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.
19th Century American Hand Carved Wood Horse Head
Located in Stamford, CT
American late 19th century hand carved wood head of a horse, stained black, shown wearing a bridal and bit, with mouth open as if in a full gallop. A very handsome piece of sculpture, likely a fragment from a larger piece, now mounted on a custom iron base. Great decoration for the equestrian or lover of horses. Great for mantel...
Wood
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
American Folk Art Carved and Painted Wooden Cat Sculpture, Flower Power
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage whimsical and playful American Folk Art hand carved wood sculpture depicts a stretching cat with a lifted expressive face. The cat has a beautiful flower power style hand-pa...
Wood
Vintage Asian Carved Wood Lion Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking hand-carved wooden box takes the form of a Chinthea, the mythical guardian lion of Southeast Asian folklore. Rendered in a deep, dark ebony-toned finish, the sculpture ...
Wood
Rare Early 18th century Irish Carved Folk Art Talbot
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very rare carved and painted wood talbot, a now extinct breed of dog often found in heraldic devices in both England and Ireland, this example in original painted surface and possess...
Pine
$1,180Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Original Grey Painted Large Candle Box from New England
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic 19th century original grey painted handmade large scale candle box from New England .This wonderful slide top box has such great personality and great construction. It is e...
Pine
Steam Punk Style Folk Art Hand Crafted Abstract Sculpture by Pete Ramirez
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Steam punk is the new name of this kind of art or sculpture - hand-crafted eclectic mix of random household pieceto comprise a pair of legs with leather boots. Sculpture by Los Ang...
Metal
Set of Three Swedish Folk Art Organic Bowls, circa 1970s
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These three bowls made in Sweden with precision handcraft gives a nice edition to any living room with intention to give an organic simple, but jet complex look. The signs of the woo...
Pine, Beech, Fir
Vintage Studio Pottery Basket Form Bowl in Brown and Cream
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A striking vintage studio pottery vessel featuring a sculptural basket form with applied looping handles and richly layered glaze work. Hand-thrown and artist-built, this piece show...
Ceramic, Paint
German Carved Wooden Figure of Shepherdess with a Sheep
Located in Barntrup, DE
Beautiful hand carved wooden figurine of an adorable girl - shepherdess with a sheep. Dimensions: Height 35.5 cm / in, width 13 cm / in, ...
Wood
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A wood bowl produced in Sweden, 19th century.
Wood
Jim Rose - Construct No. 02, Salvaged Steel and Aluminum Industrial Objects
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here he has welded together various washers and cyl...
Metal, Steel
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A wood bowl produced in Sweden, 19th Century.
Wood
Woven Tribal Basket Vase in Brown and Black
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A small woven basket shaped like a vase. Woven with natural fibers in geometric patterns, this small decorative piece of folk art would be beautiful...
Wicker
Swedish antique rustic genuine folk Art Washing board dated 1862
Located in Boden, SE
Swedish antique genuine washboard in pine dated 1862 with owner initials "MOD" The farmers and country-side folks were proud of the few things they owned and used to carve their init...
Pine
Shell Encrusted Rectangular Keepsake Box with Red Silk Lid
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Long rectangular shell encrusted box. Carefully applied shells decorate the top and bottom edges of this red board box in a variety of colors. At...
Shell, Silk, Paper
$396Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Folk Art Estremoz Clay World Heritage Figurine Portugal by Jose Moreira
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful and detailed figure by this famous World Heritage maker. Heavily patinated, with flaking to original painted surfaces. Not cleaned, presented in as found condition.
Pottery
Late 18th C. Hand Forged Barn Hinges On Custom Made Stands
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of custom mounted early American late 18th early 19th century hand forged barn door "penny ends" straps that would have been attached to hinges. These would have run the lengt...
Iron
Pair of Vintage Bamboo Wicker Ikebana Hanakago Baskets with Handles
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage ikebana flower baskets or hanakago, feature rounded barrel shapes with wide openings, surmounted by high arched handles. The bodies of the baskets are loosely woven with wide...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
19th Century Swedish Curtlery box / Tray
Located in Boden, SE
A charming early 19th Century two-section Cuterly tray with a handled -divider. It has a lovely gray original color & stunning patina. You can use it in your home in many different w...
Pine
Very Unusual Large Northern Swedish Wooden Bowl in Birch Root from the Mid 1700s
Located in Kramfors, SE
Very unusual large bowl from northern Sweden. This antique wooden bowl has an organic shape and is made from hollowing a large piece of birch root. It has an early date underneath, 1...
Birch
Tonala Mexico Angel Figurine Candle Holder Folk Art Hand-painted 1960s
By Ken Edwards, Tonala Pottery
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Charming vintage Tonala pottery figurine or candleholder is decorated with hand-painted decor of traditional flowers and leaves with bands of geometric decor. Angel's face has a thou...
