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.
Vintage Verdigris Copper Grasshopper Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptional vintage copper grasshopper weathervane sculpture with a richly aged verdigris patina and striking sculptural form. Handcrafted from copper and mounted on a custom blac...
Copper, Iron
19th Century Wooden Butter Mold with Carved Floral Interior
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful antique wooden butter mold with a charming hand-carved floral decoration to the interior. This rustic and highly decorative butter mold was once used for shaping and decor...
Iron
Pink Pig Lucky Charm Mohair Composition Candy Container, Antique, Austria, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique Pink Pig Candy Container, Austria, Early 1900s A charming antique pink pig candy container dating to the early 1900s, beautifully crafted from paper mâché and covered in sof...
Composition
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Wool Bird Hooked Rug Stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wool Hooked rug made into a beautiful stool with round ball feet. Colors are vibrant on the hood rug cushion. Comfortable to sit on or rest your feet on. Great size.
Wood, Wool
Swedish 18th Century Painted Coffer
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A Swedish, solid pine coffer from the 1700s, this roomy storage trunk has paneled construction graced by hand-painted illustrations in the pilasters depicting imaginative red floral ...
Iron
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
Early 20thc Child's Wing-back Chair and Ottoman With 19thc Linen Upholstery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20thc Child's Wing-back Chair and Ottoman With 19thc Linen Upholstery. The Entire chair is upholstered with a wonderful aged white linen with a beautiful blue light stripe goin...
Linen, Wood
Vintage Tonala Pottery Small Cat Sculpture, Hand-Painted Bird Decor
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Charming small Tonala pottery figurine depicts a reclining cat with folded front paws and raised head; the cat is looking forward with wide open, large eyes and a slightly surprised ...
Ceramic, Pottery
Folk Art Pine Bridal cabinet, dated 1794
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This characterful pine cabinet from the rural south of Germany, dated 1794, is a special piece with a romantic history: it was once given as a wedding gift. The cabinet is hand-paint...
Wrought Iron
Pillowcase Made from a Vintage Anatolian Embroidery
By Seref Ozen
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pillowcase Made from a Vintage Anatolian Embroidery It does not come with an insert. Linen in the back. Zipper closure. Dry cleaning reccommended.
Cotton
1950s Handmade Miniature Chess Set with Walnut Inlaid Box with magnetic pieces
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good quality handmade Miniature or Travelling wood chess set game of 32 pieces in its own inlaid hardwood box, which we date to the mid 20th century, circa 1950s. The...
Brass
Swedish 19th Century Painted Linen Press
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A Swedish pine buffet à deux corps (that is, a cabinet on chest in two sections) with origins in the 18th century designed with features and style that suit many decorating tastes an...
Metal
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
19thc Red & Blue Dated 1860 Coverlet From Pa.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This coverlet comes from a private collection in Pennsylvania.It is signed and dated 1860 & signed by the weaver @ Abealom Klinger born in Millersburg , Berks County,Pennsylvania.Th...
Wool
Large Rustic Farmhouse Romantic Folk Art Bridal Chest
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
Special antique bridal chest, dating from around 1800, originating from southern Germany/Austria. This piece of furniture is painted in an atmospheric and traditional way in blue and...
Pine, Paint
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. Late 19th Century. Turkey Ready to go on a wall. ...
Silk
Pillowcase Made from a Vintage Anatolian Embroidery
By Seref Ozen
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pillowcase Made from a Vintage Anatolian Embroidery It does not come with an insert. Linen in the back. Zipper closure. Dry cleaning reccommended.
Cotton
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
19thc Blue Painted Firkin in Original Paint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19thc original Blue painted Firkin. Original Copper nail construction. Fantastic patina. Wonderful old blue paint, the interior is a beautiful natural color and in great condition.
Wood
Antique Black Forest Brienz Wood Carved Dog Walking Stick, 1890s, Austria Vienna
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful hand-carved dog head walking stick cane, crafted in the renowned Black Forest or Brienz region at the end of the 19th century. This charming antique features a wonderfully ...
Glass, Wood
Custom French Beaded Floral Spray, Studio VL
Located in Riverdale, NY
Massive Custom French Beaded Spray by Studio VL from the 1990's. Fantasy oversized Lilac hand beaded into a large exaggerated scale in unusual color combinations with new and vintage French and Czech glass beads. Based on the traditional craft of French beaded flowers...
Brass
$760Sale Price|20% Off
19thc Original Mustard Painted Firkin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original mustard painted furkin from New England with original copper nail construction.The surface is the best.
