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.
„Caffeol Moretto Bricco“ Advertising Coffee Tin Box Can Vintage Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming and highly collectible Italian coffee advertising storage tin, dating to the 1940s or earlier. This decorative canister features richly detailed coffee-themed imagery, evo...
Tin
Antique Swedish Folk Art Tea Caddy in Hand-Carved Wood, 19th century
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A fine hand-tooled and ebonized wooden tea canister of Swedish origin - circa 1850-1890. Folk art piece made by an unknown artisan. Measurements: H: 18 cm, Diameter: 15 cm.
Oak
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...
Other
Hand-Painted Enameled Pewter Frog Trinket Box Accented Green Austrian Crystals
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a hand-painted enameled pewter frog trinket box accented with green Austrian crystals and a gold-tone finish.It features a hinged opening, designed to store s...
Enamel
19th Century Swedish antique rustic Wooden box with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
This original 19th-century wooden box features sturdy iron handles on each side and is painted in a beautiful, aged gray. The box could be used for storage or as a decorative eleme...
Iron
Early 19th Century Swedish Hand-Carved Oak Lidded Box, Wabi-Sabi Folk Art
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautifully understated early 19th-century Swedish lidded box, hand-carved in solid oak and rich with age and character. The simple circular form is elevated by a deeply developed ...
Oak
Vintage Embossed Metal Trinket Box With Festive Village Scene
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A richly detailed vintage trinket box cast in metal with a gold-tone finish, showcasing an intricate relief of village life wrapping around the sides and continuing across the lid. T...
Metal
African Tuareg Hand-Tooled Black Leather Box, Mauritania, 1950
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Hand tooled black leather box from Africa. Very fine workmanship with tribal traditional African symbols on black leather. African Tuareg style probably ...
Leather
Petite Chinese Rice Measure, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This rustic, wooden container is an early 20th century rice measure, used to portion out servings of dry rice and other grains. In keeping with the larger rice measures used at marke...
Pine
Antique Red Tole Metal Tea Coffee Countertop Storage Bin
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Wonderful patina on this antique general store tea or coffee canister. Certainly a unique piece that could used on a kitchen counter or in a reta...
Metal
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...
Brass
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...
Soapstone
Vintage Tin Box Cookie Jar Belsnickel Santa Claus Vintage Germany, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This beautiful decorative Christmas Tin Box with Santa or Belsnickle Picture is a true treasure. It was made in Germany, around 1930s. These are very har...
Tin
Vintage Wood 2 Drawer Spool Jewelry Box Chest of Drawers, 1920's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming antique spool cabinet, also known as a thread cabinet or country store cabinet. These cabinets were used in general stores and haberdash...
Wood
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"...
Wood
Italian Jewelry or Decorative Box, Early 20th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early 20th Century Italian jewelry box. This sweet petite box is a perfect piece to hold jewelry or any small collectibles. Sitting atop a vanity, d...
Wood
Handcrafted Moroccan Bone Inlaid Hexagonal Wood Trinket Box, 1960s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
1960s Handcrafted Bone Inlaid Trinket Moroccan Wood Trinket Box. Handmade artisanal mid century inlaid trinket decorative lidded Moroccan box. This hexagonal shaped decorative box ha...
Bone, Fruitwood
Colorful Semi Precious Stone Rectangular Jewelry or Trinket Box with Lid
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful colorful decorative box with a lid created from Carrara marble and inlaid with a variety of semi-precious stones. The sides are inlaid with a variety of stones in abstrac...
Stone, Jade, Carrara Marble
Antique Swedish Wooden barrel 1800's Handmade Folk Craft great condition
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine and birch hand painted wooden barrel. Made to be used as a washing basin. Fine quality of bentwood. It is a true piece from the early 19 century. Beautiful patin...
Birch, Pine
19th Century Swedish antique rustic Folk Art Wooden box with original color
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish folk art wooden box from Piteå, Norbotten Northern Sweden The wooden box has untouched original color. The box is stable in construction. Nice storage inside. Ha...
Iron
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...
Steel
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...
Wood
19th Century Blue Swedish Folk Art Chest or Box
Located in Kramfors, SE
Blue folk art chest or box from Sweden. The chest is in untouched original condition with the first layer of original paint. Hand wrought hardware in iron with functional lock and key.
