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.
$120Sale Price|20% Off
Small Antique Faux Burr Walnut Picture Frame. English, 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful faux burr walnut picture frame Painted and gilt on gesso Original patina. A delightful colour The measurement given below is the outside of the frame Internally it meas...
Gesso
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Georgian Bleached Picture Frame. English, C.1830
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful plain Georgian picture frame Bleached tropical hardwood The measurement given below is the outside of the frame. Sight measures 9.5 x 7.5 inches. 24 x 19 cm Free UK ship...
Wood
$1,836Sale Price|20% Off
1864 Map Of The World 1648 Roberts Maps 2018 Limited Edition Print 6 of 100
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large World map in Latin. This world map 6th out of 100 made. Bottom right shows maker. many different World landmarks. Small Descriptions on Latin, as shown in images. A great piece...
Plexiglass, Wood, Paper
Antique Black Tramp Art Frame Folk Art Picture Frame Carved Wood Carved Oak
Located in Munich, DE
This tramp art picture frame was handcrafted and hand carved in the last decades of the 19th century. It is decorated with for pointed stars, square and rectangular pyramids, lozeng...
Oak
Vintage Round Scalloped Capiz Photo Frame - India
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A round vintage scalloped capiz photo frame. This piece will be a great addition to a bedside table, bookshelf, or side table. The frame is created from pearlized capiz which is arra...
Shell
Sugarcane Harvesters From Puerto Rico Watercolor Painting by Epifanio Irizarry
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Sugarcane Harvesters Scene Painting in Puerto Rico by Epifanio Irizarry. It depicts a watercolor painting of three sugarcane workers in a canaveral or cane landscape. One i...
Canvas
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Folk Art Painted Picture Frame. English, Circa 1830
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Lovely painted picture frame Great piece of folk art Original paint. Painted on pine. The measurement given below is the outside of the frame Internally it measures 9.75 x 8.25 i...
Pine
$392Sale Price|20% Off
Large Antique Renaissance Style Carved Wood Picture Frame. English, 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful carved wood frame in renaissance style I particularly like the Greek key ornament Carved tropical hardwood The measurement given below is the outside of the frame. Sight...
Wood
Folk Art Wooden Marquetry Picture Frame, Clover-Shaped Photo Frame - Dated 1928
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Folk Art Wooden Marquetry Picture Frame, Clover-Shaped Photo Frame - Dated 1928 Exceptionally rare and most probably a unique piece! Beautifully crafted antique wooden marquetry pic...
Beech, Birch, Chestnut, Fruitwood, Pine
1900s Octagonal Framed "Madonna and Child" Italian Oil Painting
Located in Catania, Sicilia
An Italian popolar oil on canvas depicting Madonna and baby Jesus, framed in a hand carved fruitwood frame. It's in perfect conditions.
Canvas, Fruitwood, Paint
Antique Mid 19th Century Tramp Art Picture Frame Carved Oak
Located in Munich, DE
This large tramp art frame is handcrafted from carved oak segments. It is in good condition with some minor losses to the edges. It has been phot...
Oak
Antique 1920s Folk Art Picture Frame Beach Souvenirs Photos Shells Sand Card
Located in Munich, DE
This highly unusual picture frame was handcrafted in 1920 ca. probably as a souvenir of a nice sea side summer holiday. It is made out of cardboard and sand and decorated with a vari...
Shell, Paper
19th Century Gilt and Gesso Frame attributed to President James Polk Estate
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Early 19th century gilt and gesso picture frame. Found at an estate sale in Columbia, Tennessee. Objects from the sale were attributed to President James K. Polk's estate. Fantastic ...
Gesso, Wood
Picture Frame 8x10” in Quilted Black Oak by R&Y Augousti
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite picture frame by R&Y Augousti, designed to hold an 8x10” photo, is a testament to sophisticated craftsmanship and timeless luxury. Meticulously handcrafted, the fr...
Glass, Wood, Oak
Vintage Burl Wood & Chrome Double Photo Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant vintage double photo frame featuring a rich burl wood veneer panel accented by a polished chrome border. The frame holds two square images side by side, creating a stylish di...
Metal
$1,541
H 26.78 in W 35.44 in D 2.37 in
Lacquered Fruitwood Picture Frame, Italian, 19th Century, 68 cm
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
In 1900, at the death of king Umberto I, many frames and furniture had been painted black as a sign of mourning. I cleaned it and lightened it with a nice shaded beige lacquer. Suit...
Fruitwood
Large Mid-Century Carved Painted Wood Picture Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Carved Painted Wood Frame, 1950's Fantastic carved wood frame with liner, in a distressed finish and incredible patina. Great piece for your favorite oil painting as well as could a...
Wood, Paint, Giltwood
$2,450
H 0.75 in W 7.75 in D 8.5 in
English Regency Period Original Watercolor Fruitwood Frame Portrait of Young Man
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An original British School Regency Period watercolor portrait, mounted in a Georgian Period fruitwood frame – Dated 1834. These watercolors were largely painted by young girls fro...
Fruitwood, Paper
Antique English Art Deco Sterling Silver Picture Frame
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome and very elegant photograph frame, the perfect addition to any interior, from traditional to ultra-modern. Made from English sterling silver, the backing from solid Engli...
