Folk Art Scholar's 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.
to
2
2
11
7
7
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
Style: Folk Art
Korean Folding Chaekgeori Painted Scholar Floor Screen
Located in Atlanta, GA
A six-panel painted folding floor screen from Korea circa early 20th century. This type of screen is called Chaekgeori (books and things) which is quite unique to Korea. It became popular at the end of 18th century favored and encouraged by King Jeongjo (1752-1800) as a political tool to promote social conservatism such as the traditional Confucianism value, especially considered important in a time when waves of new ideology influx came to Korea. Initially commissioned for the royal court, they became increasingly popular with the scholars of noble and affluent households and were used widely in their halls and studies. Early screens were painted with trompe-l’oeil bookcases displaying books and arrays of collectibles. Later, the bookcases were eliminated to focus on the assemblage of neatly stacked books and objects of scholarly pursue. On this screen, the six panels were neatly presented and framed in woven brocade borders. Among the stacked volumes, one can find many fine porcelain vases with flowers, potted orchids, pen holders with brush pens and scroll paintings, incense burner, ink stone, teapot, fan with ink painting, vessels of fruits, exotic plants such as lotus, plumeria and even a pair of glasses. It feels like a pleasant visual measure hunting for the viewers. Several words in Chinese found their way into the picture as well, including filial (xiao), longevity (shou) and luck (fu).
The painting was done in a meticulous way with no details overlooked and also with a rather western still-life dimensional perspective. In a rather unusual maximal but also minimalistic way, the screen exudes a historical charm with a folky flair but appears modern at the same time.
Each panel is 17.5"w by 70.2"h.
For general information on the subject see reference: Chaekgeori the Power and Pleasure of Possessions in Korean Painted Screens...
Category
20th Century Korean Folk Art Scholar's Objects
Materials
Brocade, Silk, Wood, Paper
Antique Gold/Opium Bamboo Scale with Built-In Abacus, Chinese, 19th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Antique gold/opium bamboo scale with built-in abacus, Chinese, 19th century
Fitted into a bamboo case are a brass tray with bronze weights and a bone beam with measuring marks. Th...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Folk Art Scholar's Objects
Materials
Bamboo
Related Items
Antique Burmese Set of Sixteen Double-Sided Kammavaca or Buddhist Manuscripts
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Burmese set of sixteen double-sided Kammavaca or Buddhist manuscripts,
written in Bali in red and black lacquer on a gold leaf ground.
This set is accompanied by the original pair of gold leaf and red lacquer pictorial cover boards.
Kammavaca are volumes consisting of extracts from the Theravadin Vinaya, that relates to the traditional ceremonies of monks. Together with a manuscript chest...
Category
1890s Antique Folk Art Scholar's Objects
Materials
Paper
H 5.25 in W 26.75 in D 8.25 in
Chinese Bamboo Opium Pipe with Red Clay Bowl
Located in Chicago, IL
This long bamboo pipe dates to the late 19th century and was originally used for smoking opium. Unlike a tobacco pipe, the opium pipe was designed especially to allow resinous opium ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Scholar's Objects
Materials
Brass
Quality Chinese Scholar Rock
Located in Norwood, NJ
Chinese Scholar stone, Meditation stone, Appreciation stone or Dream stone. All names for this beautiful natural stone that when studied evokes and por...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Scholar's Objects
Materials
Stone
Chinese Hand Painted Four Panel Folding Screen
Located in West Hartford, CT
Chinese hand painted folding screen depicting village scenes. Each panel measures 18" wide. Has some wear as shown.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Folk Art Scholar's Objects
Materials
Wood, Paper
Japanese Antiques Silver folding screen, 2-panel
Located in Niiza, JP
Unfolded size: 1700 x 1700 x 20 mm
Foldable: 850 x 1700 x 40 mm, 7kg
Estimated size after packaging (sandwiched between 5 mm plywood): 13 CM x 95 CM x 185 CM
Weight 20 KG
A beautifu...