Pine
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...
Other
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...
Other
Unusual "Stamp" Rose in Box
Located in Riverdale, NY
Unusual "Stamp" rose in box handcrafted "Rose" made of hundreds of French stamps, circa 1950s. Unusual French novelty in its own glass and brass framed casket. ...
Bronze
Scandinavian Tine, or Svepask, Painted Bentwood Oval-Shape Box
Located in Chireno, TX
Scandinavian tine, or svepask, painted bentwood oval-shape box circa late 19th century, probably from the Sogn og Fjordane region. Box is created from thin layers of steam-bent wood ...
Iron
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...
Metal
Antique Swedish Wooden butter storage box 1800's Handmade Folk Craft
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine and birch wooden butter storage box . Fine quality of bentwood. It is a true piece from the early 19 century. Painted blue and faded trough time. Nice addition...
Birch, Pine
Swedish 19th Century Wooden Folk Art Box With Shaving Knives
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Swedish original painted Folk Art box. From the beginning of the 19th century, used to keep shaving knives and similar supplies. Included 3 knives with the razor blades in English ...
Wood
19th Century American Birdseye Maple Box with Brass Accents
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...
Brass, Iron
Swedish 1840 Slide Top Box
Located in Greenwich, CT
Scandinavian bridal pantry box dated 1840 and having original and very decorative painted surface, the sliding lid with heavily chamfered edge and betrothed initials dividing the "18...
Birch
$13,811Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Swedish Wooden Kitchen Cabinet 1846 Handmade Folk Craft great condition
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine hand build wooden kitchen cabinet. Made to be used as a dough plater storage to the left side and a storage to the right side. Fine quality of wood. It is a true...
Pine
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...
Wood, Fruitwood, Nutwood
Vintage Round Ethnic Hand-Tooled Tuareg Leather Box African Folk Art Mauritania
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Hand-Tooled Tuareg Leather Box – Vintage African Folk Art, Mauritania This exquisite vintage round leather box showcases the artistry of West African craftsmanship, likely Tuareg in ...
Leather
18th Century Swedish genuine country Folk Art box with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
A very beautiful folk Art box from Burträsk ,Västerbotten Northern Sweden. A very decorative original painting that is typical of that region. Nice salmon pink original painting ins...
Pine
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 ...
Pine, Paint
Antique African Moroccan Tribal Carved Wood Flask 19th C.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique North African Moroccan tribal wood flask. Rare late 19th century powder flask box from the Rif, Northern Morocco with a drum-shaped body hand carved wood with ethnic motifs, brass studded nails, nice geometric carvings and very fine patina. Collector large carved wooden vessel in the shape of a turtle with a long neck. Dimensions: 10"L x 3" H x 5.75" diameter. Designed with practicality in mind, this flask features two robust metal rings on the side, perfect for securely attaching it to a belt or satchel, making it an ideal companion for hunting. The upper, narrower section includes a precisely drilled hole, providing easy access to the powder inside, underscoring the flask's functional yet artistic design. This wood gunpowder flask...
Brass, Bronze
Antique Swedish Wooden basket backpack 1800's Handmade Folk Craft
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine and birch wooden backpack storage box. It was use to pickup the berries in the woods. Fine quality of birch bentwood. It is a true piece from the early 19 centur...
Birch, Pine
French Tramp Art Hand-Carved Wooden Box with Diamond Motifs, circa 1890
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Tramp Art wooden box dating to circa 1890, intricately hand-carved with the layered, notched construction characteristic of the style. The rectangular form is richly ornamen...
Wood
Antique Swedish Wooden basket 1800's Handmade Folk Craft natural color
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine and birch wooden basket. It was left with the natural wood who now have a charming patina. Fine quality of bentwood. It is a true piece from the early 19 century...
Birch, Pine
Antique Genuine Swedish Folk Art Box Made by Hand in Pine with Authentic Patina
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish folk art box made by hand in solid pine. This box is made in northern Sweden during the mid 1800s, around 1850, and is in original condition with the first layer of paint. Th...
Pine
Antique Swedish Wooden basket 1800's Handmade Folk Craft Blue and black
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine and birch wooden storage box. It was painted blue with black edges. Fine quality of bentwood. It is a true piece from the early 19 century. More units could be f...
