Folk Art Paintings and Screens
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.
1980s Balinese Vintage Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Canvas
1950s Balinese Vintage Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Cotton, Paint
Late 19th Century Korean Antique Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Paper, Wood
20th Century Korean Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Brocade, Silk, Wood, Paper
19th Century Korean Antique Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Silk, Wood, Paint
1970s Indian Vintage Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Cotton
Early 1900s Balinese Antique Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Cotton, Paint
1970s Indian Vintage Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Silk
Early 20th Century Balinese Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Cotton, Paint
1920s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Paper
1920s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Paper
1920s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Paper
1930s Korean Vintage Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Paper
Early 20th Century Korean Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Textile
Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Silk, Glass, Wood
Early 20th Century Korean Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Textile, Brocade
Late 19th Century Korean Antique Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Brocade, Silk, Wood
Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Paper
Late 19th Century Korean Antique Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Brocade, Silk, Wood
1950s Indian Vintage Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Silk
Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Paper
Late 19th Century Korean Antique Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Brocade, Silk, Wood
20th Century Canadian Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Canvas
20th Century Canadian Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Canvas
1960s Israeli Vintage Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Canvas, Acrylic
Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Gold Leaf
Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary English Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Gold Leaf
19th Century Chinese Antique Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Paper
19th Century Asian Antique Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Silver Leaf
20th Century Asian Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Gold Leaf
Mid-19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Acrylic
Early 20th Century European Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Canvas
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Gold Leaf
19th Century Thai Antique Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Paper
1960s Israeli Vintage Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Canvas, Acrylic
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Paint
1950s Balinese Vintage Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Cotton, Paint
Early 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Glass, Mirror
Early 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Glass
Early 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Glass
Early 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Glass
Mid-19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Paint
Early 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Glass
Early 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Glass
20th Century Korean Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Wood, Paper, Brocade, Silk