Folk Art Building and Garden 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
A Large Pair of Extraordinary Decorative Early 20th C. Wooden Barn Doors
Located in Nashua, NH
A beautiful pair of very large interlocking hardwood barn doors which have been in storage in a 19th C. New England barn for many many years. Each door is very intricately and beautifully decorated on their interior sides with a lattice and sunburst wooden...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wood
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic
20th Century American Brass Ear of Corn Door Handle
Located in Chicago, IL
Enhance your home's charm with this delightful 20th-century American cast brass ear of corn door handle, adorned with a rich dark bronze patina. Crafted with whimsy and precision, it...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
1930s Architectural Model, 'Doll House', Modernist Adobe Home, Interior Lighting
Located in Buffalo, NY
1930s Architectural Model, possibly a hand made doll house? Modernist Adobe Home. Amazing design, proportion. Color, patina, surface. Very detailed. Removable exterior walls, working light fixtures in each room as well as outdoor porch light.
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stucco, Wood
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
1 of the 144 Handmade Antique Ceramic Iles by Devres, France, 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 pattern consists of 4 separate tiles. These ...
Category
1910s French Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Several Antique Relief Tiles from S.A. des Pavilions, 1920s
By OTHR
Located in Rijssen, NL
Several pcs. exceptional antique wall tiles, Société des Pavillions, Florennes (S.A. des Pavillions). Beautiful quality.
The dimensions per tile are 5.9inch (15 cm) × 5.9 inch (15 c...
Category
1920s Belgian Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Decorative Rustic Swedish Folk Art Wooden Barrel Planter 1800's
Located in Valby, 84
Bring a piece of Swedish history into your home with this exquisite Antique 1800s Swedish Folk Art Barrel Planter. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this indoor planter ex...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wood
1 of the 410 Handmade Antique Ceramic Tiles by Devres, France, 1910s
By Devres
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is an amazing and unique set of 410 antique French handmade ceramic tiles. Manufactured by Devres, circa 1910s. Stylized design. Notice that each pattern consists of 4 separate ...
Category
1910s French Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic
1 of the 36 Unique Antique Relief Tiles, circa 1920, Faiencerie de Bouffioulx
By OTHR
Located in Rijssen, NL
360 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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Swedish Wooden Folk Art Planter from the 1800s with Original Lid
Located in Valby, 84
Embrace the timeless beauty of Swedish craftsmanship with this exquisite wooden folk art planter from the 1800s. Standing at an elegant 60 cm tall and boasting a generous 40 cm diame...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Pine
1 of the 20 Pcs Antique Ceramic Tiles with Fish by Onda Spain, circa 1900
By OTHR
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 20 pcs. exceptional antique border wall tiles, white with image of fish (Onda, Spain Valencia).
The dimensions per tile are inch 8"(20.2 cm) × ...
Category
Early 1900s Spanish Antique Folk Art Building and Garden 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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Large Moroccan Handmade Majolica Tile Panel
By OTHR
Located in Rijssen, NL
Colorful, bold tile panel of Moroccan handmade tiles. The panel shows a playfull variety of colorful tiles.
The tiles are handmade and hand painted. These tiles are particularly beau...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
forge pliers, blacksmith. 1940s
Located in Felino, IT
Set of nine metal forging pliers from a blacksmith's workshop, 1940s-50s. All in good condition and usable. Various shapes and sizes. The measurements shown are of the largest clamp.
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
blacksmithing tools, 1940s.
Located in Felino, IT
Set of seven metal forging tools (shears and tongs) from a blacksmith's workshop, 1940s-1950s. Various types and sizes. Measurements given refer to the largest tool. Good condition: ...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Blacksmith Made Iron Game Hanger, Kitchen Utensil or Pot Hanger
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Blacksmith Made Iron Game Hanger, Kitchen Utensil or Pot Hanger
A great piece with lots of Character, if you don’t need it to hang your game on how about your pots or kitchen utens...
Category
1920s Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
1950s Solid Cast Brass American Federal Eagle Door Knocker
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage 1950s solid cast brass American Federal Eagle door knocker.
Large heavy solid cast brass American federal eagle with shield design door ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Hubley Dolly Dingle And Bobby Blake Door Stops, Designed By Grace Drayton
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Hubley soup kids door stop pair including the boy holding a cat while the girl is holding a doll. Marked on back as shown.
Dimensions: 9 1/2" tall and 5 1/2" wide across base.
Condit...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
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 have passed down the art of h...
