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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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Style: Folk Art
Recognized Seller Listings
Cast Iron Doorstop "Conestoga Covered Wagon" Hubley Manufacturing C0; 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

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

Antique Child's Wheelbarrow, Mid-19th Century
Located in Downingtown, PA
Great for flowers, plants, wine. It is small enough to be placed on a sideboard for display. Antique Child's Wheelbarrow, Mid-19th century The Canadian child's wheelbarrow is insc...
Category

Mid-19th Century Canadian Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Americana Victorian Carved Mirrored Carousel Panels
Located in New York, NY
5 American Victorian stripped and decorated carved carousel panels with oval etched mirror (priced each).  
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

19th Century Carved and Polychrome Pair of Continental Laplander Painted Figures
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Continental Laplander (19th Century) carousel style carved and painted life-size figures.
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Vintage Cast Iron Doorstop "Lady With Flowers", American, circa 1915
Located in Incline Village, NV
This hollow back figural doorstop features an attractive young lady carrying flowers in one arm, and a long shawl in her other arm. The doorstop is in an abundance of excellent origi...
Category

1910s American Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Vintage Cast Iron Doorstop "Carpenter" American, circa 1910
Located in Incline Village, NV
From the Alice in Wonderland series, this full figured American cast iron doorstop features the "Carpenter" and he is sitting down with hands on knees, a ruler in his back pocket, often referred to as "taking a break". Unknown manufacture albeit the number "665" is stamped at the lower part of the hollowed out interior (see image. The doorstop is completely original in excellent all original paint, with no repairs, no restoration, and no touch up paint. It is nicely painted in brown, orange, and black, with flesh tones to the face and hands. Dimensions are 5 3/4" High x 4" Deep x 3" Wide. It has quite a bit of weight to it considering it's size. Excellent age crazing and patina throughout. The doorstop is circa 1910, judging by the finish and the popularity of Alice in Wonderland in America. The doorstop is referenced on page 200 in "The Doorstop Book" by John and Nancy Smith...
Category

1910s American Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Iron Boot Scraper with Ram's Head Finial
Located in Greenwich, CT
A generous iron boot scrape with twisted shaft handle and bronze finial of a ram's head mounted on a heraldic helmet. Decorative scrolled base imprinted with "1928". In the manner...
Category

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron, Bronze

Related Items
Antique Marquetry Jardiniere 19th Century French
Located in Lincoln, GB
Antique Marquetry Jardiniere 19th Century French This exquisite jardiniere hails from 19th Century France. It showcases meticulous marquetry inlay, featuring fine metals and lacquer...
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19th Century French Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Antique Architectural Wall Building Anchor Star 19th Century
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An iron architectural building star anchor mounted on a steel base. The 19th Century star is originally part of a brick building and used to anchor in to...
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19th Century American Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

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Steel, Iron

Large Italian Giltwood Ornamental Corona Crown, Late 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Italian Architectural Element Giltwood 19th Century Carved Corona Crown Large gilt-wood element, featuring decorative acanthus leaves, carving around the...
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Late 19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

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Pair of French Weathered Carved Cast Stone Garden Statuary Wescott Lions
Located in Dallas, TX
Carved of sandstone and set on integral stepped base, the tall vintage felines are shown sitting on their back legs and holding a heraldic shield with their front paws. The Westcott ...
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Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cast Stone

Pair of 19th Century French Carved Wood Pharmacy Panels with Bowl of Hygieia
Located in New York, NY
Large pair of 19th century French carved wood pharmacy panels with bowl of Hygieia symbol. Bowl of Hygieia is one of the symbols of pharmacology. I...
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19th Century French Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century Sandstone Lions
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of 19th century French sandstone lion fragments. Well carved and with very endearing features. Though fragmentary, these lions present as importan...
Category

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

Materials

Sandstone

Large Antique Indonesian Terracotta Water Jar with Wavy Patterns and Aged Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A large antique Indonesian terracotta water jar with wavy patterns, hollow beaded motifs and nicely weathered appearance. Born in Indonesia, this terracotta jar attracts our attentio...
Category

19th Century Indonesian Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Terracotta

Victorian Cast Iron Pedestrian Gate
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This was one of four matching gates that we reclaimed from a row of houses in Cardiff, prior to demolition.
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Victorian Cast Iron Pedestrian Gate
Victorian Cast Iron Pedestrian Gate
H 44.89 in W 33.08 in D 1.19 in
Boston Terrier Doorstop
Located in Charleston, SC
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Boston Terrier Doorstop
Boston Terrier Doorstop
H 10.25 in W 3 in D 4.5 in
Two French Art Deco Architectural Etched Glass Cloud Panels
Located in New York City, NY
Two acid etched frosted glass architectural panels from the Art Deco period. The cloud and bird motif drift across the scene while the highly stylized foliate motif on the border ser...
Category

20th Century French Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Art Glass

Pair of Carved Marble Recumbent Lions
Located in Norwood, NJ
Fine quality antique carved marble recumbent lions after models by Antonio Canova. Architectural elements most likely part of a larger element or grouping.
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Carrara Marble

Pair of Carved Marble Recumbent Lions
Pair of Carved Marble Recumbent Lions
H 8.5 in W 12.5 in D 4.5 in
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

