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Folk Art Boxes

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
French 19th Century Folk Art Leather Box
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful weathered Folk Art box made out of wood and covered with leather. Working lock and key. France, circa 1850 Weathered, small losses.
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Leather, Wood

Folk Art Jewelry Box - Sewing Box, Wooden House Model, Mid-Century France 1950s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Folk Art Jewelry Box or Sewing Box, Wooden House Model, France 1950s Charming mid-century French wooden box in the shape of a small house, handcrafted in the 1950s. A unique piece o...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Wood, Birch, Plywood

Alpine Kitchen Diorama
Located in Greenwich, CT
A large hand-made model of an Alpine kitchen circa 1910, in a walled surround with canted corners and turned feet, having exquisitely detailed furniture, appliances and fittings craf...
Category

1910s Swiss Vintage Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Wood

19th Century Walnut Box With Bone and Mother Of Pearl Inlay
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century walnut box with bone and mother of pearl inlay, whaler made. This beautifully hand crafted box would have been made during the long voyage of a whaling ship. The star in...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Bone, Mother-of-Pearl, Walnut

19th Century Swedish antique genuine rustic Bent wood box with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Bentwood Box from Hälsingland, Northern Sweden. Oval box with lid. Originalpainted with nice patina after several hundred years of use. Beautifully pain...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Pine

Small 19th Century original painted sarcophagus box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Small 19th century original painted sarcophagus box circa 1870. Beautiful decorative box with original paint.   Sarcophagus shaped lidded box in original paint with traces of origin...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Pine, Paint

Folk Art Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Cowrie, Painted Palm & Bamboo 1950’s Sasak
Located in London, GB
Sasak Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Cowrie & Painted Palm 1950’s Handwoven and richly adorned, this 1950’s Sasak dowry box from Lombok, Indonesia, captures the ceremonial artistry of...
Category

1920s Indonesian Vintage Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Other

Hand-Carved English Yorkshire Terrier Box, Circa 1930's
Located in High Point, NC
Vintage English hand-carved box in the form of a Yorkshire Terrier. This box just grabs your heart and squeezes it with the fluffy coat of fur and the sweet expression. This piece ...
Category

1930s English Vintage Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Fruitwood

Japanese Urushi craftsman's workbench w/ drawers, box chest of drawers wabi sabi
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
At the first glance, this looks like an art piece done by a modern abstract artist - with the layers of random, thicker paint on it. But the truth is, this small box chest of drawers...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Vintage Artists Paint Box and Pallet, Denmark
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish Vintage Artists Paint Box and Pallet, Early 20th Century Well loved Danish artists traveling wooden box with everything needed to paint on location. This charming box, acqui...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Brass

19th Century Tramp Art Jewelry Box
Located in High Point, NC
19th century tramp art jewelry box from England. The box has a domed top with layers upon layers of molded edges, leading up to a graceful formed...
Category

19th Century English Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Fruitwood

Large Wooden Tramp Art Box Folk Art Gold 20th Century
Located in Poperinge, BE
Large tramp art box with lid and brass handle, folk art object made of layered pieces of gold, partly gold colored, from the late first half of the 20th century. Beautiful form of f...
Category

1940s European Vintage Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Wood

Antique Tramp Art Box with Mirrors Folk Art Collectible
Located in Poperinge, BE
Beautiful antique tramp art box with mirrored panels on the sides and top, pointed feet and a triangular lid, partly covered with green velvet inside and decorated with a small mirro...
Category

Early 20th Century European Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Japanese vintage urushi small Kiri tansu box chest of drawers, wabi sabi mingei
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Japanese vintage small box tansu chest of drawers, Kohikidashi, fully made of Kiri (Paulownia). Refinished by seller with traditional black Urushi ...
Category

20th Century Japanese Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Wood

Hand-painted "hippopotamus" chest by Gerard Rigot, France, 1980's
Located in TOURS, FR
Hand-painted "hippopotamus" chest by Gerard Rigot, France, 1980's
Category

1980s French Vintage Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Wood

Antique Black Forest Brienz Hand Carved Trinket Box, Folk Art 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Found in Germany at an estate sale, this hand carved trinket box or catchall is perfect for the collector. Nice antique collectible to display in yo...
Category

