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.
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 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
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
Scandinavian 18th Century Folk Art Hat Or Wick Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Danish wooden hat or wig box of wood with original painting.
Wood
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...
Wood, Paint, Birch
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
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
Antique Wooden and Cardboard Apothecary Pharmacy Storage Jar for Valerian Root
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1900s wooden and cardboard apothecary pharmacy storage jar or box for Valerian Root. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Found at an estate sale...
Plywood, Paper
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
Vintage Hand Painted Cowboy Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This charming wooden box is a unique piece of original folk art, featuring an expressive hand-painted profile portrait of a figure in traditional attire set against a serene, gabled-...
Wood, Paint
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
Pair of 19th-century Limewood Carvings of Romantic Tyrolean Scenes
Located in San Francisco, CA
Romance is in the air—make that Alpine air—with these two hand carved wood plaques. They depict a pair of romantic, bucolic scenes, and likely originated from Switzerland or the Tyro...
Wood
18/19th cent. Snuff box in solid wood with crucifixion
Located in Zemst, BE
18/19 th century snuff box Probably France Folk art Handcarved in solid wood box On the top a crucifixion scene in openwork technique On the sides extremely fine handcarved architu...
Hardwood
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
Folk Art Hand Painted Trinket Box in the Style of Peter Hunt Circa 1940s
By Peter Hunt
Located in Peabody, MA
Primitive hand decorated trinket box in the style of the noted Provincetown folk artist Peter Hunt, ca. 1940s. Humorous interior label indicates it is "four of four of a kind" and ...
Wood, Paint
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
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
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
Vintage Fedoskino Russian Lacquer Hinged Box Folk Art By Pike
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful Fedoskino Russian lacquered box depicting a fisherman with a Pike from the Russian Fairytale By Pike. Nicely finished with high gloss la...
Lacquer
Pair of Marquetry Boxes
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of marquetry boxes with aluminum pulls. Each box measures about 4.75" wide, 4.75" deep and 7" high.
Aluminum
18th Century Swedish Folk Art Box Dated 1752 with Sliding Lid
Located in Stockholm, SE
An exceptional 18th-century Swedish folk art box, dated 1752, showcasing traditional rural craftsmanship. Carved from solid wood, the box features a finely fitted sliding lid and dis...
Birch
Vintage Original Tramp Art Stacked Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional piece of American folk art showcases the meticulous craftsmanship of traditional Tramp Art. Characterized by its intricate, multi-layered notch-carving and geometric...
Wood
19th Century Swedish Wabi-Sabi Oak Lidded Box with Hand-Carved Patina
Located in Stockholm, SE
A soulful 19th-century lidded box handcrafted in Sweden from solid oak, showcasing the quiet beauty of the wabi-sabi aesthetic. This simple, round form reveals a deep, weathered pati...
Oak
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
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
19th Century English Tobacco Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
A piece that bridges the line between function and quiet artistry, this 19th-century English tobacco jar carries the charm of something handmade, meant to be lived with. Its barrel f...
Maple, Walnut
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
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Box
Located in Chicago, IL
A fascinating and truly unique early 20th century American Folk Art box with the most wonderful Greek temple design with eight blue painted Doric columns around the perimeter and wit...
Wood
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
$518Sale 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
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 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
Antique Swedish Wooden barrel early 1800's Handmade Folk Craft great condition
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine hand carved wooden barrel. Made to be used as a grain storage. Fine quality of wood. It is a true piece from the early 19 century. Beautiful patina on the inside...
Pine
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
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
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
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...
Shell
$128Sale Price|20% Off
Round Primitive Ceramic Decorative Trinket Studio Pottery Dish with Lid in Brown
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A round studio pottery trinket dish in brown. This piece will be perfect for a nightstand, coffee table, or bar. It is round and glazed in a deep brown. The lid on the top features a...
Ceramic, Clay
$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 Tramp Art Box / Jewelry Box Carved Brass 1893 Chip Carved War Decoration
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous Tramp Art box / Jewelry box marked 1893 and decorated with brass. The box contains multiple guns & pike helmets and a lions head holding a brass ring to open the chest. ...
Brass
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
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 Folk Art Box with Carved and Painted Cottage Scenes
Located in Atlanta, GA
Incredible Folk Art hand-carved and painted box with a charming cottage with tiled roof on the hinged lid. Three sides feature scenes of trees behind white fences and the box is rais...
Velvet, Wood, Paint
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
Burmese Yun Lacquer Betel Box
Located in Chicago, IL
Intricately decorated with red and black lacquer, this petite Burmese betel box (kun-it) is a lovely example of a traditional craft. A blend of betel leaves, areca nuts, slaked lime,...
Bamboo
Antique Swedish Hand-Made Folk Art Pine Flour Box
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique hand-made flour box from Sweden made in folk art during the second half of the 19th century, around 1860 to 1870. These boxes were either hung on the...
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
Maranao Brass Betel Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Decorated in relief and cloaked in an antique patina, this curious brass case is an early 20th century betel nut box, attributed to the Maranao people of the island of Mindanao, Phil...
Brass
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
Antique African Moroccan Tribal 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, nice geometric carvings and very fine patina. Collector large carved wooden vessel with brass embossed in the shape of a turtle with a long neck. Dimensions: 11"L x 3" H x 5" 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...
Wood
Small mid 19th century Swedish painted pine decorative box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Small mid 19th century Swedish painted pine strong box circa 1842. Beautiful small Scandinavian strong box, presented with scraped back paint to reveal original. Feintly still bari...
Metal
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
Shell Encrusted Rectangular Keepsake Box with Red Silk Lid
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Long rectangular shell encrusted box. Carefully applied shells decorate the top and bottom edges of this red board box in a variety of colors. At...
Shell, Silk, Paper
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...
Brass, Copper, Tin
$600Sale Price|36% Off
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
Maranao Silver Inlaid Betel Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Decorated with silver inlay and cloaked in an antique patina, this curious brass case is an early 20th century betel nut box, attributed to the Maranao people of the island of Mindan...
Brass, Silver
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
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 ...
Nickel
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
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