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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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Item Ships From: Europe
Style: Folk Art
18th Century Swedish Folk Art Door With Faux Marble Original Decorations
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An 18th century Swedish original painted Folk Art small door. The front side is all in original condition with working lock and original key (Request video). With faux marble paintin...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Pine

Rustic Art Populaire Doors, France, 18th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Remarkable 18th-century doors, a testament to the craftsmanship of bygone eras. Adorned with iron detailing, they exude an aura of timeless elegance and historical significance. Whet...
Category

18th Century French Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Set of 35 Handmade Antique Ceramic Tiles, Dutch, 1920s
By OTHR
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is a amazing and unique set of 35 antique handmade ceramic tiles. Manufactured in Holland, circa 1920s. Stylized design. These tiles would be charming displayed on easels, frame...
Category

1920s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 35 Antique Ceramic Tiles by Pas De Calais Desvres, France, circa 1850s
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

1 of the 350 Handmade Antique Ceramic Tiles by Devres, France, 1920s
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

1 of the 350 Handmade Antique Ceramic Tiles by Devres, France, 1920s
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

Set of Four Iron Bavarian Beer Garden Folding Chairs, Hacker Pschorr Munich
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This set is so outstanding in form, utility and patina that we couldn't resist. The chairs, most of which have some paint loss due to decades of use, are made from metal and plastic ...
Category

1980s German Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Large Antique Chinese Bronze Foo Dog Foo Lion Door Plates
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Large Antique Chinese Bronze Foo Dog Foo Lion Door Plates A stunning pair of Door plates, they are made in bronze and are very heavy, these may originally have had handles through ...
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Iron and Oak Bavarian Beer Garden Folding Chairs and Table Set Germany
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This set is so outstanding in form, utility and patina that we couldn't resist. The chairs, most of which have some loss of color due to decades of use, are made of metal and trimmed...
Category

1960s German Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Set of 6 of Total 120 Dutch Dark Green Glazed Ceramic Tiles by Le Glaive, 1930
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is an amazing set of Dutch dark green handmade tiles. A beautiful and color. With 6 different stylized designs. We offer 20 tiles from the same design. In total 120 tiles with 6...
Category

1930s Belgian Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

Life-size Weathered Cast Iron Statue of a Hunting Dog
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Life-size Weathered Cast Iron Statue of a Hunting Dog A very handsome Chap, he is sitting down and he is fully 3 dimensional and looks good from all sides Our faithful hound is sitt...
Category

1960s Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Clay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

18th Century Copper and Iron Estate Made Weather Vane
Located in Hastings, GB
An incredible large estate made weather vane on a later base. Beautifully worn and with a wonderful patina, the vane features honest later repairs in copper to the centre, dating to ...
Category

1790s English Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Copper, Iron

1 of 52 Handmade Antique Ceramic Tiles by Devres, France, 1920s
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 French Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Pine

Set of 6 of Total 120 Dutch Blue Glazed Ceramic Tiles by Le Glaive, 1930
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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

Decorated Dutch Antique Copper Bowl / Pot with Lid, 18th Century, Dated 1750
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Antique copper bowl with lid, 18th century Beautiful and richly decorated antique copper pot with lid with a very attractive decorated dec...
Category

18th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Copper, Metal

Hand Painted Wooden Railings from a Fair Ground
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Hand painted wooden railings from a fair ground Great decorative pieces, there are 2 of these one 5ft long and the other 8ft Each has a 3.5” wide to...
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Set of 6 of Total 120 Dutch Blue Ceramic Tiles by Gilliot Hemiksen, 1930s
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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

Heavy Quality Brass Fireside Companion Set, Horses
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Heavy quality brass fireside companion set, horses This is a heavy quality set on its own stand, shovel, tongs, poker and hearth brush, the s...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

1 of the 144 Handmade Antique Ceramic Iles by Devres, France, circa 1910s
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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

Wooden Architectural Gou Mata Temple Elements, India, Ca 1900
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Very decorative wooden architectural elements made in India around the year 1900. These carriers, each 28 centimeters high, were part of ...
Category

Early 1900s Indian Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Set of Unique Antique 32 Ceramic Tiles with Fisch by Onda, Spain, circa 1900
Located in Rijssen, NL
34 pcs. Exceptional antique wall tiles, white with cobalt blue and moss green image of a fish (Onda, Spain Valencia). The dimensions per tile are 5....
Category

Early 1900s Spanish Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Organic Folk Art Jardiniere Plant Stand with Real Branches and Twigs
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning Early 1900 Handmade Folk Art Jardiniere. This antique, one piece plant stand is a fine example of the craftsmanship and the wonderful designs of bygone times. Where else th...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Pair of Folk Art Chairs with Tractor Seats, France, 1950s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Almost-pair of French "homemade" iron chairs with very comfortable! tractor seats. Original paint.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Early 19th Century, French Child's Wooden Swing
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
This is a very rare piece, it comes from a Nursery in France, the Wooden frame of the swing folds flat, when opened the swing seat can be hung on the Iron Stays, and the occupier of the seat can push his or herself using the iron rings to swing to and fro The wooden frame has seen so many years of use that it has developed a curve but the wood is still very strong and the finish is Genuine French Shabby Blue it has not been repainted or touched up This deserves to be a museum piece but it is perfectly sound so there would be no reason for it not to be used with proper supervision, as with all French Furniture...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Pair of Monogrammed 1950s Folk Art Flower Pot Holders
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Delightful pair of hand-fashioned iron pot holders, with twisted iron stems, painted green, red and yellow. Each stand holds four pots. Monogrammed "G"...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Ivy-Motif Folk Art Pottery Garden Column & Planter - France, Early 20th Century
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Delightful and unusual Folk Art glazed pottery set comprised of a pedestal and a planter, decorated with an ivy creeper. The pot has delicately scalloped edges. The piece is remini...
Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Terracotta

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

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 Europe, North America, 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 Hubley Manufacturing Company. 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 $70 and tops out at $225,000 while the average work can sell for $1,396.

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