Ceramic, Pottery
Vintage Green Painted Wooden Banded Bucket Pail
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Fantastic patina on this primitive basket. Very versatile piece. We see this charming piece used for anything from garden tools to champagne holder as well as fruit piled sitting on ...
Metal
Decorative traditional 19th century hand painted Swedish box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Decorative traditional 19th century hand painted Swedish box circa 1840. We are pleased to offer this strong box from our travels around Scandinavia. Hand painted with yellow flora...
Iron
19th century Swedish copper and brass water barrel
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Swedish copper and brass water barrel circa 1880. We are pleased to offer this piece of rural Swedish life for further use around the home. Made in copper and hand ham...
Brass, Copper
Late 18th Century Swedish antique iron stick genuine rustic with owner mark
Located in Boden, SE
An old antique swedish 18th century iron & wooden candlestick . The candle stick has a owner mark AAS. Very charming and solid. The candlestick is called "Stumpastake" in swedish. T...
Iron
Artistic atelier sculpture depicting a ear, Germany 1902.
Located in Milan, IT
Artistic atelier sculpture depicting a ear. Made of fruit wood, the sculpture has a smooth base with an irregular geometric edge, on which is the artist's proof of refined workmanshi...
Fruitwood
18th Century Rustic Primitive genuine Folk Art Wooden bowl original paint
Located in Boden, SE
An exceptional large rare oval shaped 18th century primitive Swedish carved wooden knot bowl. Shows a dry textured finish showing a stunning aged patina. A truly remarkable piece. Th...
Pine
Antique African Moroccan Tribal Wood Flask 19th C.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique North African Moroccan tribal wood flask. Rare late 19th century powder flask box from the Rif, Northern Morocco with a drum-shaped body hand carved wood with ethnic motifs, nice geometric carvings and very fine patina. Collector large carved wooden vessel with brass embossed in the shape of a turtle with a long neck. Dimensions: 11"L x 3" H x 5" diameter. Designed with practicality in mind, this flask features two robust metal rings on the side, perfect for securely attaching it to a belt or satchel, making it an ideal companion for hunting. The upper, narrower section includes a precisely drilled hole, providing easy access to the powder inside, underscoring the flask's functional yet artistic design. This wood gunpowder flask...
Wood
Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure on a Reclaimed Steel Plate, Wooden Base
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, a collection of found steel is reworked whi...
Metal, Steel
18th Century Swedish genuine country Folk Art box with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
A very beautiful folk Art box from Burträsk ,Västerbotten Northern Sweden. A very decorative original painting that is typical of that region. Nice salmon pink original painting ins...
Pine
Antique Swedish Soapstone Stone Pot with Hand Wrought Iron and a Genuine Patina
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish stone pot made from a hollowed stone – soapstone. With hand wrought iron bands that wrap around and strengthens it. Made during the mid 1800s in northern Sweden. Full...
Soapstone, Wrought Iron
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A wood bowl produced in Sweden, 19th century.
Wood
$2,950 / set
Collection of Three Swedish Baskets
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine group of three Swedish 19th and early 20th century folk art baskets, the first with polychrome decoration on a coiled willow body and having barley twist handle, the second with blue and red paint with floral decoration on a reeded body, the last of cylindrical form and having a woven snowflake pattern. Although priced as a collection, we would be willing to separate them. Size listed is for handled coiled basket...
Reed, Birch, Willow
Swedish Craft, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1900
Located in High Point, NC
An unglazed terra-cotta earthenware vase designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1900.
Earthenware
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A wood bowl or trough produced in Sweden 19th century.
Wood
Burmese Red & Black Lacquer Stand, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A Burmese display stand or offering stand of woven bamboo finished with red and black lacquer. Raised by a round woven pedestal base, the colorful tray resembles traditional offering...
Bamboo
Ceramic Tiger Sculpture Portuguese Folk Art Orange Black Glaze 1960s
Located in Lisboa, PT
This striking ceramic tiger sculpture dates to the 1960s and originates from Portugal, a country renowned during this period for its expressive figurative ceramics and strong traditi...
Ceramic
Antique Swedish Forskrin, Folk Art Travel Box from the 1700s, Original Condition
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique folk art box, a so called Forskrin which was used when travelling for storing documents and valuables around the late 1700s. Made in nor...
Wrought Iron
$5,200 / item
Sculpture in Burnt Wood 'Ofrenda I' by Carmworks
By Camilo Andres Rodriguez Marquez
Located in Paris, IDF
Sculpture in burnt wood 'Ofrenda I' by Camilo Andres Rodriguez Marquez (aka CarmWorks) Solid oak or cedar / burnt wood or natural Signed and numbered by the artist. -- Cami...
