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.
Midcentury Pair of Wrought Iron Tripod Candleholders
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Pair of wrought iron candleholders rised on tripod base, black painted. Measures: Height 17.50 in (44.5 cm) Width/Depth 6.50 in (16.5 cm).
Iron
Mexican Tin Candleholder Hand-Punched Folk Art from the Jonathan Parks Estate
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
An exceptional mid-century Mexican tin candleholder, featuring three arms and intricate hand-punched star and dot motifs typical of folk tinwork from Oaxaca and central Mexico. The symmetrical, crescent-shaped form is elevated on a pedestal base, giving the piece both architectural structure and sculptural presence. The underside bears the simple stamped mark “MEXICO,” confirming its origin. This piece was sourced from the Jonathan Parks estate in Santa Fe, known for his discerning eye for Southwestern and Latin American art and design. The geometric punching patterns and domed detailing echo traditional “hojalata” (tin art) techniques that Mexican artisans developed in the 19th and 20th centuries—originally inspired by Spanish colonial metalwork traditions. Condition Excellent vintage condition with age-appropriate wear, light surface oxidation, and minor irregularities consistent with handcraftsmanship. The piece retains a soft, silvery patina that highlights its intricate texture and history. Styling Ideas - Display as a centerpiece on a rustic farmhouse or desert-modern dining table, flanked by pottery or woven textiles. - Style on a mantel, console, or altar table alongside santos figures, retablos, or other Mexican tinwork. - Perfect for interiors that celebrate Santa Fe style, Hacienda revival, or old-world craftsmanship — blending beautifully with both European and Southwestern antiques...
Tin
Swedish Folk Art Hand-Carved Wooden Candelabra, 1940s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare Swedish five-arm candelabra, handmade from solid wood in the 1940s. The design blends folk tradition and modernist sculpture - its bold silhouette and rhythmic surface carving...
Wood
Hand-crafted Wooden Candlestick "4 Horses", Folk Art, Norway / Sweden
Located in Skien, NO
20th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Candlestick - 4 Horses This stunning semi-antique candlestick is a beautiful example of Scandinavian folk art from the first half of 1900s. Handcr...
Wood
Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Wood, Sweden, 1900
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and yellow-painted organic candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1900. fits 0.70”-0.75” diameter candles
Wood
Primitive 19th Century Wrought Iron Candle Holder
Located in Bozeman, MT
Primitive and rather large 19th century wrought iron tripod candle holder with a fixed socket and a sprung Jaw holder for use of the last stump of the candlelight. Ca 1820 Northern E...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Mexican Colorful Folk Art Ceramic Vase Tecuanes Dance Vessel
By Los Castillo
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Beautiful Mexican ceramic vase made with cooked clay and decorated with acrylic paint. The vessel represents the traditional dance for the good...
Ceramic, Acrylic, Clay
Taserud candelabra, in wood and wrought iron, Swedish Folk
Located in Stockholm, SE
A traditional Taserud candelabra by Koppfeldt Arvika. In stained, hand cut wood and wrought iron candle holders. A history of the Taserudsstaken: The Taserudsstake is a strong sym...
Iron
Swedish Folk Art Hand-Carved Wooden Candelabra, Vintage
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage hand-carved candelabra features sculptural three-arm form in solid wood. Faceted arms and base add textural element to otherwise minimally shaped piece, showing an influence...
Wood, Fruitwood
Swedish Folk Art Hand-Carved Wooden Candelabra Metal Inserts
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage hand-carved candelabra features sculptural three-arm form in solid wood, equipped with white metal inserts with bobeches. Detailed arms and base with tools marks add textural...
Wood, Beech
Swedish Hand-Carved Wooden Candelabra, 1940s
By Smålandsslöjd, Stig Johnsson
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Sculptural Nordic folk art three-arm candelabra made and decorated entirely by hand from solid wood in the 1940s. A modernist style piece handmade using traditional Swedish folk art ...
Wood
Hand-Carved Stone Candelabra, Three-Branched Design, Morocco 1970s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Hand-Carved Stone Candelabra, Three-Branched Design, Morocco 1970s Moroccan candleholder carved from stone and adorned with very thin geometric patterns on both sides. Artisanal wo...
