists worth anything?

    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
    Yes, paintings by unknown artists may be worth something in some cases. When a painting’s maker isn't a well-known artist or is completely anonymous, factors like the visual appeal, historical significance, previous ownership and condition will determine the value of a painting. A certified appraiser or experienced art dealer can evaluate your piece using these criteria and provide you with an estimated value for your art. Shop a wide range of paintings on 1stDibs.