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Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

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
Zabihi Collection Geometric Chinese Intermediate Size Rug
Located in New York, NY
A charming early 20th century Chinese rug with an all over geometric motif in peach, beige, various shades of blue Measures: 6'4'' x 811''.
Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wool

Tibetan Buddhist Deity Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva Cast Bronze Sculpture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A metal cast bronze finish on brass in beautiful posture figure of Tibetan Buddhist Padmapani Deity Avalokiteshvara Beautiful Asian sculpture after the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Padmapani, bearer of the lotus) Dimensions: Height : 8.5 inches Width : 4 inches Depth : 2.75.inches. Asia, Nepal circa 1950's. "The bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara is the Buddhist embodiment of compassion. He is often portrayed as an elegant and gracious youth. The cult of Avalokiteshvara worship originated in India and spread across Asia, along with other Buddhist philosophies and practices. In some places Avalokiteshvara eclipses the Buddha in importance. Buddhist rulers, such as Prince Shotoku in Japan and the Dalai Lama in Tibet, have been seen as incarnations of this saviour. In Nepal, Buddhism flourished alongside Hinduism long after the religion had lost favour in India. Although the kings of the Early Malla period who ruled the Kathmandu Valley were Hindu, some of the greatest artistic achievements of the age were Buddhist. This gilt copper figure...
Category

Mid-20th Century Nepalese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Zabihi Collection Chinese Pictorial Scatter Size Early 20th Century Rug
Located in New York, NY
Scatter size Chinese Peking rug from the 2nd quarter of the 20th century with an animal pictorial motif Measures: 1'11" x 3'7".
Category

Early 20th Century Mongolian Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wool

Chinese Scatter Size Early 20th Century Rug
Located in New York, NY
Scatter size Chinese Peking rug from the 2nd quarter of the 20th century. Measures: 1'11" x 3'7".
Category

20th Century Mongolian Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wool

3 Carved Wooden Ceremonial Masks from Nigeria, Africa and Indonesia
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
3 carved wooden Ceremonial Masks from Nigeria, Africa and Indonesia These are unusual pieces, they are all carved in wood and painted One is a Yorubastam Gelede from Nigeria, it dates from the 19th Century and would have been used in fertility rituals, there are holes all around the bottom from which the costume would have been fixed The mask is good and sound, the colours are bright, it is 14” high, 10” wide and 13” back to front 19th Century Carved Wooden African Funeral Mask The second is a Funeral mask from Africa, it is painted in traditional black and white chalky paint, it dates from the 19th Century and would have been used in burial rituals, there are holes at the back of the mask from which decorative hair would have been hung The mask is good and sound, it is 16” high, 8” wide The final mask in this collection is a Saraswati Topeng Carved Wooden Dance Mask from Indonesia This is a charming painted Indonesian dance Mask, in the character of Saraswati, with her signature gold feathered head dress...
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Pine

Zabihi Collection Chinese Peking Scatter Size Early 20th Century Rug
Located in New York, NY
Scatter-size Chinese Peking rug in blue from the 2nd quarter of the 20th century. Measures: 2'2" x 4'4''
Category

Early 20th Century Mongolian Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wool

Anglo-Raj Mughal Bronzed Copper Vessel Bucket
Located in North Hollywood, CA
19th century Anglo Raj Mughal bronzed metal copper vessel water or milk bucket. Originally used to carry water, this hand-hammered metal vessel from India ...
Category

19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Brass, Copper

Pair of Qing Dynasty Chinese Religious Temple Architectural Ornament
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce pair of Qing Dynasty temple architectural ornaments, the decorative antique building element fragments each elaborately hand carved, polychrome painted and lacquered, richly detailed featuring two figural pairs accented...
Category

Early 19th Century Asian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Lacquer, Paint

Vintage Samarkand Suzani, Uzbekistan
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Samarkand suzani, Uzbekistan Tashkent suzani from Samarkand Uzbekistan, 1950. Overall condition is pretty good for its age and use. "Suzani" means needlework and these embroideries are some of the most characteristic forms of textile art from Central Asia. The mastery of color and the dynamic sense of movement they convey continue to add depth and joy to contemporary interiors. A high level of creative variation and the individuation of each flower are what make each piece unique. Measures: 52" x 51. The Silk Road Bukhara: Like scattered pearls along the vast expanse of the Great Silk Road, the cities of Uzbekistan glisten radiantly under the unforgiving sun. This nation, nestled in a picturesque oasis, holds a treasure trove of historical artifacts, owing to its advantageous position at the heart of the ancient Silk Road network. In the year 138 BC, a transformative era commenced as China graciously opened its borders to trade, giving rise to caravans that embarked upon this illustrious route. These trading pathways served as conduits not only for the exchange of goods and craftsmanship but also for the intermingling of cultures, beliefs, and wisdom. Even today, within the ancient walls of cities like Samarkand, one can still discern the echoes of bustling voices, the melodious jingle of camel...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Antique Pair of Charogh Ethnic Shoes from Turkey
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Pair of Charogh Ethnic Shoes from Turkey. These collectible Museum Kurdish shoes are known as charoghs and were made in Khorasan province in north western Turkey. Hand-crafte...
Category

