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
$3,250
H 5.25 in W 18.5 in D 7 in
Wonderful French Baccarat Diamond Cut Crystal Ormolu Bronze Lion Paw Centerpiece
By Baccarat
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French Baccarat style diamond cut crystal ormolu bronze lion paw large oval centerpiece Dimensions: H 5.25" x D 18.5".
Crystal, Bronze
Vintage Crystal Glass Liqueur Decanter, 1950s.
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of crystal glass Re-polished Good original condition.
Crystal
$160
H 5 in W 4.63 in D 1.5 in
Beautiful Crystal Glass Decanter for Perfume or Vinegar vintage Germany 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage Possell Kristall crystal perfume bottle featuring a distinctive tilted silhouette and exceptional hand-ground craftsmanship. This elegant and unusual design showcases the ref...
Art Glass
Pair of Sterling Silver and Cut Crystal Salt Cellars
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An exquisite pair of Louis XVI-style cauldron-shaped, sterling silver salt cellars, finely decorated with swags and motifs of asparagus and laurel wreaths. Dating from around the t...
Crystal, Silver
Late 19th Century Crystal and Gilt Bronze Centrepiece
Located in Paris, FR
Red and transparent crystal centerpiece composed of a flared vase and cup. They are engraved with leafy rinceau, grape vines, and scrolling foliage. Gilt bronze mounts are decorated ...
Crystal, Bronze
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
Barovier e Toso Murano Glass Rostrato Centerpiece, 1940, Italy
Located in Milano, IT
Barovier e Toso Murano glass Rostrato centerpiece, 1940, Italy.
Murano 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
$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
Antique Russian Imperial Cobalt Blue Cut Crystal and Bronze Mounted Bowl
Located in Toronto, ON
This exquisite Russian Imperial cobalt blue and clear cut crystal bowl, circa 1890, is a remarkable piece of craftsmanship, showcasing the opulence and attention to detail characteri...
Crystal, Bronze
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
1960s French Crystal Saint Louis Credited Centerpiece
By Saint Louis
Located in Roma, IT
Enchanting glass bowl, thick crystal with perfectly executed cut decoration, undoubtedly attributable to St. Louis France, the oldest glass manufacturer in France. Founded in 1767, ...
Crystal