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.
Original Antique Print of a Racehorse, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a racehorse. Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after George Stubbs with original hand color. ...
Paper
19th century Alpine region hand painted marriage chest
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th Century Alpine region hand painted marriage chest circa 1890. Here we have a marriage chest which is likely to be from Switzerland. Using a much earlier pine chest this piece ...
Pine, Paint
Antique Birdseye Maple Picture Frame. English, 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful birdseye maple frame With gilt slip. Original patina. A delightful colour The measurement given below is the outside of the frame Internally it measures 7.25 x 7.75 inc...
Birdseye Maple
Genuine Antique Swedish Folk Art Secretary Desk with Original Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Genuine folk art secretary desk from the early 1800s. Made by hand in solid pine with the original first layer of paint from the 1820s. Interior with small drawers and traces of the ...
Pine
$1,195 / item
Early Chihuahua Oil Painting W/ Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This folky & fun oil painting of a chihuahua on canvas in a old wood frame.The condition is very good.It is unsigned by the artist.
Wood, Paint
Early 19th-Century Hungarian Hand-Painted Pine Two-Door Armoire
Located in Round Top, TX
Early 19th-century original hand-painted two-door armoire from Hungary crafted in pine. The original painted finish features a blue ground with four painted floral panels in the two ...
Pine, Paint
$1,410Sale Price|47% Off
Swedish 18th Century Bentwood Travel Box or Chest
Located in Buisson, FR
Rare and very beautiful Swedish travel box with stunning patina and hand forged iron details. Working lock and key ( bronze key from the 19th century). Sweden, circa 1750-1800. Weath...
Iron
Antique Chocolate Mold, Santa Claus Belsnickle, Metal, 1890s, France
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique French Chocolate Mold by Matfer Paris, circa 1890–1900 A beautiful antique French chocolate mold crafted in metal, featuring a rich, naturally developed patina. Manufactured...
Metal
David Eldreth Stoneware Crock Vessel Cobalt Blue Bird, Folk Art Pottery
Located in East Quogue, NY
Charming blue and gray vintage studio pottery crock made by noted American folk potter David Eldreth in Nottingham, Pennsylvania, dated 1996. This wheel-thrown stoneware vessel features a classic salt-glazed exterior and a hand-decorated cobalt blue...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Handpainted Folk Art Wedding Chest by Peter Hunt, Provincetown, D. 1948
By Peter Hunt
Located in Peabody, MA
A handpainted folk art wedding chest by the noted maker Peter Hunt of Provincetown, Massachusetts. Hunt was a charismatic figure who sold his colonial and Dutch revival decorated fou...
Wood, Paint
Zabihi Collection Blue Chinese Batou Floral Vase Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th-century Chinese Batou Small Rug in light blue Details rug no. j4553 size 2' x 4' 2" (61 x 127 cm) rug type Chinese
Wool
Framed Antique Ottoman Embroidery Fragment , Late 19th Century.
By Seref Ozen
Located in Istanbul, TR
First the fragment has been hand backed on a linen fabric, then stretched over a wooden stretcher and finished with a wooden frame. E 20th Century. Uzbekistan Ready to go on a wall....
Silk
19Thc Children's Windsor Chairs in Original Paint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original Black Painted child's Windsor chairs.These chairs are in fine and sturdy condition.Sold as a pair.
Wood
Antique 1910s German Santa Claus Belsnickle Figure on Sleigh pulled by Pink Pig
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German Santa Claus Belsnickle Sleigh with Pig and Toys, circa 1900 A rare and charming example of early German Christmas craftsmanship, this Antique Santa Claus Belsnickle figure depicts Santa seated in a sleigh pulled by a pig, overflowing with miniature gifts, toys, and trees. The composition figure of Santa, marked Germany, measures approximately 7 inches high, while the papier-mâché pig is about 10 inches long. The entire display extends to an impressive 24 inches (60 cm). Beautifully detailed with cotton, porcelain dolls, wooden toys, and seasonal greenery, this unique piece embodies the nostalgic charm of old-world Christmas traditions. Discovered at an estate sale in Leipzig, Germany, it makes a museum-worthy addition to any collection of antique holiday decorations, Belsnickle figures, or Victorian Christmas ornaments...