Late 19th Century Turkish Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Leather

Asian Gilded Porcelain Elephant Ornament Paperweight Sri Lanka
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Asian Gilded Porcelain Elephant Ornament Paperweight from Sri Lanka. Charming Mlesna porcelain with gold and red on white. This porcelain elephant wi...
Category

Late 20th Century Sri Lankan Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Arabian Desert Camel Oman Reins Folk Art 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Handmade reins with large colorful tassels circa 1960s. Arabian Desert Camel Oman Reins Folk Art. Camel reins in Oman are called a rubkah and khatam which is a camel neck lead with a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Omani Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wool, Silk

Hand-Hammered Raj Black Metal Jug
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Raj large hand-hammered and hand-painted metal vessel, originally used to collect waters of the three sacred rivers, the Ganges and Yamuna Sarasvati. This large jug is much more than...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique Brass Betel Nut Cutter from India Collectible Asian Mughal Artifact
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Brass Betel Nut Cutter from India Collectible Asian Mughal Artifact. Add a touch of cultural and historical significance to your collection with this antique Indian Sarota or...
Category

Late 19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Large Incised Lacquer Hsun-ok Offering Box With Interior Tray, Bagan, 20th C.
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Exceptional Large Incised Lacquer Hsun-ok Offering Box With Interior Tray, Bagan, 20th Century.   The large round bowl form is for holding cooked rice and the interior tray is for ho...
Category

20th Century Burmese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

15th Century Majapahit Terracotta Handmaiden Figure (Woman Holding Her Hair)
Located in Bagnolo Mella, Brescia
The sculpture captures a moment of serene grace, as the woman delicately holds her hair with her right hand, exuding an air of elegance rarely found in similar works. What makes this piece particularly unique is its unusual coloration: unlike most terracotta figures, which typically exhibit reddish-brown tones, this figure has darkened over time to a striking grey-black-brown hue. This transformation occurred due to centuries of submersion in the mud of the Brantas River, where the natural elements enriched the statue with its distinct coloration (refer to the photos of discoveries during the extraction of other statues, as seen on pages 16-17 of the catalog). Originating from the Trowulan region in East Java, this handmaiden figure is documented on page 161 as figure number 28 in the Majapahit catalog and stands as a rare example of terracotta craftsmanship from this ancient civilization. The piece has been carefully studied and authenticated by Professor Agus Aris Munandar, a distinguished scholar in Indonesian archaeology. Professor Munandar, born in 1959, is currently the professor of Indonesian Archaeology at the University of Indonesia in Jakarta. His extensive research focuses on Hindu-Buddhist archaeology, iconography, and the ancient history of Indonesia and Southeast Asia. He served as a member of the Indonesian team of experts at National Cultural Heritage from 2015 to 2018 and previously held the role of Head of Institute and Research at the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Indonesia. Now the head of the Department of Archaeology at the University of Indonesia, Professor Munandar has authored numerous articles and 19 books, many of which delve into Majapahit culture and artifacts, solidifying his reputation as a leading scholar in the field. This extraordinary figure is accompanied by a preface from Professor Massimo Vidale of the University of Padua, who offers invaluable insights into the significance of Majapahit terracotta...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Javanese Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Antique Ottoman Emerald Green and Gold Thread Embroidered Vest
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Asian Ottoman style vest in emerald green velvet decorated with elaborate gold thread, trimmed with gold metallic thread. Elegant vest handmade embroidery on green silk velve...
Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Cotton, Silk

Vintage Judaica Lithograph "Cutting the Challah Bread"
By George Crionas
Located in San Diego, CA
Lithograph print with image entailing to a rabbi cutting challah bread. Stylistically similar to George Crionas. Rare and unexpected piece that commemorates a faithful scene. Mid-...
Category