Category
Late 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Fabric
Cast Iron Doorstop "Conestoga Covered Wagon" Hubley Manufacturing Co; Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
The iconic "Conestoga Covered Wagon" cast iron doorstop, being pulled by a team of horses, is one of the few western theme doorstops, and is much revered by collectors of western mem...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Cast Iron Doorstop "Colonial Woman" American, Circa 1930
By Littco
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Colonial Woman" cast iron doorstop was manufactured by the Littco Products Company, Littlestown, Pennsylvania; circa 1930 during the heart of the depression. It was distributed to g...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Cast Iron Doorstop "Floral Arrangement in Green Vase" Amercan, Circa 1930 SCARCE
Located in Incline Village, NV
My title for this beautiful and excellent condition cast iron doorstop is appropriately called "Floral Arrangement in Green Vase". I have not seen this before, and it is not noted in...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Gerald DiGiusto Caryatids 1977 Sculpture
Located in Hudson, NY
This sculpture grouping titled "Caryatids" was created in 1977 by listed American artist Gerald DiGiusto. The inspiration for Gerald DiGiusto to create these incredible pieces was f...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal, Steel, Cut Steel
Solid Teak Wood Column Base of Traditional Javanese House, Organic c. 1900
By Southeast Asia
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderful soild teak wood column base the once occupied the interior structure of a traditional Javanese "Limasan" house. Limasan houses have a design ancestry of more than a mille...
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Teak
Solid Teak Wood Column Base of Traditional Javanese House, Organic c. 1900
By Southeast Asia
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderful soild teak wood column base the once occupied the interior structure of a traditional Javanese "Limasan" house. Limasan houses have a design ancestry of more than a mille...
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Teak
Solid Teak Wood Column Base of Traditional Javanese House, Organic c. 1900
By Southeast Asia
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderful soild teak wood column base the once occupied the interior structure of a traditional Javanese "Limasan" house. Limasan houses have a design ancestry of more than a mille...
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Teak
Solid Teak Wood Column Base of Traditional Javanese House, Organic c. 1900
By Southeast Asia
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderful soild teak wood column base the once occupied the interior structure of a traditional Javanese "Limasan" house. Limasan houses have a design ancestry of more than a mille...
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Teak
Outstanding French "Art Populaire" Life-Sized Peacock on Faux Bois Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
We are long-time fans of French Art Populaire animal statues made in the 1930s to 1950s but we have never seen a peacock, let alone one on a faux bois table! Sadly his neck was broke...
Category
20th Century French Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Concrete
1 of the 31 Unique Antique Relief Tiles, circa 1920 S.A. Pavillions
By OTHR
Located in Rijssen, NL
Several pcs. exceptional antique wall tiles, Société des Pavillions, Florennes (S.A. des Pavillions). Beautiful quality.
The dimensions per tile are 5,9inch (15 cm) × 5,9 inch (15 c...
Category
1920s French Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Early Stone Tiki Garden Statue on Base
By Tiki
Located in Ferndale, MI
Unique two pice garden statue. Tiki style form sits in stand. Most likely cast cement.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Cement
Swedish wooden wabi sabi style planter 1940’s
Located in Valby, 84
Rare solid wooden planter in a Wabi Sabi style made by a talented Swedish craftsman in the 1940’s in Sweden.
The planter is the perfect planter for inside your home and will look gr...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Birch
Pipe Smoking Resting Vintage German Yard or Garden Gnome Statue, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue. This character statue has been made in Germany, in the 1920s or older. Absolutely gorgeous item with lo...
Category
1920s German Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Earthenware
Sculpture, statue, garden, wirework, sheep, life-size, folk art, animal, unique
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
A Pair of Contemporary, Folk Art, Life-Size, Sheep, Wirework, Garden Sculptures
Hand-sculpted using multiple layers of painted galvanized wire in white and black. Each sculpture is...
Category
2010s English Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wire
Pipe Smoking Standing Vintage German Yard or Garden Gnome Statue, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue. This character statue has been made in Germany, in the 1920s or older. Absolutely gorgeous item with lo...
Category
1920s German Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Earthenware
Cast Bronze Door Bells
By Lland
Located in Calabasas, CA
Cast Bronze Door Bell, styled after the Eames House, Case Study #8, Oaxacan Folk Art Door Bell. The Bell is lost wax cast from a clay Ox Cart Bell sourced from Oaxaca. It has 4 sound...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
19th century polychrome arms mounted in iron 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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wood, Paint
Timber man Vintage German Yard or Garden Gnome Statue, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue. This character statue has been made in Germany, in the 1910s or older. Absolutely gorgeous item with lo...