Birch, Pine
$1,180Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Original Grey Painted Large Candle Box from New England
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic 19th century original grey painted handmade large scale candle box from New England .This wonderful slide top box has such great personality and great construction. It is e...
Pine
Antique Swedish Wooden basket 1800's Handmade Folk Craft natural color
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine and birch wooden storage box. It was left with the natural wood who now have a charming patina. Fine quality of bentwood. It is a true piece from the early 19 ce...
Birch, Pine
$513Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Swedish Wooden storage box 1865 Handmade Folk Craft
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine and birch wooden storage box. . Fine quality of bentwood. It is a true piece from the 19 century. Initials are hand painted on the top 1865 and hand engraved und...
Birch, Pine
Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Travel Box / Chest with Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
Early 19th century Swedish Folk Art travel box from Skellefteå Västerbotten, Northern Sweden. Beautiful untouched originalpaint. Decorated with handwrought iron around the box and ov...
Pine
Vintage Handcrafted and Carved Wood Box Leaf Motif, Jewelry Box, Keepsake Box
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage handmade beautifully carved wooden box, jewelry box or keepsake box. The Inside has 2 compartments which measure 3.38 x 3.38 inches. No makers mark. A-916-335
Wood, Walnut
Decorative traditional 19th century hand painted Swedish box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Decorative traditional 19th century hand painted Swedish box circa 1840. We are pleased to offer this strong box from our travels around Scandinavia. Hand painted with yellow flora...
Iron
Early 19th Century Norwegian Folk Art Birch Butter Box with Carved Female Finial
Located in Kastrup, DK
Folk art: Norwegian lidded box (butter box) crafted in birch with rich woodcarving. The lid finial carved as a seated woman. Lid and rim decorated with reliefs of oak leaves, acorns,...
Birch
Fantastic Oversized 19th Century Walnut Wall Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This wonderful handmade walnut wall box has a hinged lift top and is in great condition. This oversize box could be used on a counter or a wall. The construct...
Walnut
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Folk Art Grain Painted Blanket Chest with Strap Hinges, Dated 1846
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Folk Art blanket chest or trunk offers grain painted wood construction with central date of 1846, strap hinges and interior patch ...
Paint, Wood
Petite Indonesian Brass Betel Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite brass box was originally part of an early 20th century betel box set from Indonesia, one of several small containers that held the individual ingredients of a betel quid....
Brass
Two 19th Century Ceramic Parrot Money Banks, Bornholm Denmark
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Fantastic 19th Century ceramic parrot money banks, Bornholm Denmark. We see this sitting atop books on a coffee or side table as well as foyer or dresser for loose coins. Wonderful ...
Earthenware
Early 20th Century Folk Art "American Eagle" Silhouette Decorative Box
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Folk art decorative box with eagle motif in attractive red paint (ca. 1910-1920, USA). The hinged top opens to reveal a divided storage compartment, per...
Wood, Paint
Asian Black and Red Round Box Lacquer Offering Vessel Urn
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
South Asian Burmese black and red lacquer box, offering vessel urn with compartment for storage. This round lacquer ware box from Burma is made from bamboo and lacquer. In Burma (now...
Bamboo
Swedish Folk Art, Large Vessel, Pine, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A pine, large vessel or container produced in Sweden, 19th century. All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Pine
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Polychrome Semi-Precious Stone Hexagonal Inlaid Box, 20th Century
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A finely crafted polychrome semi-precious stone box featuring an intricate hexagonal mosaic inlay composed of richly colored natural stones. The lid displays a jewel-like honeycomb p...
Stone, Onyx, Granite, Marble
Hand Made Dovetailed Pyrography and Inlaid Lid Keepsake Box with Photo Album
Located in Ferndale, MI
Beautifully made keepsake box. Hinged lid and spine are intricately inlaid with mother of pearl, exotic wood, beads. Backside has pyrographic image burned in. All nicely joined with dovetail detail. Not sure on country of origin. Backside image does show local dress for the area. Vintage photo album...
Brass
Anthony Redmile Shell Encrusted Duck or Swan Box Redmile Objects London England
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful RARE Anthony Redmile shell encrusted swan or duck form box, 20th c. Red lined interior with "redmile objects london - england' stickers. Substantial weight.
Shell, Lacquer