Stone, Limestone, Soapstone
Pair Of Hand Carved Wooden African Candle Holders, 1970s
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Pair Of Hand Carved Wooden African Candle Holders, 1970s
Wood
Handcrafted Swedish Folk Art Candelabra, Seven Arms, Vintage 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Large folkoristic wooden hand-crafted candelabra with seven arms attached on thin, slightly adjustable metal rods. Handpainted in Nordic folklore style with burgundy, rose, green and...
Metal
Large antique Finnish 19th century wooden candelabra
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Elevate your home decor with this exquisite large antique Finnish 19th century wooden candelabra. This majestic piece embodies timeless Finnish elegance, making it a perfect statemen...
Metal
Vintage Handmade Pottery Musician Single Candle Holder
Located in Seattle, WA
This unique candle holder Art is believed to be Peruvian folk art but not confirmed. It features a Musician with horn instrument and holder for a candle in his hat. This piece has ni...
Wood
Rare antique Italian 7-flame candelabra
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Rare antique Italian 7-flame candelabra
Brass
$184Sale Price|20% Off
White Candelabra with Bird Figurine
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Enrich your decor with our exquisite vintage white ceramic candelabra, a showcase of intricate design and remarkable craftsmanship. This piece features a branch-like structure, adorn...
Metal
Midcentury Candleholder in Brass from Austria
Located in Vienna, Austria
Decorative midcentury candleholder from Austria. It comes as a set and includes scissors for controlling the wick and another element for snuffing the fra...
Brass
Swedish 1960s Steel Hearts Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Swedish hand-wrought steel candelabra with four candleholders. 18 cut steel hearts adorn frame. Signed with stamp, Made in Sweden.
Steel
$1,093 / set
H 11.5 in Dm 8.3 in
Rare & Sturdy Pair of Brutalist Forged Wrought Iron Candlesticks / Candleholders
Located in Lisse, NL
Stylish and very strong pair of timeless candle sticks. If you are looking for beautiful Arts & Crafts antiques to grace your living space then this hand-crafted and timeless pair c...
Wrought Iron
Tiffany & Co. Hand-Crafted Clear Crystal Candlesticks, USA
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Pair of Tiffany & Co. Clear Crystal Candlesticks. A gorgeous pair of crystal candlesticks By Tiffany & Co., New York, USA. Austria, Late 20th Century Measures: 4.5"W x 4.5"D x 8.5"H....
Crystal
Brass Candleholder from Turkey
Located in New York, NY
A solid brass candleholder from Turkey. Sturdy forged construction. Crown head. Measures: 15 1/4" high on a 8 1/4"diameter base Elegant accent for any dining table, coffee table, si...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Brass, Metal, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and black-lacquered metal candelabra designed by Gunnar Ander and produced by Ystad-Metall, Sweden, c. 1940s. fits 0.5” diameter candle
Metal, Brass
Set of Four Swedish Folk Art Rooster Candle Holders, 1980s
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
Set of Four Swedish Folk Art Rooster Candle Holders, 1980s Charming set of four Swedish folk art candle holders, crafted in the 1980s and shaped as stylised roosters. Made from soli...
Wood
Antique Swedish Folk Art Hand-Crafted Painted Bowl
Located in Kramfors, SE
Painted folk art bowl from northern Sweden made during the early 1800s, around 1820. The bowl has an oval shape and has been hollowed out by hand from a single large piece of wood. B...
Wood
Hand-forged Swedish Iron Candelabra, 1940s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A Swedish wrought iron candelabra from the 1940. Hand-forged with a spiral base and four curved arms, this piece blends Scandinavian Modern elegance with a raw, Brutalist edge. Both ...
Iron
Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Iron, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A painted iron candelabra designed and produced by a Swedish Designer, Sweden, 1940s. Holds .75" diameter candles.
Iron
French Wrought Iron Floor Candelabra, ca. 1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
French wrought iron floor candelabra with gilt paint accent, ca. 1900.
Wrought Iron
$591 / set
H 10.6 in W 7.9 in D 6.7 in
A pair of Traditional Rustic Swedish Wooden Candlestick holder from Taserud
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A beautifully matched pair of traditional Swedish handcrafted two-armed wooden candlesticks, known as “Taserudsstaken,” originating from the Arvika region of Dalarna, Sweden. Rooted ...
