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.
Vintage Carved Wood Pinocchio Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage carved wood Pinocchio sculpture. Charming vintage carved wood Pinocchio sculpture. This interesting bust of Pinocchio is well made with a m...
Birch
20th Century Terracotta Bust of an old Gentleman, Germany 1936
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is an impressive bust formed with terracotta of an old man. This beautiful sculpture is hand formed, 20th century. Signed by Artist and dated 1936. It makes a nice addition to a...
Terracotta
collection of antique wig heads from late 18th - 19th century
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
- rare collection of 3 wide heads from 18th century to 19th century - antiques from the period 1980-1910 - beautiful patina with traces of old craftsmanship
Wood
Ceramic Studio Art Bust in Verde Glaze from the Jonathan Parks Estate, Santa Fe
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This hand-sculpted ceramic bust is a striking example of Southwestern studio art, finished in a rich verde blue green glaze with beautiful tonal variations and a subtly mottled surfa...
Ceramic, Clay, Paint
Antique 1930s Judge Theatre Papier Mâché Head from Paris
Located in London, GB
Antique 1930s judge theatre papier mâché head from Paris This lot is a rare original 1930s papier mâché French theatre heads. This item was obtain...
Paper
The Virgin Mary Bust Virgin Mary House Replica Compressed Marble Powder No:II
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
This sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary, who is known as the mother of Jesus in Christian mythology. Weighing 1.5 kg, this sculpture is produced from pressed marble powder and made us...
Statuary Marble
Vintage Boho Carved Wooden Bust of Woman
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Imbue your interiors with the soulful elegance and artisanal warmth of this vintage hand-carved wooden bust. Sculpted from a single block of rich, honey-toned hardwood, this striking...
Wood
Vintage 20th Century Terracotta Girl Bust France 1920s JP.MD marked
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is an impressive bust made of Plaster and colored like seen in pictures. This beautiful sculpture is hand formed, 20th century. Signed by Artist but can not identify the maker. ...
Plaster
Hand Made Folk Art Pottery Sculpture of a Mans Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful sculpture of a mans head... reminiscent of an Italian icon, the piece is unique and a wonderful stand alone decorative piece or can be used as a paper weight or bookend. ...
Pottery
Large Oversize Asian Round Decorative Figural Head with Chinese Calligraphy
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Large oversize round Asian decorative head in red and gold. This piece is perfect for a bookshelf, or as a statement piece for a side table. Painting i...
Plastic, Plaster
"Man with Cup" by Allan Winkler
Located in Chicago, IL
Although this whimsical sculpture by Allan Winkler has the look of outsider art, this ceramic work stems from the art school-trained artist’s interest in...
Ceramic
Outsider Art Fluorescent Papier-Mâché Bust Sculpture by Stephen Slomko
By Stephen Slomko
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this rare, one-of-a-kind bust by self-taught American outsider artist, Stephen Slomko (1929-2013). Slomko lived and worked in Farmingdale, New Jersey and up...
Polystyrene, Paper, Paint
$2,878Sale Price|20% Off
Achille D'Orsi Sculpture Pescatorello, Early 1900s
Located in bari, IT
Bronze sculpture on black marble base depicting a young boy holding some pots. Engraved signature of the artist. Manufactured in Italy, early 20th century.
Bronze
Artist’s Model, Bust of a Young Woman on a Slate Block
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Artist’s Model, Bust of a Young Woman on a Slate Block This is a very attractive hand made piece dating from the middle of the 20th Century, it was discovered in an Art Studio durin...
Clay
$1,750
H 6.5 in W 10 in D 2.75 in
Jim Rose Barn House Structure, Welded Steel Sculpture Made with Salvaged Steel
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Structure No. 222 occupies a quietly pivotal place within Jim Rose’s legacy, embodying his ability to extract meaning from the margins of his own making process. Created from found s...
Steel
20th Century Terracotta Bust Sculpture Of A Classical Greek
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century Terracotta Bust Sculpture Of A Classical Greek. Offered is a handsome 20th century terra cotta bust of a classical Greek male. Expertly executed however it is unsigned.
Terracotta
19th Century Pipe Head
Located in Vosselaar, BE
You just got to love this guy! A wacky looking bearded Indian pipe head. Probably 19th century France. Beautifully carved by a artisan with a sense of humor.
Wood
Italian Glazed Ceramic Bust of a Classical Roman by Santa Monica
By Santa Monica
Located in Houston, TX
Italian glazed ceramic bust of a Classical Roman by Santa Monica. Italian ceramic bust of a Classical Roman with unusual iridescent glaze, marked Santa M...
Ceramic
$1,499
H 13.39 in W 10.24 in D 6.7 in
Early 20th Century Art Deco Terracotta Bust of Cleopatra by G. Carli
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
An Art Deco sculpture depicts Cleopatra. Beautiful polychrome green patina. On a Black Belgian marble pedestal. In a good and original condition. Made in Belgium, circa 1920-1930. By the Italian sculptor Giuseppe Carli. The Carli family is originally from Italy, Lucca, around 1910 they moved to Brussels and established the “CARLI Atelier”. When established in Belgium he also signed under his synonym Gustave Van Vaerenbergh. Many sculptors such as Dommisse, Aurili, Melani, Toogneri, Guelfi worked for Carli. They were present at all major fairs from 1910 to 1970 with sculptures in terracotta, bronze and plaster depicting subjects such as women in Art...
