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.
Staffordshire Prattware Long Case Clock Model
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire pottery Prattware model which features a long case clock with cherubs above the clock face, stood directly on the ground, no base. Flatback, decorated only to the front...
Earthenware
$4,529
H 87.8 in W 22.05 in D 7.88 in
Antique Swedish Genuine Long Case Clock, Rococo and Neoclassical Period
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique long case clock from Alfta, Hälsingland in Sweden from around 1810. Made by hand in the transition period between rococo and neoclassic, the neoclassical period which is know...
Pine
Unusual Flame Mahogany Long-Case Clock Attributed to Maples
By Maple & Co.
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
An unusual flame mahogany long-case clock attributed to Maples with a Smith & Sons 3-train movement, the case with a stepped base, the hood with two fluted columns and brass fini...
Mahogany, Satinwood
$2,647
H 80.32 in W 15.75 in D 7.88 in
Antique Swedish Long Case Clock, Genuine Handmade with Original Blue Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish longcase clock from around 1820 to 1840. The clock was made by hand in Hälsingland in Northern Sweden. The frame is solid pine w...
Pine
Tall Mahogany Long Case Clock by D Williams of Crickhowell
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Tall Mahogany Long Case Clock by D Williams of Crickhowell A Good English grandfather clock in mahogany, late 18th/19th century. English grandfather clock, barley twist ormolu capp...
Mahogany
$4,647
H 82.68 in W 18.9 in D 9.85 in
Antique Swedish Rococo Long Case Clock, So Called Mora Clock with Original Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rococo long case clock from from northern Sweden made during the first years of the 19th century. The long case clock, or Mora Clock as they are sometimes known as, is dry scraped to...
Pine
Mid 19th century Swedish pine long case mora clock
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century Swedish pine long case mora clock circa 1850. Large Swedish long case mora clock, presented in scraped back paint. Scraped back down to reveal a partial colour of ...
Metal
19th Century Classic Swedish Rococo Long Case Clock
Located in Kramfors, SE
Classic Swedish long-case clock from the province Medelpad in Northern Sweden. Made around 1820 with the classic rococo shape with hand carved wood dec...
Pine
Amsterdam Burl long case clock . Wuba Warmink 1960s
By J. P. Kroese 1
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful Amsterdam long case clock Wuba/Warmink - Period 1960. This clock has a well-functioning 8-day movement westminster percussion with quarter-hourly striking mechanism on gong rods. Beautiful brass dial with engraved bar. In the arch of the dial is the silver-plated working moon phase. The silver-plated dial has Roman numerals and is in good condition. Around the chapter ring, in the corners, you will see figures cast in bronze that depict the seasons. The cabinet is veneered in burl walnut and has a nice warm colour. The whole stands on a burl walnut veneered plateau which is also in good condition. Both sides of the hood are fitted with openwork windows, covered with fabric on the inside. On top of the hood of this clock are cast brass angels with trumpets on the left and right and in the middle is the figure Atlas...
Burl
Fine quality antique George III mahogany long case clock
Located in Ipswich, GB
Fine quality antique George III mahogany long case clock, having a quality antique George III long case clock with a square shaped face with...
Glass, Mahogany
$3,059Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.53 in W 6.3 in D 4.73 in
Miniature Dutch Walnut Long Case Clock, Baroque Style, 1950
By Jan Henkels
Located in Den Haag, NL
Love this miniature Dutch walnut long case clock. Not only great looking but also a good working time piece. Comes with a good quality watch. M...
Walnut
$3,408
H 80.32 in W 17.92 in D 10.63 in
Fine quality antique Edwardian mahogany inlaid long case clock
Located in Ipswich, GB
Fine quality antique Edwardian mahogany inlaid long case clock, having a quality mahogany inlaid case, a brass arch dial with Roman numerals, Tempus Fugit inscribed to the top, havin...
Brass
A Large Italian Carved Figural Long Case Clock
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Large Italian Fruitwood Carved Figural Long Case Clock. In the Italian Rococo style, Hand Carved "Liberty Style" with a female holding flowers and surrounded by 3 Cherub/Angels. A ...
Fruitwood
Copper Tone Owl Sculptural Timer
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage electric owl timer. Copper-painted metal red jewel style eyes. This piece is in excellent condition. Dimensions: 4.5" H x 2" W x 2" D
Metal
19th Century Swedish Mora Clock in Pristine Condition
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish mora clock in Classic shape from the early 1800s. The clock’s case is in completely untouched condition. With natural wear and marks. Unusual handcrafted iron details. The ho...
19th Century Swedish Mora Clock with Original Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Simple but charming mora clock with scraped to original paint. This model has the traditional execution of mora clock originating from Mora, Dalarna. It's the most simple model of mo...
Pine