Composition
Antique Hungarian Folk Art Carved Pine Bench, 19th Century
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE PRIMITIVE PINE BENCH A decorative and charming bench of peg construction in pine with a fret carved scolloped edge decoration and chamfered stick legs. Originating from Hu...
Pine
19th Century Burl Wood Box With Fruit Wood And Mother of Pearl Inlay
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century folk art box, with burl wood veneer and mother of pearl and fruit wood inlay. The surface decorated with geometric, diamond and star motifs. The raised top with a banded...
Mother-of-Pearl, Fruitwood, Burl
Amish Wool Mounted Nine Patch Postage Stamp Crib Quilt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20Thc All wool Amish postage stamp crib quilt chain from Lancaster County ,Pennsylvania.This quilt is mounted and wired for hanging.
Wool
Antique Chocolate Mold, Santa Claus Belsnickle, Metal, 1890s, France
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique French Chocolate Mold by Matfer Paris, circa 1890–1900 A beautiful antique French chocolate mold crafted in metal, featuring a rich, naturally developed patina. Manufactured...
Metal
Antique Black Forest Brienz Wood Carved Dog Letter Opener 1890s, Austria Vienna
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautifully carved and richly expressive, this antique dog head letter opener is a fine example of late 19th-century Black Forest or Brienz craftsmanship. Hand-carved from wood, the ...
Glass, Wood
$4,261Sale Price|28% Off
Dutch 19th Century Folk Art Architectural Mansion Pigeon / Birdcage
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful and unique Dutch Folk art Pigeon/birdcage in the form of a manor . This type of birdcages were made in the North of he Netherlands . They were miniature versions of the ori...
Wood
Zabihi Collection Crazy Animal Motif South Persian Pictorial Rug
Located in New York, NY
a crazy late 20th-century one-of-a-kind Animal motif rug. It seems like every animal you can think of is in this rug. Every animal is spelled out as well. The weaver made a lot of sp...
Wool
19thc Mounted Blue & White Flying Geese Mounted Crib Quilt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine 19thc flying geese crib quilt is professionally hand sewn on white linen & mounted and wired to hand on your wall or gallery.This crib quilt was found in Pennsylvania and ...
Cotton
Pillowcase Made from an Antique Crewel Embroidery, England
By Seref Ozen
Located in Istanbul, TR
It does not come with an insert. Linen in the back. Zipper Closure. Dry Cleaning recommended.
Wool
Folk Art Woolwork of a Ship's Cat
Located in Downingtown, PA
Folk Art Woolwork Depicting a Cat “The Tabby on the Rug” Circa 1860s This mid-19th-century sailor’s woolwork, possibly American, presents a centrally placed tabby cat, rendered in ...
Wool
Country English Painted Pine Trunk with Georgian House Facade
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming grand country English folk art blanket chest or trunk crafted from pine. The chest features a painted Georgian Manor house facade on three sides. The house is decorated with...
Iron
19thc Stoneware Two Gallon Decorated Crock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original decorated stoneware crock with handles in fine condition.This crock was found in Pennsylvania.Wonderful blue glaze decoration.
Pottery
Country English Painted Pine Trunk with Georgian House Facade
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming grand country English folk art blanket chest or trunk crafted from pine. The chest features a painted Georgian manor house facade on three sides. The house is decorated with...
Iron
Scandinavian folk art cabinet
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover a touch of history with this captivating 19th-century peasant cabinet, a testament to exquisite Scandinavian folk art. Exhibiting a beau...
Wood
Antique Solid Wood Vanity or Console – Custom Hand-Painted Boho Tropical Décor
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A truly one-of-a-kind antique solid wood vanity or entryway console, thoughtfully reimagined with a custom hand-painted and decoupage boho tropical motif. This piece blends Old World...