Oak, Cedar
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Wooden Bowl Dated 1871 Signed OAS
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish folk Art wooden bowl dated 1871 Signed OAS A stunning antique organic wooden bowl with lovely patina & trace originalpaint. You can see the use of time. The bowl...
Pine
$1,869Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Austrian Carved Pine Folk Art Farmer and His Oxen Model
Located in London, GB
19th century carved pine folk art farmer and his oxen model We are proud to offer a unique example of a late 19th century hand carved pine folk art model of a farmer and his oxen. R...
Pine
Pair of German Hand Carved Wood Figurative Sculptures of Two Boys Musicians
Located in Barntrup, DE
An adorable pair of hand-carved wooden figurines of two boys playing the whistle, Germany, the first half of the 20th century. Dimensions: Height 38 cm / 14.96 in, width circa 12 cm ...
Wood
$1,421Sale Price|20% Off
Round hand-carved Italian gray marble pesto mortar from the 19th century
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Round hand-carved Italian gray marble pesto mortar from the 19th century
Marble
$116Sale Price|20% Off
Royal Copenhagen Hand Painted Porcelain Young Girl Peasant Feeding a Calf
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Royal Copenhagen glazed hand painted porcelain figurine of a Danish young girl peasant feeding a calf from a big bucket. Below the base, it is found the Royal Copenhagen ha...
Porcelain
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
Australian Aboriginal Wood Sculpture with Ochre Echidna Bob Burruwal
Located in Atlanta, GA
An echidna sculpture carved from wood, supplemented with found branches and splash painted with ocher pigment by Australian Aboriginal artist Bob Burruwal (Born 1952-). Bob Burruwal ...
Wood
Rare 19th Century Swedish Solid wooden Wash Board for Washing Clothes Old
Located in Boden, SE
A handmade solid wood wash board. A wonderful decorative piece full of rustic charm, also can be used as an interesting serving tray. The Wash board has a owner mark and signed EPS I...
Pine
Cast Iron Green Painted Rooster Sculpture Door Stop
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very sturdy cast iron sculpture of a rooster. Could be used on a console or kitchen counter as a decorative centerpiece display or functional as a door stop.
Iron
18th Century Swedish Antique Wood Trough /Serving bowl dated 1789 sign PPS OIS
Located in Boden, SE
A genuine antique wood trough dated 1789 and signed with ownermarks PPS OIS ,from Hälsingland Northern Sweden A nearly monumentaly large farmers ...
Pine
Mid-Century Asian Art Daikoku Bronze Sculpture Japan, Meiji / Taisho Period XX°
Located in Palermo, IT
Solid bronze sculpture of Daikokuten (or Daikoku), one of the Seven Gods of Fortune (Shichifukujin) of Japan. He is the deity of prosperity, wealth, and cuisine. He is depicted weari...
Bronze
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A small pine bowl produced in Sweden, 19th Century.
Wood
An articulated artist's mannequin in alder wood, metaphysical face, France 1920.
Located in Milan, IT
A small-sized, articulated painter's mannequin with a metaphysical face. The mannequin is crafted from carved alder wood. It features a combination of various types of joints, rangin...
Metal, Brass
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Burl Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A burl wood bowl produced in Sweden, 19th century.
Burl
Antique Unique Large Swedish Genuine Patina Folk Art Wooden Bowl
Located in Kramfors, SE
Unique Swedish folk-art bowl in a very unusual boat like shape. This wooden bowl is large and wide with date “1782” underneath along with a set of initials. An unusual detail is the ...
Pine
Petite Indonesian Brass Betel Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite brass box was originally part of an early 20th century betel box set from Indonesia, one of several small containers that held the individual ingredients of a betel quid....
Brass
Traditional 19th century hand painted Scandinavian box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Traditional 19th century hand painted Scandinavian box circa 1860. Rustic made piece from Sweden that was used to help secure a person's possessions. Oval shaped with a slight dome...
Pine
$1,350 / set
Pair of Italian Maiolica Pharmacy Albarelli
Located in Atlanta, GA
A matched pair of tin glazed earthenware pharmacy vessels of baluster form with flaring rims and domed footed bases. Each Albarello is hand-painted in a traditional polychrome palet...
Earthenware
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 19th century
Located in High Point, NC
A red-painted wood bowl designed and produced in Sweden, 19th century.
Wood
19th Century Blue Swedish Folk Art Chest or Box
Located in Kramfors, SE
Blue folk art chest or box from Sweden. The chest is in untouched original condition with the first layer of original paint. Hand wrought hardware in iron with functional lock and key.
Pine