Category
20th Century Japanese Folk Art Scholar's Objects
Materials
Paper
Magnificent And Fine Chinese Six-Panel Screen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A six panel screen in black paint with overall gilt scrolled and carved and painted wood applied low relief decoration with some Mother-of-Pearl details. Scenes with pavilions and fi...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Scholar's Objects
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Edo Period Six Panel Screen of Chinese Scholars
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fascinating 19th century Japanese late Edo period six pane funpon screen. Large scale depicting Chinese scholars and officials engaged in leis...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Folk Art Scholar's Objects
Materials
Silk, Wood, Paper
Lacquered Coromandel Eight Panel Folding Screen
Located in Locust Valley, NY
This vintage eight panel coromandel screen showcases the timeless artistry of Chinese lacquer work. The screen is richly detailed with hand-carved and painted decoration on a deep bl...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Scholar's Objects
Materials
Lacquer
19th C. Edo-Meiji Period Japanese Painted Five-Panel Folding Miniature Screen
Located in North Miami, FL
19th century/Edo-Meiji period japanese painted five-panel folding miniature screen
By: unknown
Material: lacquer, metal, paint, wood
Technique: carved, hand-carved, hand-painted, la...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Folk Art Scholar's Objects
Materials
Metal
H 8.5 in W 4.5 in D 1 in
19th C Pair Antique Chinese Qing Carved Jade Scholar's Table Screens Stands 1850
Located in Portland, OR
A fine pair of antique Chinese Qing dynasty ( 1644-1911) hand carved jade table screens, circa 1850.
The rectangular screens are made of variegated s...
Category
1850s Chinese Antique Folk Art Scholar's Objects
Materials
Jade
H 11 in W 10 in D 3.25 in
Byobu - Japanese Folding Screen
Located in Brescia, IT
Nice four-panel Japanese screen painted on vegetal paper, depicting a landscape with a red maple, flowers and birds.
The size is very refined and easy to place in a design project.
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Scholar's Objects
Materials
Paper
Chinese Hetian Jade Archers Ring
Located in Bradenton, FL
Nicely colored jade Chinese archer ring that feel oh-so-soft, heavy and cold to the touch. Jade archer rings with very soft hand polished finish that ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Scholar's Objects
Materials
Jade
Previously Available Items
Large Korean Folding Chaekgeori Books and Scholars' Possessions Floor Screen
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare and very well-preserved folding floor screen from Korea circa early 20th century. This type of screen is called Chaekgeori (books and things) which is quite unique to Korea. It became popular at the end of 18th century favored and encouraged by King Jeongjo (1752-1800) as a political tool to promote social conservatism such as the traditional Confucianism value, especially considered important in a time when waves of new ideology influx came to Korea. Initially commissioned for the royal court, they became increasingly popular with the scholars of noble and affluent household and used it widely in their halls and studies. Early screens were painted with trompe-l’oeil bookcases displaying books and arrays of collectibles. Later, the bookcases were eliminated to focus on the assemblage of neatly stacked books and objects of scholarly pursue. On this screen, the six panels were neatly presented and framed in woven brocade borders. Among the stacked volumes, one can find many fine porcelain vases with flowers, potted orchids, pen holders with brush pens and scroll paintings, incense burner, ink stone, teapot, fan with ink painting, vessels of fruits, exotic plants such as lotus, plumeria and even a pair of glasses. It feels like a pleasant visual measure hunting for the viewers. Several words in Chinese found their way into the picture as well, including filial (xiao), longevity (shou) and luck (fu).
The painting was done in a meticulous way with no details overlooked and also with a rather western still-life dimensional perspective. In a rather unusual maximal but also minimalistic way, the screen exudes a folky charm but appears modern at the same time.
Each panel is 17.5"w by 70.2"h.
For general information on the subject see reference: Chaekgeori the Power and Pleasure of Possessions in Korean Painted Screens...
Category
20th Century Korean Folk Art Scholar's Objects
Materials
Wood, Paper, Brocade, Silk
Burmese Zoomorphic Box in the Form of a Frog, Wood Lacquer, Circa 1930
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Burmese Zoomorphic box in the form of a frog, wood lacquer, Circa 1930
The lid has been carved with an effigy of the hapless weaver, Ma Mei U, in the jaws of a tiger. Lines and ti...
Category
Mid-20th Century Burmese Folk Art Scholar's Objects
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Vintage Long Bamboo Pipe with Horn Tobacco Container, Chinese, 20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Vintage long bamboo pipe with horn tobacco container, Chinese, 20th century.
Very long black bamboo pole fashioned into a pipe with the root constructed into a bowl covered with brass and copper held on with steel knobs. Accompanied by a horn container...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Scholar's Objects
Materials
Bamboo
Chinese Rock Crystal Bonsai Dream Tree
Located in Wilton, CT
Tabletop dream tree with rock crystal leaves, silk wrapped branches, and heavy serpentine jardiniere. 14" high, 18" wide, 14" deep.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Scholar's Objects
Materials
Serpentine
Folk Art scholar's objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Folk Art scholar's objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage scholar's objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, bamboo and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art scholar's objects made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Caucasus 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 scholar's objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $725 and tops out at $18,000 while the average work can sell for $3,210.