Belgian Black Marble
$959
H 14.18 in W 15.36 in D 6.7 in
Early 20th Century Art Deco Terracotta Bust of Man - Johannes Dommisse
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Striking Art Deco terracotta bust, beautifully patinated in deep green tones, depicting a strong male portrait with a dynamic, expressive profile. The sculpture captures both vitalit...
Belgian Black Marble
Carved Wood Skull Sculpture
Located in Dallas, TX
Asian carved wood skull sculpture with genuine teeth and movable jaw. Late 20th century.
Wood
Antique Atlantic City Souvenir Penny Game from Boardwalk Empire
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Historical artifact once used in the HBO series Boardwalk Empire. Maple cabinet with brass plaques and painted iron mechanism. Costing two quarters and a penny to play. Not tested ...
Metal
The Wind, Original Marble Sculpture, 1920s
Located in Roma, IT
The Wind is an original marble sculpture made by Anonymous artist and realized in the 1920s. A beautiful white marble sculpture representing a female portrait as the personificati...
Marble
20th Century Bronze Bust of Dante
Located in Bagshot, GB
An interesting Bust of the poet Dante, the bust has been made in plaster but then covered in a Bronze wrap. We have never come across a bust in this manor before.
Bronze
Carousel Ostrich Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Hand carved wood sculpture of carousel ostrich.
Wood
1930 Wooden Carnival Game by French Game & Novelty, Milwaukee, WI
Located in Surrey, BC
Unusual Folk Art wooden carnival game in working condition and with original paint. Players bet on which city the spring-released airplane will land on. Made by French Game & Novelty...
Wood
20th Century Terracotta Diana Goddess of the Hunt Bust France 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is an impressive bust formed with terracotta of Diana Goddess of the Hunt. This beautiful sculpture is hand formed, 20th century. Signed by Artist but can not identify the maker...
Terracotta, Ceramic
17th Century French Stone Bust
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
An extremely rare 17th Century French life size headless bust of a robed male mounted on a steel base. This bust has had a small amount of restoration, ...
Stone
Original African Figure Statue Beaded Head, African Art, 2000s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Beautiful African tribe beaded bust. This is a stunning piece made of clay and adorned with beads. It may have some irregularities, which add to its uniqueness and charm. Please avo...
Clay, Beads
Mid-20th Century Folk art Carved Male Wooden Bust
Located in London, GB
Mid-20th Century Folk art Carved Male Wooden Bust “He could have smiled at least”, An unusual folk art carved wooden bust in the form of a grumpy looking man. Carved from a single p...
Wood
Vintage Folk Art Bob Dylan Bust
Located in Charleston, SC
This fantastic sculpture of Bob Dylan is made of plaster and finished in a verdigris patina and is gold leafed. Acquired from an Augusta estate, where there was a plethora of Bob Dy...
Gold Leaf
1950s Vintage Mexican Folk Art Metal Tin Mask with Piercing Green Eyes
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Vintage Mexican Folk Art Metal Mask with Piercing Green Eyes Small Tin mask made in metal sheets with green marbles eyes. Chain inside to hang on wall. ...
Metal
Vintage Italian Pottery Old Sicilian Caltagirone Head Vase Majolica Moor
Located in Wilton, CT
Old Sicilian pottery Moorish head vase, circa early/mid 20th century. 17" high, 11" diameter. Repair to back of vase, as shown.
Pottery
Vintage Boxing Dummy
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Great form! vintage boxing practice dummy. Presented on cast iron museum stand. Realistic features. Torso lifts off stand. Dimensions on stand: 19.5 x...
Latex, Rubber
White Plaster Death Mask Male Head on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White plaster death mask male head on stand. A plaster cast of a males head, possibly a death mask or a mold for a Hollywood prosthetic. The head is...
Plaster
Sold
H 12 in W 7.5 in D 6 in
Native American Brown Faux Bois Ceramic Bust of a Warrior Titled Brave, 1969
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A faux bois ceramic bust of a Native American warrior titled “Brave”. This folk art piece is created in ceramic, and hollow on the inside. The sculpture depicts a Native American war...
Ceramic, Paint
Vintage French Papier Mache Brightly Painted Carnival Heads
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A variety of large brightly-painted vintage French papier mâché Carnival or ‘caricature’ type heads.
Paper
19th American Carving in the Form of Lady Liberty's Head
Located in Nantucket, MA
A masterfully carved pine head of Lady Liberty in an upward gazing pose and wearing a headband with a large star, on a custom base. Painted in verdigris green, the carving was probably part of a larger carving, perhaps a ships figurehead or for a public space. Carvings of this scale were often associated with the work of shipcarvers who carved various elements for ships, such as, figureheads, trail boards, pilot house eagles...
Wood, Paint