Wood
Folk Art Bridal Chest, circa 1950
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This vintage pine chest from the mid-20th century is a real eye-catcher. It is richly decorated with hand-painted folkloric decorations, executed in a traditional color scheme of war...
Pine
19th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Hand-Painted Chest Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive hand-painted Folk Art box from the Late 19th Century. The box has been hand-painted in black, red, blues and green. There appears to be either twos horses or maybe unicorn...
Metal
Early 20thc Wooden Salmon Sled
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century original painted and decorated sled from New England. Stamped/Signed By the maker under the body. In Very good condition.
Metal
Antique Northern Swedish Rare Folk Art Cabinet with Original Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rare folk art cabinet from northern Sweden made around 1820 to 1830. Made by hand in solid pine in two parts. Original first layer of paint from the early 1800s. The paint shows the ...
Pine
1950s Lacquered Wood Italian Articulated Mannequin
Located in Catania, Sicilia
A charming vintage mannequin from the 1950s, beautifully crafted figure is a perfect blend of functionality and folk art, making it a unique and striking decorative piece. The manneq...
Wood, Lacquer
Antique Tramp Art Double Picture Frame With Original Portrait Photographs C 1890
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE FOLK ART CARVED PHOTO FRAME Typically notched hand-crafted tramp art picture frame of unusual form. Charming original black and white family photographs with characterful ...
Glass, Wood, Paper
German Wedding Cabinet, dated 1850
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This characterful pine cabinet from rural southern Germany, dated 1850, is a special piece with a romantic history: it was once given as a wedding gift. The cabinet is hand-painted i...
Pine
Pillowcase Made from an Antique Crewel Embroidery, England
By Seref Ozen
Located in Istanbul, TR
It does not come with an insert. Linen in the back. Zipper Closure. Dry Cleaning recommended.
Wool
Early 19th Century Original Painted Swedish Tall Pine Cabinet
Located in Round Top, TX
Early 19th-century Swedish tall pine cabinet built in two sections with original painted finish. Blue painted panels remain visible throughout, with much of the surface worn down to ...
Pine, Paint
$1,485 / item
19Thc Red & Teal Applique Quilt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Red & teal leaf applique quilt from Pennsylvania in fine condition.This is from Lancaster County,Pa.
Cotton
Late 18th Century Original Hand-Painted Swedish Cabinet, Dated 1790
Located in Round Top, TX
Late 18th Century Original Hand-Painted Swedish Cabinet, Dated 1790 Late 18th-century Swedish pine cabinet retaining its original hand-painted decoration, dated 1790. The painted sur...
Wood, Pine, Paint
Sailor's Keepsake: Edwardian Shellwork Valentine Diorama of Ship
Located in Downingtown, PA
Sailor's Keepsake: Edwardian Shellwork Valentine Diorama 🐚 ________________________________________ This is a charming and historically evocative Edwardian Shellwork Diorama, a clas...
Shell
The Folk Painter’s Hand: 19th Century Painted Armoire
Located in New York, NY
This painted armoire, dated 1819, is a vivid example of early 19th-century European folk art furniture. Set against a deep blue ground, it is richly decorated with hand-painted flora...
Wood, Pine
19Thc Child's Walnut Rocker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Walnut child's rocking chair upholstered in a suede leather.The condition is very good and sturdy.
Leather, Wood
Farmhouse Chicken Wire Egg Fruit Basket Carry All, Vintage Industrial Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful chicken wire made Basket, circa 1930s. Made of wire and wooden handles. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria. Nice addition to any Country Kitchen. Size given in meas...
Metal, Wire
19Thc Original Painted Sailor Iron Bank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original painted sailor coin bank.The condition is very good.
Iron
Hand-Painted Folk Armoire, Franconia, First Half of the 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Hand-painted two-door armoire in fir wood with a dark base color and red accents. The door panels feature geometric and floral motifs, echoed on the chamfered corners. The flat, slig...