Sterling Silver
American 19th Century Coved Picture Frame. Original Gold Gilding
Located in Rochester, NY
Antique American gilt picture frame. Rabbet measures 12.5" x 10.5" Perfect for a 12" x 10" painting. '
Gold Leaf
$595
H 32.5 in W 26.5 in D 2 in
Antique Victorian Gold Gilt Oak Wood Leafy Scroll Deep Picture Frame 32.5 x 26.5
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Victorian Gold Gilt Oak Wood Leafy Scroll Deep Picture Frame. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 32.5" H x 26.5" W x 2" D. Picture Area: 24" x 18"
Oak
Smythson English Leather Picture Frame
By Smythson of Bond Street
Located in Chicago, IL
English navy blue leather picture frame with hand-painted gold accents by Smythson of Bond Street. 7 1/4"H x 5 1/4"W x 4"D (stand out)
Leather
Italian Leather and Wood Round Photo Frame
Located in Miami, FL
Offered is a round photo frame made in Italy of fine wood and supple leather. The frame is 11" in diameter, 0.625" in thickness. The round center i...
Leather, Glass, Wood
$960Sale Price|20% Off
H 8.5 in W 6.25 in D 0.25 in
Antique English Edwardian Classical Sterling Silver Picture Frame, 1901
By Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Ltd.
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Classical sterling silver picture frame. Made by Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co Ltd in London in 1901. Plain rectangular surround mounted with open scrollwork at top. With gl...
Sterling Silver
Antique Wall Picture Frame, France, Art Deco, 6 x 9 cm
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful brass picture frame, France, circa 1930. Picture size: 5,5 cm x 8,5 cm. Hanging ring on the top for wall installation.
Brass
Smart Antique English Art Deco Silver Picture Frame - 1922
Located in Bath, GB
A very smart and elegant photograph frame beautifully decorated with engine turned work. The silver is fully hallmarked for Birmingham 1922 together with the makers mark for the wel...
Sterling Silver
19th Century Japanese Meiji Bronze Koi Fish Picture Frame
Located in Bradenton, FL
Japanese Meiji Dore Koi Fish Picture Frame. Frame features a lively school of Koi fish swimming through swirling currents and stylized waves. The composition captures the movement of...
Brass
Pair of Leather Picture Frames in the Style of Ralph Lauren
By Ralph Lauren
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of saddle-tan leather photo frames in the style of Ralph Lauren, crafted with richly grained leather and classic equestrian-inspired stitching. The frames embody the refined rus...
Leather
Sold
H 6.58 in W 5.01 in D 0.87 in
Antique Tramp Art Picture Frames, Hand-Carved Folk Art, Circa 1900s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Set of two antique oval shaped layered tramp art wooden picture frames manufactured in the early 20th century or the late 19th century possibly in Scandinavia. Hand-carved with small...
Wood
Sold
H 24.81 in W 20.48 in D 2.01 in
Antique 19th Century Tramp Art Picture Frame Carved Oak Four Petal Flowers
Located in Munich, DE
This good size tramp art frame was handcrafted out of wood in the last decades of the 19th century. The frame features a rich variety of ornamental carvings in high reliefs made up f...
Oak
Sold
H 16.54 in W 16.93 in D 1.19 in
Antique Tramp Art Double Picture Frame With Original Portrait Photographs C 1890
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE FOLK ART CARVED PHOTO FRAME Typically notched hand-crafted tramp art picture frame of unusual form. Charming original black and white family photographs with characterful ...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Antique Birdseye Maple Picture Frame. English, 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful birdseye maple frame With gilt slip. Original patina. A delightful colour The measurement given below is the outside of the frame Internally it measures 7.25 x 7.75 inc...
Birdseye Maple
Antique Tiger Stripe Maple Picture Frame. English, 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful tiger stripe or flamed maple frame Solid wood. Not veneered Totally original patina. A delightful colour The measurement given below is the outside of the frame There i...
Maple
Antique Tiger Stripe Maple Picture Frame. English, 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful tiger stripe or flamed maple frame Solid wood. Not veneered Totally original patina. A delightful colour The measurement given below is the outside of the frame Interna...
Maple
Antique Burr Walnut Picture Frame. English, Circa 1830
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Lovely burr walnut picture frame A delightful colour Original gilt slip The measurement given below is the outside of the frame Internally it measures 9.5 x 7 inches. 24 x 18 cm ...
Walnut
Beautiful Black Forest Frame Antique Brienz Folk Art, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A lovely picture frame made of hand carved wood, made in Germany around 1890s or older. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. It is not marked. A nice addition to your colle...
Wood
Antique Tramp Art Folk Art Picture Frame Carved Wood Paper
Located in Munich, DE
This tramp art frame has been handcrafted around 1900. On the reverse of the frame one can see fragments of coloured card board with printed images typical of the period. The design ...
Oak
Antique Tiger Stripe Maple Picture Frame. English, 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful tiger stripe or flamed maple frame Solid wood. Not veneered Totally original patina. A delightful colour The measurement given below is the outside of the frame Interna...
Maple
Small Antique Folky Tramp Art Picture Frame in Gold Paint
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, small Tramp Art picture frame. With a crazed, flat gold paint or wash. Found in a Pennsylvania estate. Simply a wonderful piece of ...
Wood
Birds Eye Maple Picture Frame. English, Early 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Very good example of a birds eye maple frame Totally original patina. A delightful colour The measurement given below is the outside of the frame Free UK shipping
Birdseye Maple
Standing Wooden Sea Shell Encrusted Photo Frame for 4" x 6" Photo
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful standing sea shell encrusted photo frame. This frame holds a 4" x 6" photo and can be displayed horizontally or vertically. The frame is created using hand-applied seashe...
Shell, Glass, Wood
Coastal Shiny Shell Folk Art Photo Frame
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful seashell-encrusted photo frame. Accommodates two photos in an oval shape. Dimensions: 6.25" Wide 4.5" Tall 1" Deep.
Ceramic, Shell
19th Century American Tramp Art Picture Frame
Located in London, GB
19th century American tramp art picture frame A delightful and highly decorative example of a late 19th century American chip carved tramp...
Pine