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.
World War 2 / WWII Era Wooden Airplane Propeller Folk Art Mantel Clock
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This wooden Folk Art made propeller clock is presumed to have originated in England and fashioned into a mantel clock in North America in circa 1960. T...
Wood
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
Tramp Art Clock
Located in Houston, TX
Tramp Art Clock. Offered is a rare Tramp Art clock with fantastic detailing. This outstanding folk art clock features multiple staircases, some with canopies and many interesting lev...
Wood
Vintage Art Deco Mantel Clock
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegant vintage Art Deco mantel clock with a German Hermie movement, circa 1950s. The clock is in very good vintage condition and holds a...
Glass, Wood
Seiko Ship's Nautical Analog Clock, 1980s
Located in Nantucket, MA
From a decommissioned Japanese ship, black Seiko analog clocks with brushed nickel faces. Battery mechanism updated and an easy opening on the back side. ...
Metal
Cartier Art Deco Table Clock
By Cartier
Located in New Orleans, LA
This Art Deco period table clock by Cartier is an extremely rare find and in a class of its own. Crafted of black lacquer, no detail was spared by the famed firm in creating this hig...
Silver, Brass
French Art Nouveau Sculpture Clock
Located in Long Island City, NY
French Art Nouveau sculpture with a clock decorated with a pair of women rejoicing in the season's harvest. In great condition. Sold as is...
Marble, Pewter
Antique Smith 8-Day Shipboard Clock
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A brass circular base with a central inset hinged glass panel that reveals a white metal face with black enameled Roman numerals hours and Arabic numerals seconds. The clock lacks a ...
Brass
Art Deco French Mantle Clock
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Art Deco French mantle clock consisting of marble and aluminum. Clock measures 14" wide, 2.5" deep and 9.75" high.
Marble, Chrome
Art Deco ATO Mantel Clock
By ATO
Located in Norwich, GB
Art deco ATO clock standing on a three tiered Bakelite base supporting a glass dial with Art Deco style chrome numerals and chrome chapter ring. The movement is powered by a 1.5...
Chrome
Art Deco Marble Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
Classic Art Deco mantle clock standing on a beige marble base with black inserts. A gilded dog is leaping over the clock. Gilded dial with ‘Deco’ numerals and original ‘Deco’ han...
Marble
Art Deco Marble Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
Art Deco Mantel Clock Art Deco mantel clock house in a finely figured marble stepped case with applied Art Deco style brass mounts. Rectangular brass bezel opening to t...
Marble
Art Deco Mantel Clock
Located in Vienna, AT
Original condition, perfect working Softwood covered with nutveneer attributed to Kienze
Nutwood, Softwood
New Haven Clock Co. Art Nouveau Style Table Clock
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an Art Nouveau Style Table Clock. It depicts a small balloon shape clock mounted in copper color metal. A standing young nymph is adorning the front of the case while holding its face. The white enamel round dial of the clock has Arabic numbers and is also decorated with a garland of roses and leaves around the center. The gold color metal hours and minutes hands are made of scrolls of leaves. At the bottom of the dial face is hallmarked New Haven Clock...
Bronze
Art Deco Bakelite Telechron Clock
By Paul Frankl
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful Period Art Deco Bakelite Telechron Clock in the manner of Paul Frankl As Found Condition. Missing the glass lens. the metal piece in front is ...
Bakelite