1890s German Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Wood

Hand-Carved Vintage Folk Art Wooden Tramp Art Style Storage Box
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Hand-Carved vintage Folk Art wooden Tramp Art style storage box from Poland. This handcrafted Tramp Art style box is covered with geometric designs creating alternating depths on all...
Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Wood

Mid 18th century hand painted traditional Swedish pine chest
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 18th century hand painted traditional Swedish chest/box circa 1750. Stunning traditional Swedish box hand painted in the original paintwork.   Decorated on all sides with swags ...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Iron

19th Century Swedish Allmoge Folk Art Bentwood Chest
Located in Pearland, TX
An incredible Swedish hand-painted chest, having hand-forged iron straps and fittings. Original key included.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Bentwood

Mid 19th Century Swedish Folk Art small Travel box /chest with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
Mid 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Travel box from Skellefteå Västerbotten, Northern Sweden. Beautiful untouched original paint. Dated 1858 Decorated with handwrought iron around the ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Iron

Mid 18th century Swedish pine chest decorated with labyrinth
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 18th century Swedish pine chest decorated with labyrinth circa 1730. Rare and beautiful Swedish pine chest.   Traces of original paint to the outside with decorative metal strap...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Metal

Danish 19th Century Wooden Folk Art Bible Box "Forget Me Not"
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-19th century wooden box designed to look like a Bible. Text engraved with monogramme. The four words in the corners are quite cute and charming: Danish: "FOR - GLEM - MIG - EJ"...
Category

19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Wood

Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Cowrie, Painted Palm & Bamboo 1950’s
Located in London, GB
Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Sasak, Cowrie & Painted Palm 1950’s Handwoven and richly adorned, this 1950’s Sasak dowry box from Lombok, Indonesia, captures the ceremonial artistry o...
Category

1920s Indonesian Vintage Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Other

Southeast Asian Painted Offering Box
Located in Chicago, IL
This footed offering box from southeast Asia brings vibrant color and folk charm to modern interiors as a vide-poche or catch-all dish. The vintage box is shaped of hand-turned wood ...
Category

20th Century Southeast Asian Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Wood

Rare Swedish Antique Blue Folk Art Box
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rare antique blue box in folk art from Sweden made during the mid 1800s. The box is an attractive size and can be used for anything from storing doc...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Pine

English Folk Art Book Box
Located in Chicago, IL
A bit of English whimsy rendered in oak: this 20th-century box takes the form of a book, complete with a hinged “cover” that lifts to reveal hidden storage within. The brass hinges a...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Oak

Swedish folk art painted wooden box "Timplåda" with sliding lid
Located in Kvidinge, SE
Painted box with a typical Swedish art work decor, dated 1836. A 'timplåda' is a traditional Swedish wooden box, handcrafted with care. Popular during the 18th and 19th centuries, ...
Category

1830s Swedish Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Pine

Victorian Antique Smoker’s Cane Walking Stick with Money & Matches Box
Located in Shippensburg, PA
VICTORIAN SMOKING CANE WITH A ROTATING MONEY BOX AND MATCH COMPARTMENT Unmarked, probably English; late 19th/early 20th century 35" H x 2 1/8" W An interesting smoker's cane, the ...
Category

20th Century British Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Nickel

Folk Art Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Cowrie, Painted Palm & Bamboo 1950’s Sasak
Located in London, GB
Sasak Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Cowrie & Painted Palm 1950’s Handwoven and richly adorned, this 1950’s Sasak dowry box from Lombok, Indonesia, captures the ceremonial artistry of...
Category

1950s Indonesian Vintage Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Other

19thC Antique Folk Art Treenware Carved Turned Wood Tea Caddy Box Handpainted
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This striking antique 19th-century treenware tea caddy is a beautiful example of folk art craftsmanship. Skillfully hand-carved and turned from wood, this charming caddy features a r...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Wood

Antique Scandinavian Wooden Container Tejne Original Blue Paint, Sweden ca 1850s
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Antique Scandinavian wooden container with original blue paint. It´s most likely from Sweden and most likely made around 1850. We suppose it has been used for storage of food. It ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Marquetry Box or Chest with Inlaid Star, French 19th Century
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Folk Art Marquetry Box or Chest with Inlaid Star, French 19th Century Beautiful decorative wooden box or small chest. Folk Art from the 1890s, it features an inlaid star motif on t...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Wood, Fruitwood, Nutwood