1960s American Vintage Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paper

Antique Brass Betel Nut Cutter with chiseled decoration - India 19th
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Antique Brass Betel Nut Cutter with chiseled decoration - India 19thc Antique - Asian decoration Measures : 8cmx15cm Antique Brass Betel Nut Cutter from India Collectible Asian Arti...
Category

19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Brass

Tea Ceremony Charcoal Basket, Japanese Sumi Kago
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Tea ceremony woven round bamboo basket with handle used for storing charcoal. The inside lining is lacquered. Comes with signed tomobako by artist Tokyusai. His signature is also on...
Category

20th Century Japanese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Burmese Red Carved Wood Temple Offering Box
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Burmese red lacquered temple offering box called "Hsunok". Burmese offering basket made of carved bamboo wood painted and lacquered in hues of red and oranges. The lid adopts a Burmese temple shape, with a sharp top surmounting a gadroon dome. This kind of basket is used to display offerings to Buddhist temples, in Asia. During most of the 19th century Burma was ruled by members of the Konbaung dynasty, the last dynasty that would rule the country. This Asian Burmese red offering...
Category

Early 20th Century South Asian Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

18th Century Indian "Bidri Ware" Hookah Base
Located in Middleburg, VA
18th Century Indian "Bidri Ware" Hookah Base. Bidri is a metalworking technique unique to India, which involves inlaying fine geometric and floral patterns in silver, brass, or gold ...
Category

18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Metal, Silver, Brass

Turkish Red Ceremonial Folk Traditional Vest
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Elegant Turkish long vest brightly colored design of geometric patterns against a red ground. Part of Turkish folk ceremonial traditional costume. The designs on the open jacket ar...
Category

20th Century Turkish Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Velvet

Vintage Bean Beater, Natural Wood Branch, Japanese, Mid-20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Vintage Bean Beater, natural wood branch, Japanese, mid-20th century A natural branch shaped like a wishbone. A kitchen tool to shuck beans by "beating"...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood, Hardwood

Asian Bronze Pair of Hanuman Kneeling Buddhist Figure Candleholders
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Part human-part monkey, Hanuman is a central character in the Hindu epic Ramayana. He is generally depicted as a man with the face of a monkey and a long tail. Often described as t...
Category

1950s Indian Vintage Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Late 20th Century Vintage Middle Eastern Suzani Quilted Turkish Textile
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Middle Eastern end of the bed quilted textile with appliqué, elegant Moorish design in black, deep red and beige. Ideal to use as a tablecloth on a centre or console table, on the ba...
Category

Late 20th Century Turkish Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Susani Embroidery suitable for Wall, Bed , Table Cover, Curtain
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Festive and elegant Susani embroidery, suitable for bed or table or wall. Silk embroidery on a cotton ground. B/ 2003 - cm. 213x 177.   
Category

1960s Turkmen Vintage Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Cotton, Silk

Antique Korean Folk Painting of Mountain Spirit Joseon Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
An antique Korean folk painting of an old sage meditating among rocks under an ancient pine tree with a flying crane circa 19th century late Joseon period. The image was likely part of a larger scroll that depict of Mountain Spirit...
Category

19th Century Korean Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Brocade, Wood, Paper

Asian Black and Red Round Box Lacquer Offering Vessel Urn
Located in North Hollywood, CA
South Asian Burmese black and red lacquer box, offering vessel urn with compartment for storage. This round lacquer ware box from Burma is made from bamboo and lacquer. In Burma (now...
Category

Late 20th Century Burmese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Vintage Samarkand Suzani, Uzbekistan Embroidered Textile Red and Black
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Samarkand Suzani, Uzbekistan embroidered textile red and black Tashkent Suzani from Samarkand Uzbekistan, 1950. Overall good condition for its age and use some stains. "Suzani" means needlework and these embroideries are some of the most characteristic forms of textile art from Central Asia. The mastery of color and the dynamic sense of movement they convey continue to add depth and joy to contemporary interiors. A high level of creative variation and the individuation of each flower are what make each piece unique. Measures: 67.5" x 57". The Silk Road Bukhara: Like scattered pearls along the vast expanse of the Great Silk Road, the cities of Uzbekistan glisten radiantly under the unforgiving sun. This nation, nestled in a picturesque oasis, holds a treasure trove of historical artifacts, owing to its advantageous position at the heart of the ancient Silk Road network. In the year 138 BC, a transformative era commenced as China graciously opened its borders to trade, giving rise to caravans that embarked upon this illustrious route. These trading pathways served as conduits not only for the exchange of goods and craftsmanship but also for the intermingling of cultures, beliefs, and wisdom. Even today, within the ancient walls of cities like Samarkand, one can still discern the echoes of bustling voices, the melodious jingle of camel harnesses...
Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Large Oil on Canvas, Mayan Jaguar by Kindrie Grove 2002
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Very large oil on canvas, ancient tableau, Jaguar by Kindrie Grove, Canadian Artist. Large oil painting that depicts a Mayan Jaguar. Made in 2002. The ar...
Category

