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.
$1,590 / item
19th Century Swedish Painted White Mora Clock
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish 19th Century painted long case clock or Grandfather clock. This Scandinavian folk art clock is from the region of Småland, where the village of Lönshult is (see the name of t...
Pine, Paint
Antique Original Clock Cabinet from Sweden, Hand-Crafted Untouched Veneered Elm
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish antique clock cabinet made during the early to mid 1800s, circa 1820 to 1840. The cabinet is veneered and waxed elm. The lower cabinet is...
Elm
19th Century Antique Long Case Clock in Rococo Style from Northern Sweden
Located in Kramfors, SE
19th century antique long case clock from northern Sweden in rococo style. The clock is made around 1840 in Medelpad in northern Sweden. Curved shape and frame in pine with traces of...
Pine
19th Century Swedish Ántique Grandfather Clock Tall Case Clock Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Folk Art tall case clock from Luleå Norrbotten, Northern Sweden. Made in wood. Nice details and beautiful carvings. Beautiful handpainted flowers on the front. The M...
Pine
$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
Genuine Unusual Antique Northern Swedish Faux Paint Long Case Clock
Located in Kramfors, SE
Genuine long case clock from Sweden made during the first years of the 19th century, around 1810. The clock is unusual and genuine, from the village ...
Pine
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
Antique Swedish Painted Pine Long Case Clock with Original Clock Mechanism
Located in Kramfors, SE
Long case clock with red original paint from the mid 1800s. The clock is made in painted pine and dated with the year 1847. Originates from Hälsingl...
Pine
19th Century American Folk Art Wall Clock, circa 1875, Maine
Located in Essex, MA
CIRCA 1875 FOLK ART AROOSTOOK MAINE WALL CLOCK Unique Hand Built Walnut Skeletal Clock with all wooden works, possibly by Janes Kendrick Osgood of Houlton, having painted numbers and...
Maple
Dated 1976 Norwegian Rosemaling Wall Clock by Ingeborg Aaltvedt
Located in Skien, NO
Ingeborg Aaltvedt for Porsgrund Porcelain Rosemaling Wall Clock, Norway 1976 A rare Norwegian wall clock by Porsgrund Porcelain, hand-painted by artist Ingeborg Aaltvedt in 1976. Th...
Porcelain
Nautical pocket watch holder stand, sailing ship carved, tramp art, 1880 Germany
Located in Wien, AT
Particularly decorative pocket watch holder, made of hand-carved oak wood, manufactured around 1880 in Germany, probably in the Black Forest region. An exceptionally charming watch ...
Oak
Christmas Antique English Iron Clock Dial Face - Rare Holy Family Dial - Working
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A Rare and lovely antique iron clock dial dating from around 1850. It features a charming painting of the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary and Joseph to the arch. Beautifully painted in the ...
Brass, Iron
1940s Old Mr. Boston Figural Bottle Advertising Clock by Gilbert
Located in Dekalb, IL
1940s; Old Mr. Boston Distillery Co. - Boston, MA, with Gilbert Clock Co. movement Large bottle-form advertising clock constructed from painted composition with an inset round clock...
Composition, Enamel, Metal
Antique Genuine Swedish Pine Long Case Clock with Unusual Original Blue Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Genuine antique long case clock from northern Sweden. The clock is made around 1820 with a very well-made and elegant case in painted pine. The...
Pine
Antique English Iron Clock Dial Face, Smuggler, Fully Working with Seconds Hand
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A lovely antique iron clock dial dating from 1850 featuring the legendary smuggler and brigand Will Watch. Beautifully painted in the vibrant colours of the theater, he was portrayed...
Brass, Iron
Late 18th Century Original Painted Swedish Grandfather Clock
Located in Round Top, TX
Late 18th-century Swedish grandfather clock crafted in pine with original painted finish in blue, teal, red, and white. The clock features a curved bonnet that frames a dramatic cloc...
Pine, Paint
Antique English Iron Clock Dial Face, Country Garden, Fully Working
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A lovely antique iron English clock dial circa 1840 in its original enamel, charmingly decorated and English country garden flowers. With ancient craquelure, marks of a long life and...
Iron
Unique Hand-Painted Stone Wall Clock with Bear Motif and Natural Moss
Located in Skien, NO
A unique sculptural wall clock crafted from a thin slice of natural stone, hand-painted with a forest scene featuring a gray bear among pine trees and grasses. The artist ingeniously...
Stone
Antique English Iron Clock Dial Face, Bird, Fully Working
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A lovely antique iron clock dial circa 1830 in its original enamel, charmingly decorated with birds and flowers. To the corners are charmingly painted flowers and summer fruits. With...
Iron
Unusual Swedish Provincial 19th Century Tall Case Clock
Located in Allerum, SE
Rare and unusually large Provincial Swedish 19th century tall case clock in it's original finish. Dated 1867, Sweden.
Pine
$1,250Sale Price|43% Off
Scandinavian 18th Century Folk Art Carved Watch Holder
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very beautiful and original painted Folk Art watch holder, made for the pocket watch when you were not wearing it.
Wood
Carriage clock with case. 19th century
Located in Madrid, ES
Travel clock with case. Metal, glass, leather, etc. XIX century. Case with lid at the top and front with a transparent glass sheet, upholstered on the inside, containing a travel cl...
Metal, Other
Clocks - Tall-case clock - 19th century
Located in Porto, PT
Clocks - Tall-case clock - 19th century. French; 19th century; enamel dial with Roman numerals. Oak wood case decorated with vegetal motifs. Mechanism needs servicing. Dimensions: 23...
