Folk Art Architectural Elements
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
Moroccan Traditional Caidale Tent 20 ft x 40ft
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Moroccan traditional caidale tent are used outdoor for ceremonial events, wedding, parties.
For centuries the tribal people of Morocco's Atlas Mountains ...
Category
Late 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Fabric
1 of the 100 Unique Antique Relief Tiles, circa 1920 S.A. Pavillions
Located in Rijssen, NL
Several pcs. exceptional antique wall tiles, Société des Pavillions, Florennes (S.A. des Pavillions). Beautiful quality.
The dimensions per tile a...
Category
1920s Belgian Vintage Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Set of 35 Antique Ceramic Tiles by Pas De Calais Desvres, France, circa 1850s
By Desvres
Located in Rijssen, NL
Recently lifted from its original home, this amazing and unique set of 35 antique French handmade ceramic tiles. Designed by Maison four maintraux-Hornoy and manufactured for Pas de ...
Category
1850s French Antique Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century Baroque Carved Polychromed Architectural Column Capital Table Pair
Located in Forney, TX
An early 19th century pair of Baroque hand carved and painted wooden architectural salvaged exterior building elements, now repurposed and fashioned for use as one-of-a-kind pedestal tables.
Intricately detailed, whimsical sulptural design, executed in classical corinthian column capital form, having spiral scroll volutes, acanthus leaf carvings, figural ancient mask...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Set of 6 of Total 120 Dutch Blue Ceramic Tiles by Gilliot Hemiksen, 1930s
By Gilliot
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is an amazing set of Dutch blue handmade ceramic tiles. Manufactured by Gilliot Hemiksen, 1930s. With 6 different stylized designs. We offer 20 tiles from the same design. In total 120 tiles...
Category
1930s European Vintage Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Handmade Roof Rider Brick, Germany 1844
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Handmade Roof Rider Brick, Germany 1844
An antique roof rider made of clay featuring a head in outsider art style. Handmade in Germany in 1844. Good condition, one edge cut ...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Clay
Delft Ceramic Decorative Tile Featuring a Man on Horse
By Delft
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Delft tile featuring a noble man riding a horse.
This characterful Delftware tile a man on horseback in expressive blue coloring on a whit...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Cast Iron Clock Face Surround from Observatory Clock Tower Double-Sided
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Very cool cast iron clock face surround, observatory time. Double-sided with great paint surface. Substantial heavy duty iron hooks. Lots of potential...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
Rare Set of Two Qing Dynasty Chinese Architectural Temple Brackets
Located in Forney, TX
An original matched pair of exceptionally carved Chinese temple architectural ornaments, the ornate decorative brackets salvaged from an early Qing Dynasty temple, the richy detailed...
Category
Early 19th Century Asian Antique Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
19th Century French Carousel Ride, Carved Wood Sparrow with Metal Body
Located in New York, NY
19th C. painted wood French Carousel ride, with the "body" made of iron rods. The bird figure has only one wing, as originally the other side had a spoke which connected to the cente...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Metal
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 Architectural Elements
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Lacquer, Paint
1 of 52 Handmade Antique Ceramic Tiles by Devres, France, 1920s
By Devres
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of 52 antique French handmade ceramic tiles. Manufactured by Devres, circa 1920s. Colorful pattern in yellow, red and green. These tiles would be charming displayed on easels, fr...
Category
1920s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic
1 of the 350 Handmade Antique Ceramic Tiles by Devres, France, 1920s
By Devres
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is a large set of 350 antique French handmade ceramic tiles. Manufactured by Devres, circa 1920s. Colorful pattern in yellow, red and green. These tiles would be charming displa...
Category
1920s French Vintage Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Antique Cast Iron Elements as Table Lamps
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large and very solid feeling pair of antique iron architectural elements as lamp bases. Three part shaped iron elements with decorative motifs with leaves on the tops and bottoms. ...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
1 of the 36 Unique Antique Relief Tiles, circa 1920, Faiencerie de Bouffioulx
By OTHR
Located in Rijssen, NL
36 pcs. Exceptional antique wall tiles, circa 1922, Faiencerie de Bouffioulx. In the rich colors deep blue, honey, purple and greyish blue tones. The image is applied in relief. The ...
Category
Early 1900s Belgian Antique Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Carnival Carousel Funhouse Architectural Columns
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Fun antique architectural elements from carnival carousel or funhouse ride. Layers of beautiful original park paint. Great scale for wall art or to act as a frame for something else. Unique and original fairground art!
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Vardo Wagon Panels, circa 1880
Located in London, GB
Carved wooden gypsy vardo wagon panels, circa 1880
This lot is a very rare and unique set of 6 hand carved wooden gypsy Vardo travelling wagon panel strips. The wooden panels wou...
