Folk Art Ceramics
FOLK ART STYLE
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.
to
18
60
2
16
42
5
19
7
2
6
2
1
2
1
4
2,828
1,060
1,024
648
325
251
141
116
84
60
60
34
29
19
9
3
3
2
57
17
9
6
6
28
27
43
14
11
9
7
60
60
60
3
2
2
1
1
Style: Folk Art
19th Century Old Hand-Painted Ceramic Sicilian Salt Container
Located in Catania, Sicilia
The sicilian salt container has beeen hand-crafted in the small town of Patti, it is adorned with intricate hand-painted designs in earthy tones, predominantly green and brown, which are characteristic of traditional Sicilian pottery...
Category
Mid-20th Century Sicilian Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
1970 Outsider Art Figural Stoneware Decorative Plate
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Charming outsider art charger / decorative plate depicting a jovial young girl. Pleasant color palette and figure with age-appropriate crazing to the glaze...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
A 1950s Black Painted Terracotta. Dutch Figure of Two Childs
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This is a 1950s black-painted terracotta figurine depicting two Dutch children sitting together on a bench. The sculpture showcases a traditional European folk art style, with intric...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Terracotta
Folk Art Dish with Red Floral Motif by Ilse Claesson for Rörstrand, Sweden 1930
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This is a large and very charming dish designed by Ilse Claesson for Rörstrand. This stunning 30 cm diameter dish, features a romantic hand-painted motif typical of the 1920s-1930s countryside, showcasing a cute red color. The centerpiece of the dish depicts a bird surrounded by flowers, all framed by an outer border with painted squares that resemble a bamboo grid.
About Ilse Claesson
Ilse Claesson (1907–1999) was one of Sweden's most prominent ceramic artists of the 20th century. After studying at the School of Design and Crafts in Gothenburg, she began working at the Rörstrand factory during the 1920s and 1930s. Ilse became well-known for her Art Deco-inspired designs, and her work is represented at the Swedish National Museum of Art and Design.
She was also known as Ilse Roempke...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Earthenware
Hand-Painted Large Faience Figures: Pair French Lions, Luneville c.1800
By Luneville
Located in Katonah, NY
This large pair of French faience lions was hand-painted at the Luneville factory in France circa 1800.
They feature bold yellow and black manes, wide...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Faience
German Majolica Vintage Green Ceramic Deviled Egg Plate with Salt Pepper Shaker
Located in Nuernberg, DE
20th century German majolica plate platter for serving eggs with two chicken as salt and pepper shakers. Nice addition to your table or just to display. Please see detailed pictures ...
Category
1960s German Vintage Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Tlaquepaque Tonala Jug, Tonalá, Jalisco, Mexico, C1940
By Pre-Columbian
Located in London, GB
A wonderfully decorative earthenware jug from the Tonala valley, depicting a ‘Tlaquepaque’ scene with the most beautiful glazed artisanal composition. Graphic vivid colours depicting...
Category
1940s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Earthenware, Pottery
Vintage Blue and White Delft Porcelain Spoon Rack
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning Vintage Delfts Blauw blue and white porcelain spoon rack in very good condition.
Beautiful Dutch Delft hanging wall rack with blue and white han...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Rare Large Mochaware Bowl with Cable Decoration England Circa 1830
Located in Katonah, NY
We are pleased to offer this exceptionally large and rare mid-19th century English mochaware bowl. Each piece of mochaware is unique. Made in England ci...
Category
1830s English Antique Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Creamware
Large Red and White Hand Painted Ceramic Italian Soup Cup, Italy
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful large hand painted soup cup with handle made in Italy. Italian folk pottery has become highly coveted in recent years. This piece features a hand ...
Category
20th Century Italian Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
19Thc Marbleized Stone Ware Piggy Bank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a very early stone ware glazed piggy bank from New England. This is a handmade piggy bank in very good condition.
Category
1870s American Antique Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Pottery
Antique Majolica Milk Pitcher with Pewter Lid, Bird Motif antique 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Decorate a shelf or a kitchen counter with this elegant antique milk pitcher. Created attributed to Sarreguemines, France in the 1900s. The milk j...
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Rare Sgraffito Redware Slip Decorated Pottery Charger Large Plate, 19th Century
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
A large charger plate made of Redware pottery, all hand decorated in the Sgraffito Slip Decorated technique, with a stylized floral pattern.
