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Folk Art Pottery

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
Large Decorative Dish, Biot, France c. 1960
By Biot
Located in St Ouen, FR
Exceptional dimensions for this extra-large dish which can be also a wall-mounted decoration. Glazed earthenware with incised floral decor. Hollow stamp on the back. Ceramic center...
Category

1960s French Vintage Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Earthenware

Vintage Folk Art Stone-Wear Pottery 4 Piece Serving Set
Located in San Carlos, CA
🎨 Unique Handcrafted Folk Art Pottery Set! Indulge in the charm of handmade artistry with our exquisite 4-piece pottery set, adorned with a captivating abstract design. Crafted wit...
Category

1980s American Vintage Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Southern Folk Art Face Jug, 1990s
By Cleater & Billie Meaders
Located in Coronado, CA
A wonderful example of southern folk art, this face jug is in fantastic original condition without any issues. Large scale, hilarious expression, white eyes popping against a dark gr...
Category

1990s American Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Robert Jackson Big Mouth Devil Face Jug, 1990s
Located in Coronado, CA
A wild and wacky face jug by Robert Jackson of Jackson Pottery from Rock Island, Illinois. Wonderful form with inscription in mouth. Can be used as a d...
Category

1990s American Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Large Decorative Dish, Biot, France c. 1960
By Biot
Located in St Ouen, FR
Exceptional dimensions for this extra-large dish which can be also a wall-mounted decoration. Ceramic center since Antiquity, the charming city of Biot has gained notoriety both for...
Category

1960s French Vintage Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Earthenware

Terracotta Water Jar From Guerrero, Mexico, Circa 1960´s
Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Hand painted terracotta water jar from Tuliman, Guerrero, Mexico, circa 1960´s.
Category

1960s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Ceramic, Terracotta, Paint

Hand Painted Earthenware Pottery With Handle, circa 1900's
Located in Round Top, TX
Original hand painted earthenware pottery with handle and folk art painted design. Sold in original vintage used condition. Any chips, cracks, distress to paint or pottery is reflect...
Category

Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Earthenware, Paint

1970's Vintage Studio Pottery Stone Wear Bottle With Top
Located in San Carlos, CA
Explore the timeless beauty of our exquisite Vintage Hand-Crafted Pottery Bottle, a unique blend of artistry and sophistication. Crafted in earthy tones of beige and brown with a mesmerizing speckled design, this bottle is a true testament to vintage craftsmanship. 🌟 Key Features: Hand-Crafted Artistry: Immerse yourself in the charm of a bygone era with this meticulously hand-crafted pottery bottle. Each detail showcases the skill and dedication of the artist, creating a one-of-a-kind piece that adds character to any space. Earthy Tones with Speckled Design: Enrich your decor with the warm and inviting hues of beige and brown, adorned with a captivating speckled design. This unique combination adds a touch of nature-inspired elegance to your home. Complete with Original Top: This vintage bottle comes complete with its original top, adding to its authenticity and preserving the integrity of the artist's vision. It's a thoughtful detail that enhances the overall charm of this collectible piece. Signed by the Artist: Revel in the personal touch as this bottle bears the signature of the artist. This not only adds value but also connects you to the creator, making it a truly special addition to your collection. Excellent Condition: Rest easy knowing that this vintage pottery bottle is in excellent condition. Free of nicks, scuffs, or chips, it stands as a testament to its durability and quality craftsmanship. 🌷 Versatile Decor Accent: Transform any space with the versatile beauty of this vintage pottery bottle. Whether displayed on a shelf, mantel, or as a centerpiece, it effortlessly elevates your decor with its timeless appeal. 🌐 Limited Availability – Order Now! Seize the opportunity to own this beautiful vintage pottery bottle. With limited availability, it's a chance to bring home a piece of art that seamlessly blends the past with your modern lifestyle. 🌿 Timeless Beauty, Hand-Crafted for Your Home – Where Vintage Meets Modern...
Category

1970s American Vintage Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Pottery

A German or Austrian majolica pottery figure of a gnome, circa 1880
Located in Central England, GB
This most unusual and very pleasing majolica pottery figure was made in Germany or Austria circa 1880 and it depicts a happy rosy cheeked gnome lying down on his front with his head...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Majolica, Pottery

1991 Irregular Blue Buie Studio Pottery Bud Vase
Located in San Carlos, CA
Beautiful hand thrown pottery vase with fluted and ruffled rim and uneven body. Finished with different shades of blue, this vase is a stunner and eye-catcher that will draw attentio...
Category

1990s American Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Pottery

1990's Vintage Dan Flat Studio Pottery Vase
Located in San Carlos, CA
Gorgeous hand thrown studio pottery vase in an off white color with accents of different shades of brown and finished off with a subtle black line. This vase is signed on the botto...
Category

1990s American Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Vintage Studio Pottery Blue Vase
Located in San Carlos, CA
🏺 Discover Elegance: Large Blue Vase with Irregular Square Pattern! 🏺 Add a pop of sophistication to your space with our stunning blue vase, adorned with an irregular square patte...
Category

Early 2000s American Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Pottery

A pair of art pottery hand sculpted figures of a heraldic lion and unicorn.
Located in Central England, GB
These beautiful hand sculpted pottery heraldic figures of a lion and unicorn are most unusual. They are of European manufacture and were most likely made as one-off individual piece...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Beautiful Lidded German Antique Beer Stein, Ceramic Glazed, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous beer stein, made in the in Germany. This beer stein has been made in Germany, circa 1910s or older. Absolutely gorgeous piece still in great condition, without damage. Lid...
Category