Wood, Paint
Italian 18th Century Painted Wardrobe
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An 18th century painted wardrobe from northern Italy, displaying a particular Tyrolean-Germanic folk art style of marriage furniture, hence the charming illustrations to celebrate th...
Iron
Large Vintage Painted Folk Art Trout Trade Sign, Fish Monger’s Metal Shop Sign
Located in Lisse, NL
Step into a time when storefronts told their story with charm and character. This striking, hand-painted metal trout sign is a rare and wonderfully quirky example of the early 20th-c...
Zinc
Vintage Folk Art Cowboy on Horse Balancing Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A charming vintage folk art sculpture depicting a cowboy riding a galloping horse, captured in a dynamic balancing composition. Crafted with hand-cut and painted metal elements, the ...
Metal, Iron
Rustic Farmhouse Folk Art Painted Bridal Cabinet 1834
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
Antique bridal wardrobe from 1834, originating from Franconia in southern Germany. The heavy, lived-in character and the original paintings give the whole a special appearance. Both ...
Pine, Paint
$875 / item
Framed Antique Greek Embroidery, 19th C.
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. Late 19th Century. Greece. Ready to go on a wall....
Silk
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. Late 19th Century. Turkey Ready to go on a wall. ...
Silk
Rustic Farmhouse Folk Art Painted Bridal Cabinet
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
Antique bridal wardrobe dating from around 1825, originating from Franconia, southern Germany. The aged character and the paintings give the whole piece an amazing appearance. Both t...
Pine, Paint
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. Late 19th Century. Turkey Ready to go on a wall. ...
Silk
British Sailor’s Woolwork of the ‘Outer Gabbard’ Lightship
Located in Downingtown, PA
Safe Harbor: British Sailor’s Woolwork of the ‘Outer Gabbard’ Lightship Circa 1910 This rare and evocative sailor’s woolwork, or "woolie," serves as a folk-art tribute to the Outer ...
Wool
20th Century American Draft Horse Hooked Rug on Custom Wall Mount
Located in Chicago, IL
Narrative comes stitched, not painted, in this 20th-century American folk art hooked rug—an image built loop by loop with clarity and conviction. Two white draft horses stand in prof...
Wool
Rustic Farmhouse Folk Art Painted Bridal Cabinet 1844
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
Antique bridal wardrobe dating from 1844, originating from Franconia, southern Germany. The heavily aged character and original paintings give it an amazing appearance. Both the desi...
Pine, Paint
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Amish Wool Diamond in a Square from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20Thc all wool diamond in a square from Lancaster county,Pennsylvania. The crib quilt is in mint condition and is all wool & very finely quilted. The backing is a brown & and the bin...
Wool
19thc Original Painted White Bucket With Handles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19thc red white and blue in original painted wooden bucket with metal fitting and wooden handles. Great size and amazing patina.
Wood
Enamelled ceramic centerpiece, France, 1930
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Glazed ceramic centerpiece, made in France in the 1930s. This handcrafted piece, with its naive charm, features a hand-painted design of stylized birds surrounding a central face in...
Ceramic
Country English Painted Pine Trunk with Georgian House Facade
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming grand country English folk art blanket chest or storage trunk crafted from pine measuring 3 feet wide. The chest features a later painted Georgian Manor house facade on thre...
Iron
$2,316Sale Price|20% Off
19Thc Original Blue Painted Blanket Chest
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18Thc Original blue painted blanket chest from Pennsylvania with dovetailed construction through out. The brass key plate is original as well.Wonderful aged patina.
Wood
Custom French Beaded Spray, Studio VL
Located in Riverdale, NY
Custom French Beaded Spray, Studio VL from the 1990's, France. Custom made in exaggerated scale with unusual color combinations of new and vintage French and Czech beads. Based on the traditional craft of French beaded flowers...
Brass
Vintage Hand Carved Pine Swan Motif Bench
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A true one of a kind hand made piece, a true conversation piece. Hand carved out of solid pine with no detail spared. If you're looking for a unique piece, something different, to pu...
Pine
Original Antique Framed Print of a Racehorse, 1847
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a racehorse presented in an antique oak frame Lithograph after George Stubbs with original hand color. Published, 1847. Please note the dark area to the right of th...
Oak, Paper
Swedish Folk Art Cabinet (19th Century, Painted, Northern Sweden)
Located in Kvidinge, SE
This is a classic two-part pine cabinet, typical of a Swedish northern home from the 19th century. The cabinet is painted in a beautiful light blue shade, a color that was very popul...
Brass
Lot of two Deer Antler Mount Trophy Black Forest Wood Plaque Austria Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A striking set of two vintage deer antler trophies mounted on beautifully hand-carved Black Forest wooden plaques, showcasing traditional Alpine craftsmanship. One plaque bears a vis...