Thi...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Earthenware
20th Century Ransbottom Cookie Jar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20th century Robinson Ransbottom cookie jar. 2qt canister. Beautiful condition.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Pottery
19th Century Old Hand-Painted Ceramic Sicilian Salt Container
Located in Catania, Sicilia
The sicilian salt container has beeen hand-crafted in the small town of Patti, it is adorned with intricate hand-painted designs in earthy tones, predominantly green and brown, which are characteristic of traditional Sicilian pottery...
Category
Mid-20th Century Sicilian Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Mochaware Mug Banded with Brown Slip Made in England, circa 1815
Located in Katonah, NY
A Mochaware mug decorated with bands of slip in light and midnight brown.
Between the midnight and light brown slip bands are three bands of inlaid rouletting decoration in geometric patterns.
Although made circa 1815, the inlaid rouletting gives the mug a surprisingly modern look.
The applied handle has exceptionally crisp acanthus leaf terminals.
Dimensions: 4.9" tall x 4.9" deep from spout to handle, 3.25" diameter
Condition: Excellent
Price $1600
Background of Mochaware:
Mocha decorated...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Earthenware
18th Century European Earthenware Pitcher with Blue Colored Decoration
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An 18th century European ceramic pitcher, most probably from Germany, with glazed decoration in blue colour representing flowers on a beige background. It has most probably been used...
Category
Late 18th Century German Antique Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Earthenware
Vintage Playful Teapot with Crab-like Features by Allan Hellman Sweden 1982
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This playful and unique teapot, has different sides to it. Sometimes it looks like just a quirky tea pot with a bright green inside. But in the view from some angles , this three leg...
Category
1980s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Clay
Vintage Studio Pottery Green Leaf Platter, Unsigned, Canada, 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Large vintage studio pottery serving platter - realistically modelled/molded as a leaf - over-all dark green glaze with subtle iridescence - kiln/firing stilt marks to the base - uns...
Category
20th Century Canadian Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century Sponge Ware Bulbous Soft Paste Pitcher
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century sponge ware soft paste design sponge soft paste pitcher. The condition is very good and this is most unusual.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Pottery
Ken Edwards Tonala Pottery Teapot
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage Tonala Mexico folk art pottery teapot by Ken Edwards. Nice round shape with beautiful hand painted designs of birds and flowers in Ken Edward's signature style. Signed on t...
Category
Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Pottery
Hand Painted Ceramic Flower Pot From Mexico
Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Hand painted ceramic flower pot from San Agustin Oapan, Guerrero, Mexico. Circa 1980´s. Strong folk art piece hand painted with good detail.
Category
1980s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Terracotta, Calico
Danish Piggy Bank for Charity, circa 1920s
Located in Copenhagen, K
Lovely piggy bank with inscription aiming to collect money for the society for children’s footwear. This union was established in 1889 and was still active in mid-1930s.
Category
1910s Danish Vintage Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Iron
DELFT Large Vintage Ceramic Plate Blue and White Dutch Holland Charger 1940s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning large vintage Dutch Holland Delfts blue and white decorative plate.
Beautiful charger, the painting depicts a fisherman smoking a pipe.
It is signed by the artist, "Volendam...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Christmas Elf On Goose Money Bank
Located in Copenhagen, K
The Elf or "Nisse" as they are called in Denmark, used to live in every farmhouse, and you had to treat them nice to make them stay. Later on they became associated with Christmas an...
Category
1890s Danish Antique Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Earthenware
Sarreguemines French Majolica Pink Pig Pitcher, Vintage France
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Decorate a shelf or a kitchen counter with this elegant antique barbotine pitcher. Created by Sarreguemines, France in the 1930s, the pitcher depicts...
Category
1930s French Vintage Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
A 1950s Black Painted Terracotta. Dutch Figure of Two Childs
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This is a 1950s black-painted terracotta figurine depicting two Dutch children sitting together on a bench. The sculpture showcases a traditional European folk art style, with intric...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Terracotta
Folk Art Pottery Charger, Hand Painted Sheep, Signed, Greece, Circa 1970's
Located in Chatham, ON
M. MIXA?HE - Vintage folk art pottery charger or wall plate - large size - hand made and hand painted and incised with a sheep and flowers - applied slip decorative scrolls to the ba...
Category
Mid-20th Century Greek Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century Spanish Talavera Glazed Ceramic Horse And Rider
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century Spanish Talavera glazed and hand painted drinking vessel, or bottle, in the form of a horse and rider. The top of the riders conical hat is open and the body is hollow t...