Wood
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
Early 19th Century Swedish Blue Painted Pine Grandfather Clock
Located in Round Top, TX
Early 19th century tall Swedish grandfather clock, crafted in pine. The (old but not original) blue painted finish has been scraped and worn to reveal much of the natural pine below,...
Brass
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 19th Century Louis XVI style long case clock.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very imposing fine quality 19th Century French longcase clock, having an ormolu casting of Father Time on the hood, the white enam...
Ormolu
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
Swedish Mora Clock 100% Original Paint
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Mora Clock 100% Original Paint. the old works have been removed and New battery works installed. I do offer the Original works with every clock I sell.
Wood
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 Nouveau Wall Clock, 1900s
Located in Praha, CZ
Art Nouveau wall clock with a charming, resonant chime. Made in Austria in 1900s. The clock's mechanism was cleaned and adjusted by a professional clockmaker. Paint is slightly worn ...
Brass
Original Painted Swedish Mora Clock
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a 100% original painted Swedish Mora clock, actually the style of this case is called "Friksdhal" from the mid-western part...
Pine
Classic Art Deco Neon Clock..
By Neon Clock Sales Co.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Art Deco Neon Clock.. All original,, Tested ,, keeps perfect time.
Metal, Aluminum
$4,844
H 87.01 in W 30.71 in D 8.67 in
19th Century Swedish Rococo tall case clock Mora clock Grandfather clock
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish antique beautiful Mora clock " Tall case clock " Grandfather clock from Boden,Norrbotten Northern Sweden. The Mora clock is original painted. It has a lovely b...
Pine
Swedish Mora Clock
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a 100% original painted Swedish Mora clock, "Dalana" model. One unique thing about this clock is that it comes in 2 pieces, that’s how it was made. New battery works have bee...
Pine
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
Early 19th Century Swedish Mora Clock from Forsa, Hälsingland
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautifully preserved Swedish Mora clock from the early 19th century, originating from the parish of Forsa in Hälsingland, a region celebrated for its rich folk art and decorative ...
Pine
19th Century Original Painted Swedish Mora Grandfather Clock
Located in Round Top, TX
19th-century Swedish Mora grandfather clock crafted in pine with an original painted finish. The surface is heavily distressed, revealing natural wood beneath; the overall effect rea...
Pine, Paint
1822 Swedish Folk Art Tall Case Clock with Original Paint
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking example of Swedish folk art, this tall case clock dated 1822 is a celebration of craftsmanship and color. Retaining its untouched original painted surface, the case is ado...
Wood
19th Century Original Blue Painted Swedish Mora Grandfather Clock
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique Swedish Mora Grandfather clock with original blue painted finish. The monogram indicates this clock was likely a wedding or dowry present. Pine longcase with original folk a...
Pine, Paint
Swedish Original Painted Wedding Mora Clock Dated 1825
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An early 19th Century original painted long case clock or Grandfather clock from Sweden. This folk art clock is more unique because it originally was made to celebrate the wedding b...
Pine
Original Brown Painted Swedish Mora Grandfather Clock, dated 1855
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique Swedish Mora Grandfather clock with original paint, dated 1855. Pine longcase with original folk art paint in traditional earth tones. The original clock required the commiss...
Pine, Paint
Original Green Painted Swedish Mora Grandfather Clock, Dated 1787
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique Swedish Mora Grandfather clock with original painted finish. Pine longcase with original folk art painted flowers in soft earth tones against a pale green background. Brick r...
Wood, Paint
18th Century Swedish Painted Mora Clock
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Swedish Mora painted pine tallcase clock Original movement, pendulum and weight. Functions Repainted in 1907. Height: 84.5 x 21 Inches Wide x 9 Inches deep, Circa - 1800 ...
Wood, Pine
Antique English Iron Clock Dial Face, Bird, Fully Working
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A lovely antique iron clock dial circa 1820 in its original enamel, charmingly decorated with a bird and flowers. With ancient craquelure, marks of ...
Iron
Antique English Iron Clock Dial Face, Birds, Fully Working
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A lovely antique iron clock dial circa 1830 in its original enamel, charmingly decorated with birds and flowers. To the corners are charmingly paint...
Brass, Iron
Antique Northern Swedish Tall Long Case Clock
Located in Kramfors, SE
Tall long case clock in a classic rococo shape made in folk art. The clock is from northern Sweden and made around 1820 to 1840. Painted pine with a rustic surface with traces of the...
Pine
Sold
H 94.1 in W 24.41 in D 8.27 in
Antique Genuine Northern Swedish Unusual Painted Blue Green Long Case Clock
Located in Kramfors, SE
Long case clock from northern Sweden made during the late 1700s. The clock has the original blue-green paint with unusual decor. Time has also created a unique patina that adds to the clock’s character. Additionally the clock also has a detailed hand-carved headpiece. Far from all clocks...
Pine
Sold
H 17 in W 12 in D 2 in
Antique English Iron Clock Dial Face, Sailor Departs Ship Lyre, Fully Working
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A lovely antique iron clock dial dating from 1840 featuring the beautiful folk tale of a woman singing and playing a lyre for her lovers safe return...
Brass, Iron
Antique English Iron Clock Dial Face, Bird, Fully Working
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A lovely antique iron clock dial circa 1830 in its original enamel, charmingly decorated with a bird and flowers. With ancient craquelure, marks of ...
Brass, Iron
Unique Hide and Stag Heads Custom Wall Clock
Located in San Diego, CA
Very unique and interesting large custom wall clock. This custom made clock is beautifully covered in a brown hide in the entire face, with 4 brass s...
Brass