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
Rare 15th Century Majapahit Terracotta Handmaiden Figure
Located in Brescia , Brescia
Step into the enigmatic world of Majapahit culture with this exquisite 15th-century terracotta handmaiden figure, a mesmerizing testament to Java's rich heritage. Believed to have o...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Javanese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Terracotta
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
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
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
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
Korean Laquer Chest
Located in Pasadena, 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 Wooden Bowl 1910s-1930s Primitive Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba-Shi, JP
This is an old Japanese wooden bowl with legs.
The wooden bowl is dyed black.
It is likely that this was made as a manger.
However, there is no evidence that it was ever used, so I ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Open Shelf Unit, Wabi Sabi, Japandi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This Japanese antique cabinet was produced in the Taisho period (1912-1926).
This furniture was produced with the same tradition and advanced techniques as Japanese shrines.
Our to...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Hand Painted Lacquer Scene Gilt Fan with Lacquer Box
Located in Brea, CA
19th century antique Chinese hand painted lacquer scene gilt fan with original lacquer box.
Category
1830s Chinese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Lacquer
Japanese Antique Lacquer Board Folk Art Object 1930s-1940s Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba-Shi, JP
This is an old Japanese work board.
This board is used by lacquer craftsmen to dry their bowls after applying lacquer.
Therefore, there are countless traces of lacquer.
It is an acci...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Han Dynasty, Antique Chinese Pottery Granary Jar
Located in Sampantawong, TH
Chinese pottery granary jar, with cylindrical shape, decorated with bands of incised lines, and supported by three legs.
Age: China, Han Dynasty, 206 B.C. - A.D. 220
Size: heigh...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Antique Chinese Hand Painted Lacquer Scene Gilt Fan with Lacquer Box
Located in Brea, CA
19th century antique Chinese hand painted lacquer scene gilt fan with original lacquer box.
Category
1830s Chinese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Lacquer
Antique Chinese Hand Paint Gold Lacquer Scene Gilt Fan with Lacquer Box
Located in Brea, CA
19th century antique Chinese hand painted gold lacquer scene gilt fan 100 faces with original lacquer box, fan is 17 inch x 9.5 x 1, the lacquer fan box is 10....
Category
1830s Chinese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Lacquer
Japanese Antique Wooden Bowl 1910s-1940s Primitive Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba-Shi, JP
This is a Japanese wooden bowl.
It is a folk craft that was used in daily life.
I don't know what kind of wood it's made of, but it's sturdy.
Since it is made by hand, it has a dist...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Lacquer Board Folk Art Object 1930s-1940s Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba-Shi, JP
This is an old Japanese work board.
This board is used by lacquer craftsmen to dry their bowls after applying lacquer.
Therefore, there are countless traces of lacquer.
It is an acci...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
15th Century Northern Thai Bronze Buddha Masterpiece w Provenance - 9200
Located in Ukiah, CA
Masterpiece 15th century Northern Thai bronze Buddha. This is the best of the best. Traces of gilding in the crevices of the hair, behind the ears, etcetera. The casting is crisp, the sculpting shows great finesse and depth, the patina is beautiful and complex and desirable, the proportions are classic, and the face as deep and serene and beautiful as any you will find on any Buddha. It is extremely large and is the largest high-end period bronze Buddha from Thailand I have ever had the pleasure of offering at 31 inches tall and in the range of 50 to 60 pounds (most of the clay core scooped out) (Outstanding provenance -from the personal collection of Ali A. Abssi (1934-2020) founder of the Ishtar gate...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Thai Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
Antique Chinese Export Silver Cigarette Case
By Zee Wo
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Chinese Export Silver cigarette / card case; part of our diverse Asian silverware collection.
This fine antique Chinese Export Silver (CES) cigarette/card case has a plain rectangular form with rounded corners.
The anterior cover is embellished with an embossed and chased decorated iconic Chinese dragon design amidst clouds, on a matte background, incorporating a shield shaped vacant cartouche.
The posterior cover is ornamented with traditional embossed and chased plum blossom foliate and floral decoration, also on a matte background.
The rounded sides of this antique silver cigarette case...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Silver
15th Century, Hoi an, Vietnamese Blue and White Ceramic Fish Ink Holder
Located in Sampantawong, TH
Hoi An Vietnamese blue and white ink holder in the form of fish.
Hoi An Vietnamese ceramic wares made in 14th-15th century.
The Hoi An ceramics were excavat...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Ceramic
H 2.01 in W 2.49 in D 1.19 in
Previously Available Items
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
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...
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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Wicker Stroller
Silver Filigree Fan