Category
Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Folk Art Spill Vase Animal Farm Scene Attributed to Staffordshire England
Located in New York, NY
An animal farm scene pottery spill vase, Folk Art design, attributed to Staffordshire, circa early-20th century, England. A beautiful scene of dove birds o...
Category
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Pottery
Sarreguemines French Majolica Pair of Vases with Ships, Vintage France
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful pair of vases made by Sarreguemines France. Underglaze mark. Nice addition to your table or just to display. Please see detailed pictures for vintage as found condition. Ma...
Category
1930s French Vintage Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Antique Art Pottery Green Ewer Probably Belgian, circa 1890
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine antique green glazed art pottery handled ewer with incised stylized floral designs picked out in black glazes with incised line designs around the body of the ewer. With mould...
Category
Late 19th Century Belgian Antique Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Pottery
German Antique Handmade Salt Glazed Fruit Patterned Stoneware Bottle
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional and unusual antique German salt glazed hand worked stoneware bottle decorated with stylised fruit designs dating from the 19th centur...
Category
1870s German Antique Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
19th Century Montiel Family Studio Figurative Face Bowl
By Montiel Family Studio
Located in Springfield, OR
A fantastic and rare piece of history. Produced by the Montiel Family Studio sometime in the 1890s to early 1900s. A red clay body decorated in a beautifully lustered Majolica glaze. Very reminiscent in style to 1950s Italian ceramics...
Category
1890s Guatemalan Antique Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Group of 7 Sant’ Anna Hand Painted Tiles
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A great group of older Sant’ Anna tiles from Lisbon, Portugal. With colorful and Primitive depictions of Ponies, Figs, Cat, Artichoke and Wine Glasses. The company in production from...
Category
1940s Vintage Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
19th century Italian glazed ceramic sardines jar
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid 19th-century Italian glazed ceramic sardines jar
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
VIETRI - Vintage Hand Painted & Wheel Thrown Pitcher - Italy - 20th Century
By Vietri
Located in Chatham, ON
VIETRI - Vintage hand painted and wheel thrown terracotta pitcher - featuring a scenic view of the Amalfi coast - sponge decorated back with white glazed interior - signed on the bac...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Continental Terracotta Slipware Decorated Dish, Signed, 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage - Continental - clear glazed terracotta slipware baking dish - the terracotta ground decorated with a stylized flat fish in yellow slip - indistinc...
Category
Mid-20th Century Portuguese Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Terracotta
Vintage Studio Pottery Unglazed Cream Ceramic Pitcher
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A pretty piece of studio pottery. Unglazed and unpainted, this pitcher is created from clay and has no signature. It would be a beautiful piece for display on a shelf or table.
Dim...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Sarreguemines French Majolica Corn on the Cob Lidded Tureen, Vintage France
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Serving bowl in the shape of a corn on the cob with a leaf. Underglaze mark. Nice addition to your table or just to display. Please see detailed pictur...
Category
1930s French Vintage Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Spanish Terracotta Albarello Vase
Located in Barcelona, ES
Glazed Terracotta vase in shades of green, blue, beige
Traditional spanish glazed ceramic vase "Albarelo" in green and blue pastel colors decoration with brown accents.
It has a mark on the bottom (IOX).
Spain, circa 1960s.
Popular pottery; Medical Ceramic-ware.
Measures: 21 cm H x 14,5 cm diameter // 8,26 in H x 5,70 in diameter.
More glazed and unglazed terracotta spanish...
Category
20th Century Spanish Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Terracotta, Ceramic, Earthenware
18th Century Faience Jug
Located in Copenhagen, K
Beautiful German faience jug from one of the Northern German factories.
Category
18th Century German Antique Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Faience
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Milk Bowl with Rooster Motif in Red, Green, and Br
Located in Grythyttan, SE
A large milk bowl crafted from ball clay features a rooster motif in red, green, and brown. This piece, originating from the mid-19th century, is adorned with engobe—a mixture of pip...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
1880 French Country Pair of Navy Blue Edged Folk Art Majolica Decorative Plates
Located in New York, NY
Two quite rare earthenware sculptural decorative plates in barbotine, dated 1880, handcrafted in Clermont Ferrand, central part of France, by Charles ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Majolica
Italian Ceramic Mushroom Motif Serving Dish or Relish Tray in Green - Italy
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful example of Italian dipinto a mano, or hand-painted ceramics. This piece at first glance is reminiscent of an oyster tray or platter. It has five divided wells for serving...
Category
20th Century Italian Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Late 20th C. Unusual Glazed Ceramic - Two Frogs on Large Stylized Lily Pad
Located in Morristown, NJ
Late 20th C. a hand-crafted ceramic decorative bowl. The design prominently features two small frogs sitting on a large, stylized lily pad, with delicate details such as a flower and...