Early 19th century Swedish hand painted pine blanket box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 19th century Swedish painted blanket box circa 1816. Traditional rag painted Swedish box which is initialed and dated 1816.  Flat top lid which makes it ideal for doubling up ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Pine, Paint

Antique Silver Repousse Islamic Talisman Holder
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique Silver Repousse Islamic Talisman box Holder. Large Berber tribal ethnic talisman pendant holder. In triangular shape, silver repousse talisman miniature case which would have stored select verses of the Koran Revelation considered to hold special protective powers. This would have originally been worn by someone to protect from the evil eye. The front has intricate, dense design., the back is plain, the box have been sealed and soldered to protect the scriptures. Large silver triangle pendant with hanging beads, embossed silver metal with geometrical relief and repousse. This beautiful antique ethnic piece could be worn as a piece of jewelry, pendant or pin broch, necklace, pendant. Silver Metal triangle shaped box with eleven hanging charms that will makes sounds to push away any bad spirit when moving. Great Islamic Folk Art, metal work, bold, beautiful and musical. The containers would have also held a miniature paper scroll containing a combination of prayers and Koranic verses. Material: German nickel silver. circa 1920s. Probably from North India, Kashmir, but similar to the North African Berber and Tuareg Jewelry...
Category

Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Silver

19th Century Folk Art Rectangular Wood Pencil Trinket Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish charming handcrafted box with unbeatable patina. This storage or keepsake box is in untouched original condition with age-appropriate wear from use. The wooden lid slides effo...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Metal

Stripped Hand Carved Stash Box Cat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully crafted and hand-carved Sculpture of a Cat, Stash box. The large and bulbous cat is stripped and quite handsome, the underside has a removable slide door that can hold...
Category

20th Century Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Wood

Pink and Purple Sea Shell Encrusted Hinged Box with Purple Velvet Interior
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Elevate your space with this exceptionally rare vintage seashell box, a true testament to artisanal craftsmanship and natural beauty. Adorned with a curated arrangement of hand-selected seashells in soft lavenders, rose-pinks, creams, and ivory, this one-of-a-kind coastal treasure box evokes the romance of old-world seaside glamour. Likely crafted in the mid-20th century, this shell-encrusted jewelry box features a charming domed lid and intricate shell mosaic work—making it a standout addition to any vintage coastal decor, cottagecore aesthetic, or grandmillennial interior. Whether styled on a vanity, nestled into a bookshelf, or offered as a luxurious gift, this box blends nostalgia with natural elegance. Key Features: Authentic vintage seashell trinket box, circa 1950s–1970s Completely handmade using real seashells, no two alike Gorgeous palette of pastel shells: mauve, blush, ivory, taupe Functional hinged lid and purple velvet-lined interior Ideal for jewelry storage, keepsakes, or as an heirloom gift Excellent vintage condition with rich patina and natural wear Styling Ideas: Style atop a Louis XV bombe chest...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Shell

Collectible spectacular rare big box, casket, tramp art, folk art, 1890, Austria
Located in Wien, AT
This incredibly rare box is made in the famous austrian tramp art around 1890 to 1900, its a extraordinary richly decorated example of these boxes. The object is rectangular in shap...
Category

1890s Austrian Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Brass

19th Century Folk Art Wood Black Painted Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Folk Art Wood Black Painted Box, Mid to late 19th Century. Charming handcrafted black painted box with unbeatable patina. The interior features off white paint and there is a bras...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Brass

Large Antique Carved Painted Collectibles Box with Lions
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique carved wood painted box featuring two lions. This rectangular box features a hinged lid made of iron. The box is perfect for collectables as well as securing important docume...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Metal

Scandinavian hand painted 19th century pine strong box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Scandinavian hand painted 19th century pine strong box circa 1840. Good example of traditional rustic Swedish woodwork.  Painted in a russet red paint with hand painted cream drags....
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Metal

Swedish Marriage Box
Located in Greenwich, CT
A Swedish dowry box presented to the bride by her parents on the occasion of her marriage, decorated with homemade pigments in traditional folk-art patterns in faded grey blues and s...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Wood

Vintage Hand Carved & Painted Soapstone Tiger Box - Unsigned - Late 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage hand carved and painted soapstone lidded box - taking the form of a seated tiger - unsigned - country of origin unknown - late 20th century. Excellent vintage condition - cl...
Category