20th Century Canadian Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Primitive Carved Wood Figural Tiki Totem Kinetic Wobbly Balancing Art Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Primitive Carved Wood Figural Tiki Kinetic Wobbly Balancing Art Sculpture. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 42" H x 24" W x 7" D.
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Cast Bronze of a Mythical Lion Beast
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An antique unusual cast bronze of a Mythical lion beast. Bursting with character, the lion standing foursquare with his long tail curled back on itse...
Category

Early 20th Century African Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique Thai Freestanding Red Ceremonial Drum with Reeded Accents and Round Base
Located in Yonkers, NY
A tall antique Thai freestanding ceremonial drum from the early 20th century, with red finish, reeded accents and circular base. This early 20th-century tall antique Thai ceremonial ...
Category

Early 20th Century Thai Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

Handcrafted Japanese Ceramic Bowl Signed Jin Kobayashi
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Handcrafted Japanese ceramic bowl signed Jin Kobayashi. Large stoneware plate hand made and hand painted with autumn leaves design. Hand-carved ge...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Burmese Yun Lacquer Container, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
In many southeast Asian cultures, offering guests a betel quid to chew was the fundamental symbol of hospitality. A blend of leaves, nuts, seasonings, and sometimes tobacco, betel was kept in finely worked and decorated boxes. This round container was originally the lid to a Burmese betel box...
Category

Early 20th Century Burmese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Block Print in Unique Samuel Peck Co. Negative Printing Contact Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover a unique blend of art and history with this captivating block print of an animal. Set against a soothing green matte, this vintage piece stands as an intriguing dialogue bet...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paper

Chinese Yangliuqing New Year Painting of Beauty and Baby, c. 1920
Located in Chicago, IL
Chinese New Year paintings (nian hua) are colorful folk paintings created to celebrate the annual Spring Festival. Drawn or printed by folk artists in regional studios, nian hua pain...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Paper

19th Century Antique Large Carved Wood Asian Lions a Pair
Located in Portage, MI
A beautiful pair of 19th century large carved wooden asian lions with wonderful patina. Possibly Chinese as they were in a collection of mostly Chinese fur...
Category

Late 19th Century East Asian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Chinese Yangliuqing New Year Painting of Peace & Prosperity, c. 1920
Located in Chicago, IL
Chinese New Year paintings (nian hua) are colorful folk paintings created to celebrate the annual Spring Festival. Drawn or printed by folk artists in regional studios, nian hua pain...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Paper

Chinese Yangliuqing New Year Painting of Beauty and Baby, c. 1920
Located in Chicago, IL
Chinese New Year paintings (nian hua) are colorful folk paintings created to celebrate the annual Spring Festival. Drawn or printed by folk artists in regional studios, nian hua pain...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Paper

Framed Korean Folk Shamanistic Painting of Seven Stars
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Korean folk painting watercolor on linen (silk) with a cloth mat and walnut wood frame. The work is in the shamanistic style and depicts the Tao...
Category

Early 20th Century Korean Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Textile

Korean Laquer Chest
Located in San Marino, 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 Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

African Textile Kuba, suitable for table or Wall Hanging or Backrest Covering
By Kuba
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
B/1676. Old African textile from Kuba, Zaire: with small shells as ornament. An IDEA: use this item as backrest covering of a sofa !
Category

Mid-20th Century Congolese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Cotton, Raffia

Turkoman Patchwork Textile, Tapestry or Armchair Upholstery
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Nice Turkoman patchwork textile with light colors, suitable for tapestry, headboard, armchair upholstery. They are all embroideries applied on a rein...
Category

1990s Turkmen Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Cotton

Folk Art asian art and furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Folk Art asian art and furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage asian art and furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art asian art and furniture made in a specific country, there are Asia, South Asia, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original asian art and furniture, popular names associated with this style include Rajhastani, Berber Tribes of Morocco, Harrods, and Kuba People. 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 asian art and furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $95 and tops out at $18,000 while the average work can sell for $1,225.

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