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.
Beautiful vintage Italian mura glass centerpiece by Domenico Rugiano
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Beautiful vintage Italian mura glass centerpiece by Domenico Rugiano
Murano Glass
Versaille crystal bronze silver XIX
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Silver bronze versaille crystal XIXSilver bronze versaille crystal XIXSilver bronze versaille crystal XIXSilver bronze versaille crystal XIXSilver bronze versaille crystal XIXSilver ...
Glass, Art Glass
Vintage Crystal Glass Liqueur Decanter, 1950s.
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of crystal glass Re-polished Good original condition.
Crystal
Vintage Italian Decorative Crystal Decanter 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Vintage Italian Decorative Crystal Decanter from the 1960s is a classic and refined piece of barware. Crafted in Italy during the mid-20th century, this decanter is made of high-...
Crystal
Vintage Waterford Irish Lead Crystal Killarney Pedestal Bowl Centerpiece
Located in Dayton, OH
Ornate and substantial, the Killarney pattern by Waterford is characterized by intricate deep cutting and classic design; showcasing the brilliant clarity of crystal. Whether you use it to display a centerpiece, or fill it with candy or potpourri, the Killarney 10-inch Bowl showcases its contents beautifully; making a truly original statement in stunning, brilliant crystal.
Crystal
$2,152 / set
H 15.75 in W 10.24 in D 6.3 in
1950s Vintage Italian Murano Colored Glass Pair of Candelabras
Located in Roma, IT
A significant and extremely rare Murano glass pair of candelabras in a myriad of colours. This, wonderful, important pair of Murano glass candelabras features a wide, rounded base an...
Crystal
Vintage Bohemian Crystal Cut Glass Bowl
Located in PARIS, FR
Presenting a truly remarkable vintage Bohemian crystal cut glass bowl from the 1960s, showcasing unparalleled craftsmanship and timeless beaut...
Crystal
Vintage French Glass Apothecary Jar
Located in Winter Park, FL
A French glass lidded apothecary or candy jar. Urn shaped faceted form. Lid with faceted cut glass knob. In good condition for the age and use, with light scratches and fleabite chip...
Blown Glass, Cut Glass
English Victorian Silver Plate and Crystal Cruet Set
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian silver plate faux bamboo design cruet set with woven wicker handle and 6 cut crystal bottles.
Crystal, Silver
Vintage Multicolored Art Glass Vase by Villeroy & Boch, 1990s
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Beautiful multicolored art glass vase Soliflor "Jewels" by Villeroy & Boch. Made of polished glass with non-slip satin band. Original brand on the base.
Art Glass
$250 / set
H 12.38 in W 4 in D 4 in
Vintage Holmegaard Clear Glass "Kluk Kluk" Decanters Designed by Jacob Bang
By Holmegaard, Jacob Bang
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Holmegaard Kastrup Clear Glass "Kluk Kluk" Decanters Designed by Jacob Bang Offered for sale is a pair of vintage Holmegaard Kastrup clear glass "kluk kluk" decanters design...
Glass
Set of 6 Pcs. Vintage Italian Murano Glass 24k Gilt Wine Glasses
Located in Vilnius, LT
Set of 6 pcs. vintage Italian wine/water glasses. The glasses are created in mouth blown technique using different colour glass and decorated with 24k gold decor. Very good/excellent...
Gold
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 12.5 in W 13.5 in D 5.25 in
Victorian Oak and Silver Metal Tantalus with Crystal Decanters
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Original antique Victorian oak and silver metal tantalus with three crystal decanters. Comes with key to lock in the liquor or wine decanters.
Silver
Sterling Silver Crystal Compote Footed Bowl T. G. Hawkes & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful crystal and sterling silver compote or footed bowl, by T. G. Hawkes & Co., circa early to mid-20th century, USA. Crystal bowl has cut diamond design and serrated edge wit...
Crystal, Sterling Silver