Brass
Mid 19th century Swedish painted pine coffer
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Swedish painted trunk/chest circa 1860. Good quality large piece of traditional Swedish furniture which would of been used to store the household blankets and linen. Or...
Pine, Paint
Deer Antler Mount Trophy on Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque Austrian Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An antique Austrian deer antler trophy on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaque. We believe its from 1910s or older. A nice addition to your hunters lo...
Antler, Wood
19th Century Country English Chest with House Facade Georgian Trunk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming folk art 19th-century country English pine blanket chest or box featuring a Georgian manor house facade on the outside. The storage box has a hinged top and handles on each ...
Iron
Native American Indian Large Shipibo-Conibo Peruvian Amazon Pottery Jar Vase
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful geometric patterned and designed hand painted and glazed Native American large earthenware jar/vase/pot made by the Shipibo-Conibo people, an indigenous people along the ...
Earthenware, Pottery, Paint
c.1830's Crazy Quilt in Taupes, Browns, Navy and Reds, Velvet, Linen, Cotton
Located in Louisville, KY
It's no reason this stunning work of textile art from the 1830's was on display for almost 30 years! For lovers of the artfully whimsical crazy quilt, this gorgeous work of art is a ...
Felt, Cotton, Linen, Satin, Velvet
$954Sale Price|37% Off
French, 19th Century Folk Art Iron Shoemakers Shop Trade Sign Circa 1800-1850
Located in Buisson, FR
One of a kind folk art riveted sheet iron shoemakers shop sign. Amazing item that was once the trade sign of a boot/ shoe maker or shoe shop in the early 19th century. Great piece in...
Iron
Hand-Painted Folk Armoire, Franconia, Dated 1836
Located in Greding, DE
Hand-painted two-door folk armoire from Franconia, crafted from fir wood and finished with traditional beer glaze. The fronts feature light-blue diamond motifs with floral decoration...
Iron
Antique Ceremonial Jaguar (Tigre) Mask, Zitlala, Guerrero, Mexico
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960. We offer this exceptional ceremonial Tigre (the Mexican colloquial term for jaguar) mask originates from Zitlala, Guerrero, and represents a powerful example of one of Me...
Leather
Folk Art Jewelry Box - Sewing Box, Wooden House Model, Mid-Century France 1950s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Folk Art Jewelry Box or Sewing Box, Wooden House Model, France 1950s Charming mid-century French wooden box in the shape of a small house, handcrafted in the 1950s. A unique piece o...
Wood, Birch, Plywood
Tramp Art Jewelry Box - Wooden Decorative Box - Green Velvet Top - America 1910s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Tramp Art Jewelry Box - Wooden Decorative Box with Green Velvet - America 1910s Striking American Tramp Art jewelry or decorative box, hand-carv...
Velvet, Wood, Fruitwood, Pine
19Thc Original Cream Painted Quilt Rack
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 19thc Original cream painted quilt rack is in fine sturdy condition.Found in Pennsylvania.
Wood
French Folk Art Sculpture of a Horse in Leather
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A hand-made folk art sculpture of a horse from the End of 19th Century/ Early 20th Century. This French made papier mâché horse is wrapped in leather, presented in its authentic old ...
Leather, Paper
Antique Matyo Pillowcase, early 20th Century. Hungary
Located in Istanbul, TR
-No insert. -Hemp in the back. -Zipper closure. -Dry Cleaning is recommended.
Silk
Swedish Blanket Chest, Hand-Painted Wood, Folk Art Style, 1820
Located in Round Top, TX
Grand-scaled Early 19th C. Swedish marriage chest with hand painted decoration, hardware and hinged candle box. Deep green field with undertones of darkest teal, with traditional han...
Metal
With the help of a new director, the Virginia institution's folk art and decorative arts museums are undergoing extensive upgrades.
The French designer, stylist and creative director offers an inside look at the cabinets of curiosities he calls home in Paris and Nice.
Designers are beginning to see this enigmatic form of folk art in a whole new light.