Category
1890s British Antique Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Giant Wood Early 20th Century Hand Painted Americana Barber Shop Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Large and chunky Americana! Fantastic and original Barber Shop trade sign in the shape of a barber pole. Great statement piece. Layers of super graphic red and white original paint. ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Diamond Shaped Zinc Roof Finial or Garden Ornament Sculpture
By Ira Yeager
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fascinating objet d'art created and painted by artist Ira Yeager (American 1938-2022). Crafted from patinated zinc with an aged patina and verdigris. The four-sided diamond shape is ...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Zinc
Huge French Iron Pot Hanger, Kitchen Utensil or Game Hanger A great piece
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Huge French Iron Pot Hanger, Kitchen Utensil or Game Hanger
A great piece with lots of Character, the design is based on traditional game hanger, it i...
Category
1960s Vintage Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
Half Round Blacksmith Made Folding Iron Game Hanger, Kitchen Utensil Hanger
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Half Round Blacksmith Made Folding Iron Game Hanger, Kitchen Utensil Hanger
A great piece it is a half round shape with 5 large hooks which can be folded up when not required, it s...
Category
1960s Vintage Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
1 of the 144 Handmade Antique Ceramic Iles by Devres, France, circa 1910s
By Devres
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is a amazing and unique set of 511 antique French handmade ceramic tiles. Manufactured by Devres, circa 1910s. Stylized design. Each patte...
Category
1910s French Vintage Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Burmese Carved Architectural Wood Pole
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking architectural pole carved from solid teak that was used for building construction in Burma circa 19th century. Serving both structural and ornamental purposes, this types of carved poles...
Category
19th Century Burmese Antique Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Pair of 19th Century Monumental Folk Art Doorways Mounted as Room Divider
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pair of monumental Folk Art doorways mounted as room dividers. These large and impressive very fine carved doors are hinged together and can easily come apart to be used as their int...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Architectural Elements
Maritime Architectural Element
Located in Stamford, CT
A maritime architectural element of painted and carved wood representing Neptune.
Category
19th Century English Antique Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Large Cast Iron House Trees Polychrome Door Stopper, American 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Cast Iron House Trees Polychrome Door Stopper or Large Bookend
19th Century original painted cast iron doorstop has great patina. This heavy weight doorsto...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
American Folk-Art Finial with Dove
Located in Doylestown, PA
An American folk-art tin rooftop finial with a dove on top, circa 1900 or earlier, rusted finish.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Tin
19th century polychrome arms mounted in wood base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of charming hand painted arms from a 19th century figure. The hand painted arms are mounted on an octagonal base.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood, Paint
Italian 16th/ 17th Century Folk Art Forged Iron Coat of Arms
Located in Buisson, FR
Unique and wonderful folk art coat of arms, Depicting a eagle holding a rabbit, two crosses and two castle's and on the top a grotesque head. This beautiful period piece is made out ...
Category
16th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
Antique Carved Eagle Form Architectural Decorative Element
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large scale carved eagle with its wings closed as it reaches outward. Its feet are perched on a scrolled detail on a block form base. With fine stylized carved feathers and eyes a...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
Set of 6 of Total 120 Dutch Blue Glazed Ceramic Tiles by Le Glaive, 1930
By Le Glaive
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is an amazing set of Dutch blue handmade tiles. A beautiful and color. With 6 different stylized designs. We offer 20 tiles from the same design. In total 120 tiles...
Category
1930s Belgian Vintage Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic
1 of the 350 Handmade Antique Ceramic Tiles by Devres, France, 1920s
By Devres
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is a large set of 350 antique French handmade ceramic tiles. Manufactured by Devres, circa 1920s. Colorful pattern in yellow, red and green. These tiles would be charming displa...
Category
1920s French Vintage Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Large Copper Architectural Eagle
Located in Nantucket, MA
Spread wing eagle perched on a sphere, molded copper, with a great gilded surface on the front. The back has a nice natural veridigris, American, Late 19th early 20th century. Purpor...
Category
Late 19th Century North American Antique Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Copper
19th Century Wood Clock Face
Located in New York, NY
Interesting weathered wood clock face with painted hands.
The back story is a local (Upstate NY) church was being built around the mid-19th century, ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
A Pair of Antique Wood and Iron Window Shutters
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Pair of Antique Wood and Iron Window Shutters
These are decorative chestnut shutters with Iron Rod insets, they have naturally distressed paint this is worn and shabby showing the...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Chestnut
8 Old Fairground Art Panels circa 1930
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
8 old fairground art panels circa 1930
probably panels of an old carousel.
These panels are slightly curved from origin and the base is in pine.
Ther...
Category
1930s French Vintage Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Pine
A Charming Pair of Male and Female Bathroom Toilet Signs Ladies and Gentlemen
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Charming Pair of Male and Female Bathroom Toilet Signs
Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls no home should be without these, painted Cast iron Loo signs
The signs are 7” high, 3...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
Folk Art architectural elements for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art architectural elements 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 architectural elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, folk art, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art architectural elements made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original architectural elements, popular names associated with this style include OTHR, Devres, Berber Tribes of Morocco, and Delft. 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 architectural elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $70 and tops out at $32,500 while the average work can sell for $1,200.