Previously Available Items
Collection of Three 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Wooden Barrels
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Collection of three Swedish 19th century hand-crafted folk art wooden grain barrels in untouched original condition. Ca 1820. Today it's an excellent tree / flower pot or pure decora...
Category

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

Materials

Pine

Large 103" Outdoor Steel Mushroom Folk Art Sculpture Sun-Shade, circa 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fun sun-shade slash folk art sculpture features a towering 103" tall stem with 60" diameter shade. Brackets with holes to bolt to the ground, consider using this with chairs as ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Urn Wood Large Swedish 19th Century Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Urn wood large Swedish 19th century Sweden. A large wooden urn made during the 19th century in Sweden. Olive tree only for styling and is not included.
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Urn Planter Wood Large, Swedish, 19th Century, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Urn wood large, Swedish, 19th century, Sweden. A large wooden urn made during the 19th century in Sweden. Olive tree only for styling and is not included.
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

French Bulldog Doorstop. Hubley, American, circa 1920s
Located in Incline Village, NV
This full figured cast iron, hand painted doorstop, is known as "French Bulldog" and was made by The Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, circa 1920s. A pleasing facial expression (see image) and realistic body creases and characteristics, reveals an accurate rendition of the French bulldog. With it's substantial weight, it can be utilized as a wonderful doorstop to decorate with, or simply put on a shelf for display. Beautifully cast and hand painted in colors of black and white, with brown eyes; this doorstop is in very good condition and is completely authentic with no restoration of any kind, and in all original paint. Note the tight seam where it is held closely together by the original screw on one side of the dog. It is referenced in "The Doorstop Book" by John and Nancy...
Category

1920s American Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Black Forest Carved Wood Dog Door Porters
Located in New Orleans, LA
These remarkably detailed Black Forest carved door porters, each in the form of a begging spaniel standing on a cushion, cheerfully greet visitors. Exquisi...
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Early 20th Century German Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Dog Doorstop "Setter" by Hubley, circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
This full bodied cast iron doorstop depicts a "Setter" in action and in full stride. It is hand painted in black and white, and the casting shows a real...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Painted Cement Deer, France, circa 1950
Located in Culver City, CA
Painted cement deer, France, circa 1950 Incredible life-size Folk Art stag, in original period paint.
Category

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

Materials

Cement

Painted Cement Deer, France, circa 1950
Painted Cement Deer, France, circa 1950
H 63.25 in W 29.5 in D 56.25 in
Cast Iron Doorstop "Woman in Hoop Skirt with Fan" American, circa 1925
Located in Incline Village, NV
All original cast iron doorstop "Woman in Hoop Skirt with Fan" was manufactured by Waverly Studios in Wilmette, Illinois, circa 1925., It is in excellent co...
Category

1920s American Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

American Doorstop "Penguin with Bow Tie and Top Hat", circa 1920
Located in Incline Village, NV
From my personal collection I am offering this whimsical caricature of a penguin dressed in a tuxedo referred to as "Penguin with Bow Tie and Top Hat". This cast iron two piece full figured doorstop was manufactured by the Hubley Manufacturing Company in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, circa 1920. The doorstop maintains almost all of it's original paint and, is hand painted with a black coat, a white body to the penguin, with yellow feet...
Category

1920s American Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

American Cast Iron Door Stop, "Lady Skier", circa 1920
Located in Incline Village, NV
From my own personal collection I am offering this full figured cast iron door stop hand painted in realistic colors depicting a classy "Lady Skier&qu...
Category

1920s North American Vintage Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

"Punch" Figural Cast Iron Doorstop, circa 1885
Located in Incline Village, NV
The subject matter depicts the proverbial 16th century stage character "Punch", of “Punch and Judy” notoriety. He is sitting on a stack of books with a dog (Toby) by his side. The finely detailed and intricate iron casting portrays "Punch" in all his colorful clothing gear. He is hand painted with a green vest and a gold ribbon center seam; black boots with gold boot straps; red stockings; red, green and brown hat; lifelike flesh tones to his face; a multi colored green, red, and black collar; and a flesh painted hand protruding from a white shirt cuff complete "Punch's" colors. He is holding in his right hand, what appears to be, a white hat with a black and white feather, which matches the feather atop his dog's black top hat. The dog "Toby" is painted brown, with a collar that matches that of Punch. A black muzzle, white eyes and a black pupil complete the dog's coloring. The base has gold painted highlights over a black base. The entire rear of the doorstop is painted black. I went into great detail on the colors because an authentic original example should be hand painted in these colors, as depicted in the authoritative reference book "Doorstops" by Jeanne Bertoia on page 66. It is rarely found in this much paint (all original) and in this excellent condition. After all, it was a doorstop. The integrity of the paint is validated by close examination with a magnifying glass in addition to accurate color rendition under black light. This example is all original with no repairs, no repaint, and no restoration; very attractive and of fine quality. It was manufactured in England, circa 1880s. Dimensions: 12 1/4" high x 9" wide x 3 3/4" deep I am a leading specialist in the field of antique cast iron toys...
Category

1880s English Antique Folk Art Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

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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