1910s German Vintage Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Pewter

Antique Germany Lidded Beer Stein glazed Ceramic, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous beer stein, made in Germany. This beer stein has been made in Germany, circa 1900s. Absolutely gorgeous piece still in great condition, without damage. Lid works properly....
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Pewter

Late 20th Century Pottery Witch's Head Jack-o-lantern
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Late 20th century pottery witches head with hat jack-o-lantern, artist unknown. Ceramic pottery with glaze. Could be used with a candle. Likely crafted in the USA. Measures: 10....
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Pottery, Paint

Mocha Pottery Jug with Earthworm Designs
Located in Downingtown, PA
Mocha Pottery Earthworm Jug, circa 1820 The mocha pottery jug has two wide ocher bands each with an earthworm design. The top with a looping design and the lower one with a wavy ...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Creamware, Pottery

Small terracotta vase, 19th century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Small terracotta vase, 19th century Small blue and white glazed terracotta vase, 19th century, folk art. H: 14 cm, W: 14 cm, D: 10 cm
Category

19th Century European Antique Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Terracotta

Vintage Mata Ortiz Style Mexican Pottery Set
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Mexican Mata Ortiz style small clay studio pottery set. Mata Ortiz pottery style with black, red and green geometric designs on red clay. The set comprise of a covered vess...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Rare Sgraffito Redware Slip Decorated Pottery Charger Large Plate, 19th Century
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
A large charger plate made of Redware pottery, all hand decorated in the Sgraffito Slip Decorated technique, with a stylized floral pattern. Thi...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Earthenware

Two Vintage Germany Miniature Lidded Beer Steins Ceramic, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Two beer steins, made in Germany. Absolutely gorgeous pieces still in great condition, on with little crack at the lid. Lid works properly. The lids with age-related scratches from u...
Category

1910s German Vintage Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Pewter

Creil French Mochaware Pottery Coffee Pot
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A Creil mochaware peach-colored coffee pot made circa 1810. This elegant coffee pot features a dark brown mocha dendrite (tree) design on a light peach body. Mochaware pottery...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

18th-Century Mocha Pottery Mug with Ochre Slip Ground
Located in Downingtown, PA
Mocha pottery mug with ochre slip ground, circa 1790-1810   The cylindrical mug with a flared foot has an ochre-colored slip ground with a wide white band at the rim with a nar...
Category

1790s English Antique Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Mocha Seaweed Pottery Pearlware Coffeepot, circa 1800-1830
Located in Downingtown, PA
Mocha Seaweed Pottery Pearlware Coffeepot, circa 1800-1830 The footed coffeepot and cover are attractively decorated with bands of different ...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Pearlware, Pottery

French Terracotta Pitcher Basque Jug House Hand Painted Signed, 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Antique terracotta jug French Basque hand painted signed by Artist. This terracotta pitcher from Basque Country was later painted, circa 1970. G...
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Terracotta

1880 French Country Pair of Navy Blue Edged Folk Art Majolica Decorative Plates
Located in New York, NY
Two quite rare earthenware sculptural decorative plates in barbotine, dated 1880, handcrafted in Clermont Ferrand, central part of France, by Charles ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Majolica

English Pottery Pearlware Botanical Plates, circa 1840
Located in Downingtown, PA
English pottery pearlware botanical plates, circa 1840     The folky painted plates have a scalloped rim. In the center of each plate is a large...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Pearlware, Pottery

Folk Art Sussex Pottery Pig Jug and Cup from the Belle-Vue Pottery, Rye
Located in Downingtown, PA
Best example I've ever had. Folk Art Sussex pottery pig jug and cup, from the Belle-Vue Pottery, Rye, UK, circa 1870. This Sussex pig from the Bell...
Category

1870s English Antique Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Pottery

19th Century Blue and White Spongeware Serving Plate
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful deep indigo blue and white 19th century spongeware serving plate in great condition. This pottery is from PA.  
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Pottery

English Pottery Pearlware Teapot with Unusual Prattware Orange Flowers
Located in Downingtown, PA
A charming folky fresh pottery teapot decorated with flowers in distinct orange and green.
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Pearlware, Pottery

Blue Glazed Redware Character Jug Signed, 19th Century
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An antique folk art blue glazed redware pottery pottery jug or flask modelled as a man wears a night gown and night cap with a spout behind the man’s head wi...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Mocha Pottery Banded Pepper Pot, circa 1810
Located in Downingtown, PA
Mocha Pottery banded pepper pot, circa 1810 The bulbous circular Mocha pepper pot with a broad flared shoulder with bands of brown and light blue. ...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Large 19th Century Spongeware Platter from Pennsylvania
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic coloration and form 19th century spongeware platter from PA. The style of the pattern is in a real abstract form. The condition is mint.   
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Pottery

Collection of Red Ware Pottery Fruit-England, 19th c.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
English antique pear and apple pottery fruit. The pear was slotted to be a child's bank, while the two apples were meant for decoration. The red ware pieces w...
Category

1860s English Antique Folk Art Pottery

Materials

Pottery, Paint

Folk Art pottery for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art pottery for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage pottery created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, folk art, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, pottery and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art pottery made in a specific country, there are Europe, England, and Germany pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original pottery, popular names associated with this style include and Creil et Montereau. 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 pottery differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $120 and tops out at $5,500 while the average work can sell for $619.

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