Category
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Earthenware
19th Century German Carved Polychrome Carousel Horse by P. Schneider
Located in Forney, TX
A rare antique, circa 1890s, German hand carved and painted wood carousel horse carnival fair ride by Peter Schneider (famous for making the first double decker carousel in 1898).
...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wood
tuscan oil jar. 40s
Located in Felino, IT
olive oil jar. ,use vase / tuscan terracotta umbrella stand, 1940s. made entirely of handmade and kiln-fired terracotta. frost-proof and very durable. can be used as an umbrella stan...
Category
1940s European Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Terracotta
1 of the 40 Antique Ceramic Tiles with Fish by Onda Spain, circa 1900
By OTHR
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 40 pcs. exceptional antique wall tiles, white with image of a fish (Onda, Spain Valencia). I playful and colorful variety
The dimensions per tile are inch 8"(20.2 cm) × 8"in...
Category
Early 1900s Spanish Antique Folk Art Building and Garden 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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Carved Brownstone Recumbent Lions in the American Folk Art Style
Located in Katonah, NY
A rare pair of carved brownstone American Folk Art lions, in recumbent pose with full manes and tails curled to opposing sides, their expressive...
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone
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. Th...
Category
Early 1900s Belgian Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Green Painted Wood Garden Cart
Located in Stamford, CT
Small charming hand crafted wood flower cart painted green. The cart surface is 17.5" by 11.5". Great for a flower shop or the garden. The wheel does not turn.
It is a decorative item.
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden 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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Zinc
Large Modernist Abstract Kinetic Metal Hanging Sculpture
By Yaacov Agam
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large 60" x 60" Modernist Abstract kinetic metal hanging sculpture. Attributed to Yaacov Agam. Eight metal squares graduating in size. Sculpture has been outside for 40-50 years show...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal
Folk Art Wood See-Saw
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage wooden horsehead see-saw teeter-totter from the 1940s is a unique piece of Americana. The remnants of old gray, red, and blue paint add to its vintage charm, making it a great decorative sculpture for any room. However, due to its age it is not recommended for children to use as a toy. This teeter-totter is a rare find of vintage Americana.
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wood
19th Century Copper Cooking Pot, Cauldron
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th century copper cooking pot, Cauldron
This is a lovely early cooking pot, it has been made in hand beaten copper The pot is wider at the bas...
Category
1820s Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Copper
Large Hand Blown Antique Glass Jar
Located in Houston, TX
Large hand-blown antique glass jar with bluish-green tint. Three available is varying sizes and shapes (see last three images). Each sold individual...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Blown Glass
Fantastic Painted and Carved Wood Oversized Chef Nutcracker Figure
Located in Bridgeport, CT
This oversize carved and painted wood figure is adorned with a fabric apron and has a wonderfully painted oversize chef hat. He is holding a board with three sized containers with on...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wood
19th Century Fireside Companion Set, Fireside Tools with Frogs
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th century fireside companion set, fireside tools with frogs.
This is a long handled set on its own stand, shovel, tongs, and poker with wonderful twisted style to the handles, ...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Tin
Late 19th Century Carved Wooden Angel
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Impressive wood carved angel with amazing detail. Certainly the work of a master carver. Found among the entire contents of a Catholic Church in the Midwest which was said to have cl...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Gesso, Wood, Paint
Cement Pagoda Garden Ornament
Located in New York, NY
Charming cast stone pagoda landscape ornament in 3 sections
Dimensions: 26.5" H x 11" W x 11" D.
Dealer: S138XX.
Category
Mid-20th Century Asian Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Cement
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wood
Large Black Glazed Earthenware Pot, 20th Century
Located in London, GB
Large black Glazed earthenware pot, 20th century
A large treacle-glazed stoneware pot of baluster form, mid 20th Century.
Dimensions: 40 x 36 cm.
Category
20th Century English Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Earthenware
Art Deco Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand, Vintage, German, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This beautiful Art Deco green and golden color cast iron Christmas tree stand, was made in Germany, in the 1930s. A nice addition for yo...
Category
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron, Metal
Folk Art building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art building and garden 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 building and garden elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, folk art, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art building and garden elements made in a specific country, there are North America, Europe, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original building and garden 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 building and garden elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $15 and tops out at $45,000 while the average work can sell for $1,600.
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