Late 20th Century Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Soapstone

Scandinavian hand painted folk art pine box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Scandinavian hand painted folk art pine box circa 1850. Fine example of traditional Swedish hand painted woodenware. Slight dome topped lid which opens to reveal a unfitted interio...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th Century American Birds Eye Maple Wood Box
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century birdseye maple box with brass nail head decoration and iron lock plate and hasp. This box is hand crafted with beautiful dovetail joints visible on the corners, evidence...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Brass, Iron

Salvador Teran Mosaic Mexican Brass and Tile Box with Aztec Medallion
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful Tile Mosaic and Brass box with wooden interior - the box is made in Taxco by Salvador Teran, who started the famed Los Castillo shop. The maker of the box is likely Salv...
Category

20th Century Mexican Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Brass

Handcrafted Antique Tinned Copper Metal Betel Box, India
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Beautiful handcrafted antique tinned copper decorative octagonal betel box with with lid, handle and brass latch. The metal is delicately and int...
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Brass, Copper, Tin

19th Century hand painted tine decorative box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century hand painted tine decorative box circa 1860. Good quality Swedish tine box, used for storing valuables or foods for secure storage.  This example in it's original blue ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th Century Collection of 9 Swedish Boxes in Birch Bark
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 9 Swedish carved small Folk Art boxes made in birch bark and pine wood from the Scandinavian country side. These 19th Century/Early 20th Century small collectibles we...
Category

1890s Swedish Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Wood, Paint, Birch

Antique Swedish Wooden barrel 1800's Handmade Folk Craft great condition
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine hand crafted wooden barrel. Made to be used as a washing basin or a grain storage. Fine quality of bentwood. It is a true piece from the early 19 century. Beaut...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Birch, Pine

Russian Hand Painted Lacquerware Palekh Miniature Table Box
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and exceptional finely painted vintage Imperial Russian lacquerware box. Exquisitely hand-crafted in the Palekhsky District (Палех) of wes...
Category

20th Century Russian Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Lacquer

Antique Rajasthani Footed Chest Box India 1900's
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique Rajasthani Shekhawati Merchant's Footed Chest Box India 1900's. Early 20th Century Indian carved wood storage cash footed box used by merchants in ...
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Metal

19th Century Indonesian Red and Black Lacquered Document Box with Brass Handles
Located in Middleburg, VA
This 19th century red and black lacquered Indonesian document box is a beautiful way to keep your important papers tucked away. Made of richly patinated teak with intricate red and b...
Category

19th Century Indonesian Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Teak

Hand-painted "sheep" chest by Gerard Rigot, France, 1980's
Located in TOURS, FR
Hand-painted "sheep" chest by Gerard Rigot, France, 1980's
Category

1980s French Vintage Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Wood

Early Swedish 19th Century Wooden Folk Art Box with Originally Paint
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Swedish original painted Folk Art box. From the beginning of the 19th century, most likely used to keep writing supplies and office materials.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Pine

Rare Asian camphorwood jewelry box from the 1950s
Located in Cantù, IT
Rare Asian camphorwood jewelry box from the 1950s
Category

20th Century Central Asian Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Wood

Chinese Checkered Papier-Mâché Box
Located in Chicago, IL
Formed around a simple wooden frame, this papier-mâché storage box is a charming example of Chinese folk art. Crafted with old newspapers and dyed rice paper, the box would have been...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Paper

Black Forest Hand-Carved Wooden Terrier Box
Located in Northport, MI
This is a joyful novelty- a Black Forest hand-carved Terrier box. A beautifully executed piece with exceptional detail, right down to the tail. This terrier’s hind legs are attached ...
Category

1920s German Vintage Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Wood

Mid 19th century Swedish folk art painted box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century swedish folk art painted box circa 1865. Good quality swedish pine metal bound box.  Decorated with original ragwork paint and blue painted strap work.  Hand painte...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Metal

Antique Swedish flour Wooden storage box 1800's Handmade Folk Craft blue painted
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine and birch wooden flour box. All made by hand, the lid is perfectly adjusted to the barrel. Fine quality of bentwood. It is a true piece from the late 18 century ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Boxes

Materials

Birch, Pine

Folk Art boxes for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art boxes 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 boxes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, folk art, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, softwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art boxes made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original boxes, popular names associated with this style include Berber Tribes of Morocco, Anthony Redmile London, Arthur Court, and Frank Finney. 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 boxes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $95 and tops out at $4,600 while the average work can sell for $848.

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