Antler, Wood
Framed Antique Ottoman Embroidery, 19th C.
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. Late 19th Century. Turkiye Ready to go on a wall....
Silk
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. Late 19th Century. Turkey Ready to go on a wall. ...
Silk
American Folk Art 'PAN FRIED TROUT' Hanging Sign
Located in Chicago, IL
Three words, three fish, and not a hint of subtlety. Hand-carved from wood and painted to resemble rainbow trout, the trio reclines inside an oversized wooden frying pan as if awaiti...
Metal
$1,500Sale Price|20% Off
19thc Decorated Stoneware Pennsylvania Pitcher
By Frey Pottery Pennsylvania
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Hand made & decorated stoneware pitcher in fine as found condition.This was found in Berks County,Pennsylvania.Amazing thickness in the pottery.
Pottery
Large Late 19th Century Wood Scandinavian Painted Swan Decoy Centerpiece
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very charming vintage wooden hand-carved swan sculpture with a detailed bill and raised wings. This European folk art swan features an aged white ...
Wood, Paint
$4,223Sale 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 Green Antique Square Oushak Rug
Located in New York, NY
A square-sized green ground Antique Oushak Carpet from the 1900's Details rug no. j3461 size 9' 9" x 11' (297 x 335 cm) rug type Oushak
Wool
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
American Folk Art Large Painted Wrought Iron Sitting Cat Statue 1950s-1960s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage large American Folk Art statue features a large cat sitting with its tail raised up and slightly curled, looking straight forward with its ears perked up. The cat is sculpted...
Metal, Wrought Iron
Vintage Folk Art Embracing Couple Carved Wood Sculpture
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage carved wood folk art sculpture of an embracing couple. Great stylized carved detailing of a man and woman. A wonderful hand made sculptural accent. Measures 4.5"W x 4"D x 7...
Wood
19th Century Austrian Hand-Painted Pine Blanket Chest Trunk with Folk Art Floral
Located in Round Top, TX
Discover the warmth and character of this authentic 19th-century Austrian painted blanket chest, a beautifully timeworn example of Alpine folk art craftsmanship. Hand-painted with tr...
Wood, Pine
Antique Handpainted Wedding Chest, Hungary, 1843
Located in New York, NY
Antique Handpainted Wedding Chest, Hungary, 1843. This exquisite chest exhibits splendid hand-painted floral motifs executed in pretty reds, blues, and yellows cast against a dark ...
Pine, Paint
Archangel Antique Grulich Christmas Nativity Figure, late 19th Century Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Antique Grulich Nativity Figure — Late 19th Century This rare and culturally significant nativity figure originates from the historic Králiky region (formerly Grulich) in...
Wood
Swedish Farmhouse Corner Cabinet, 1817
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This antique Swedish corner cabinet from 1817 is a beautiful example of the traditional Allmoge style, also known as the farmhouse style. The cabinet features authentic hand-painted ...
Wrought Iron
Painted Farmhouse Corner Bench
Located in Greenwich, CT
A hand-painted late 19th century Hungarian corner bench. The bench is crafted in a corner‑settle form, built from solid wood and finished in a deep, traditional blue‑green ground. I...
Wood
French Carnival Paper-mache Clown Ball Toss Game c.1930-1950
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An antique French carnival clown ball toss game with wooden ball catch numbered 37. Hand crafted, hand painted paper-mache on board. CREATO...
Paint
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
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
American Carved Folk Art Masonic Walking Stick Cane
Located in Shippensburg, PA
CARVED FOLK ART MASONIC WALKING STICK Stained, ebonized and polychromed hardwood With bas-relief symbolism along the length of the shaft Circa late 19th century 36" in total length...
Hardwood
$1,340Sale Price|20% Off
19Thc Decorated Stoneware Crock Cowden & Wilcox Pa.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine decorated 19thc stone ware crock from Cowden & Wilcox in Harrisburg,Pennsylvania.This folky tulip hand painted & decorated large three gallon crock is in fine condition.It ...
Pottery
Decorative Hand-Carved Wooden Mancala Game Board, African, Mid-20th Century
Located in Odense, DK
A hand-carved wooden mancala game board showcasing a sculptural and well-balanced form. The top features a series of carved wells used for traditional counting games, while the base ...
Wood
Decorative Chinese Painted Wooden Bird Cage, Early 20th Century, 1930s
Located in Odense, DK
A charming decorative bird cage crafted in wood with metal bars and hand-painted details. The design features a domed top, small front doors, and delicate painted motifs, giving it a...
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.