Oak
Pair, Large Candle Stands from Sweden, circa 1800
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of unusual and decorative 8' tall candle stands (measured at top of metal tip). Each stand has 14 metal arms holding a single candle each, while the middle central post has a lo...
Metal
Heron Martinez Terracotta Candleabra 1960s
By Heron Martinez
Located in South Jordan, UT
Heron Martinez Mendoza terracotta Tree-of-Life candelabra with folk art animal and floral details. Heron Martinez Mendoza was one of Mexico's masters of folk art ceramics and his pie...
Clay
Sold
H 14 in W 5.5 in D 6.25 in
19th Century Pair Spanish Hand Forged Iron Wall Sconces, Electrified Wall Lights
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Pair of hand forged iron black painted wall sconces, Spain, late 19th century. These wall sconces had beed electrified at a later time with candle sleeves and parchment hand-painted...
Iron
Quirky 20th Century American Pewter Corncob Candelabra
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-20th-century American solid pewter corncob candelabra with four brass arms is a marvel of quirky design. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it stands as a testamen...
Brass, Pewter
1970’s Sandpiper Grove 5 Light Candlebra Signed by Artist Mary Grabill
Located in Charleston, SC
This is a rare mid-century 5 arm Candlebra. By listed artist Mary Grabill. Terra-cotta with a white glaze. About the artist: In the mid-40's Mary turned the family's backyard ...
Terracotta
Funky Vintage Colourful Mexican Folk Art Candelabra Ceramic Clay
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Beautiful Vintage hand painted ceramic candelabra , made in the state of Puebla, Mexico. The traditional "arboles de la vida" or "trees of life" in motif authentic Folk Art piece. ...
Ceramic, Clay, Paint
Sold
H 26.78 in W 26.38 in D 7.88 in
Mexican Antique Arbol de la Vida Folk Art Candelabra Ceramic Day of the Dead
By Alfonso Castillo Orta
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Created by late master Alfonso Castillo Orta in 1999 in the town of Izucar de Matamoros, in the state of Puebla, Mexico. The traditional "arboles de l...
Ceramic, Clay, Acrylic
Sold
H 17.33 in W 16.54 in D 7.09 in
Mexican Talavera Arbol De La Vida Colorful Folk Art Candelabra Ceramic Clay
By Los Castillo
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Created by master artisan Soledad Martha Hernández and her son Marco Antonio Castillo in the town of Izucar de Matamoros, in the state of Puebla, Mexico. The traditional "arboles de la vida" or "trees of life" in English were invented here, where a few artisans still Craft these authentic Folk Art pieces. Painted in colorful earth tones mother and son resemble the antique work of their ancestors, while maintaining the candelabra purpose. The "Arbol de la Vida" had been gifted for many generations as a marriage gift, resembling the family tree of life. This Arbol de la Vida (Tree of Life) resembles the traditional kitchen...
Ceramic, Clay, Acrylic
Sold
H 17.33 in W 16.54 in D 2.37 in
Mexican Antique Style Arbol de la Vida Colorful Folk Art Candelabra Ceramic Clay
By Los Castillo
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Created by master Marco Antonio Castillo in the town of Izucar de Matamoros, in the state of Puebla, Mexico. The traditional "arboles de la vida" or "trees of life" in English were i...
Ceramic, Acrylic, Clay
Aurelio Flores Mexico Tree of Life Art Pottery Candelabra Sculpture
By Aurelio Flores
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A rare, fine example of a Tree of Life candelabra by Aurelio Flores, circa 1950. Aurelio Flores (1901-1987), the grandson of potters, began working as ...
Pottery
Sold
H 15 in W 15 in D 6 in
Vintage Mexican Tree of Life Pottery Adam & Eve Candelabra Sculpture Signed
By Heron Martinez
Located in Wilton, CT
Vintage Mexican Tree of Life pottery candelabra with Adam and Eve beneath a fruit tree, circa 1970's. In a style often attributed to Heron Martinez Mend...
Pottery
Painted Tole Candleholder with Yellow and Purple Flower and Bird Motif
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A lovely painted tin floral motif candleholder. This whimsical piece holds one candlestick. The metal is cut and bent into the shape of flowers and birds. A metal rose sits at the ce...
Metal