Category
1980s American Vintage Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Playful Teapot by Allan Hellman Sweden 1967
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This playful and unique teapot, has different sides to it. Sometimes it looks like just a quirky tea pot with a bright mustard yellow inside. But in the view from some angles, this t...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Clay
Mid Century Ceramic Vessel Vase or Carafe in Blue and Brown, Signed
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A unique ceramic jug or vase with a handle. This piece is created from ceramic and circular in form. The body is decorated in a textured blue and brown design. The neck is narrow, an...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Vintage American Hand Thrown Art Pottery Jug Artisan Stoneware
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage American hand thrown art Pottery Jug Artisan stoneware
This is a vintage handcrafted American studio art Pottery blue glazed small pitcher.
Superb pottery jug immaculate hand thrown studio...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Pottery
English Pottery Pearlware Botanical Plates, circa 1840
Located in Downingtown, PA
English pottery pearlware botanical plates,
circa 1840
The folky painted plates have a scalloped rim. In the center of each plate is a large...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Pearlware, Pottery
Set of 4 Hand-Painted Fruit Plates - Cidalia, Conimbricer Portugal
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A set of four hand-painted Portuguese ceramic fruit plates. Each plate is round and glazed in a bright white. Each piece is decorated with a different fruit on the vine. Fruits inclu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Portuguese Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
1970 Outsider Art Figural Stoneware Decorative Plate
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Charming outsider art charger / decorative plate depicting a jovial young girl. Pleasant color palette and figure with age-appropriate crazing to the glaze...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
Black Clay Barro Negro Pottery Hot Chocolate Set Oaxaca Mexico Mugs & Fish Tray
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome black clay or barro negro pottery hot chocolate set most likely from Oaxaca, Mexico consisting of 4 mugs, tray with Fish design, and wooden ...
Category
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Clay
Kähler, HAK, Jug in Glazed Stoneware, Flowers on a Cream Colored Background
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kähler, HAK. Jug in glazed stoneware. Flowers on a cream-colored background, 1930s-1940s.
Measures: 15 x 12 cm.
Signed.
In excellent condition.
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
Brown Ceramic Oyster Dip and Chip Serving Platter
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A cream and brown serving platter for dip and chips. Created to look like an oyster shell, this unique serving platter features a mini version of itself at the center for dip or sals...
Category
1980s American Vintage Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Whimsical Ceramic Pink and Green Spring Theme Platter Made in Portugal
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A whimsical round ceramic platter made in Portugal. The decorative plate is decorative in whimsical design of Spring. A rabbit in gray, castle and bird are surrounded by hand painted flourishes and stylized flowers. A braided ceramic...
Category
20th Century Portuguese Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Late 19th Century German Pug Dog, Heavy Terracotta with Brown Carmel Color Glaze
Located in San Francisco, CA
Late 19th century German pug dog. Heavy terracotta with brown carmel color glaze.
Seated, with the head turned, in active pose. Good confirmation and details of the face, ears, coil...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Terracotta
Michael Andersen Ceramics from Bornholm, a Pair of Heads, National Costume
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Michael Andersen ceramics from Bornholm.
A pair of heads, national costume, hand painted.
Measures: 14.5 x 12.5 cm.
Perfect condition.
Category
20th Century Danish Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Large Danish Skotterup Owl with Removable Head of Glazed Earthenware
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Large Danish Skotterup owl with removable head of glazed earthenware.
With incised pattern, Early 1900s.
In very good condition.
Measures: 52 x 27 cm.
Produced by the stoneware f...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Folk Art Ceramics
Kähler, Denmark, Bowl in Black Glazed Ceramics with Blue and White Waves
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kähler, Denmark. Bowl in black glazed ceramics with blue and white waves along the edge, 1930s-1940s.
Measures: 17 x 7 cm.
In very good condition.
Signed.
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Piggy Bank for Charity
Located in Copenhagen, K
Lovely piggy bank with inscription aiming to collect money for the society for children’s footwear. This union was established in 1889 and was still active ...
Category
1910s Danish Vintage Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Iron
Folk Art ceramics for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art ceramics for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage ceramics created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, folk art, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, pottery and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art ceramics made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original ceramics, popular names associated with this style include Delft, Royal Copenhagen, Sarreguemines, and Tonala Pottery. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for ceramics differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $60 and tops out at $5,500 while the average work can sell for $493.