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.
$140Sale Price|28% Off
Early Swedish 19th Century Blue Glass Candy Bowl or Yoghurt Dish
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early Swedish 19th Century blue glass candy bowl or dish. This type of glass bowl was typically used for yoghurt and other dairy products.
Art Glass
$174Sale Price|43% Off
Uredale Glass Paperwight Pebble Shape Star Decoration, North Yorkshire 20th C
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is an unusual hand-made Art-Glass paperweight from Uredale Glass, Masham, North Yorkshire, England which we date to the late 20th century. The paperweight is hand made in the...
Glass
Hand Painted Antique Germany Beer Glass City View Munich, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character Munich beer drinking glass. It has been made in Germany, circa 1900s. Absolutely gorgeous piece hand painted and still in great condition, without damage. Shows ...
Glass
$1,440Sale Price|34% Off
Danish 19th Century Cobalt Blue Glass Hip Flask By Holmegaard
By Holmegaard
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish 19th century cobalt blue glass hip flask by Holmegaard The flask is "tear-drop" shaped and has the most amazing deep and vibrantly blue colo...
Art Glass
Blue Glass Gulvase by Otto Bauer for Holmegaard
By Otto Bauer, Holmegaard
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
The smallest in the set of five sizes of this classic glass vase.
Blown Glass
$3,290
H 2.6 in W 6.3 in D 6.23 in
Large Italian Alexandrite and Green Sommerso Murano Glass Bowl, Dish or Ashtray
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Antonio da Ros for Cenedese large and heavy vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian Murano glass bowl, serving dish or ashtray, circa 1965-1975. Utilizing the Sommerso technique this larg...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Fenton Art Nouveau Iridescent Cut Glass Bowl, Early 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
A very good quality American Fenton art glass dish dating from the early 20th century. The moulded glass dish stands raised on a pedestal and is of rounded ...
Cut Glass, Art Glass
$1,300
H 2.25 in W 7.25 in D 5.5 in
Antonio da Ros Asymetric Murano Glass Sommerso Bowl/Dish, Uranium/Blue
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful uranium Murano glass bowl designed by Antonio Da Ros.
Glass
1960's Danish Glass Bowl by Per Lütken for Holmegaard
By Per Lütken, Holmegaard
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish glass bowl by Per Lütken for Holmegaard - 1960's.
Glass
$1,645
H 2.37 in Dm 7.17 in
Cenedese Signed Large Vintage Murano Orange Colored Frosted Glass Bowl or Dish
By Cenedese
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Large 18cm wide Murano glass bowl, dish or ashtray 'signed' by Cenedese. Wonderful translucent glass over bright orange with the textured look and feel of acid-etched / sandblasted f...
Murano Glass
Vintage 1960s Murano Glass 'Tutti Frutti' Paperweight by AVEM
By Arte Vetraria Muranese (AVEM)
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1960s. This paperweight is made in Murano glass. It is a "Tutti frutti" model. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be con...
Murano Glass
Murano Sommerso Glass Horse Head Bust Signed Italian
Located in North Miami, FL
This Italian Murano Sommerso glass horse head is signed Bortaro. It is lovely and in then colors of black, gray and clear. The mane of hair in hand b...
Blown Glass
Koloman Moser Art Nouveau Glass Pitcher by Loetz Witwe, Bohemia, 1900s
By Loetz Glass, Koloman Moser, Johann Lötz Witwe
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful mouth blown Art Nouveau / Jugendstil glass pitcher, dated around 1900, designed by Vienna Secessionist Kolo Moser. This lovely jug is handmade of clear crystal glass and ...
Crystal
Vintage Italian Murano Red and Clear Sommerso Glass Bowl, Dish or Ashtray
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Antonio da Ros for Cenedese (attributed) heavy vintage Italian Murano glass bowl or ashtray, circa 1960-1970. Utilizing the Sommerso technique this heavy piece of glass features two ...
Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$1,245
H 17.25 in Dm 6.75 in
Danish Mid-Century Modern Handblown Glass Vase by Otto Brauer for Holmegaard
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern vase was designed by the esteemed Otto Brauer and handblown by Holmegaard in Denmark, circa 1960. The piece features a cylindrical body ...
Glass
$1,125
H 4.75 in Dm 1.25 in
English 19th Century W. Leuchars Silver Gilt Two-Sided Cut Glass Scent Bottle
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
Rare and fine antique English W. Leuchars silver gilt (vermeil) and cut-glass scent bottle Maker: W. Leuchars 38 Piccadilly London The double sided scent bottle one side is for ...
Vermeil
Set of Two Mackenzie- Childs Flower Market Hand-Painted Goblets Glasses
Located in New Orleans, LA
Make any occasion more special by setting the table with this pair of Mackenzie-Child's flower garden goblets. These glasses are perfect for serving chilled water, wine or summer dri...
Glass, Paint
Set of Two Mackenzie- Childs Flower Market Hand-Painted Champagne Glasses
Located in New Orleans, LA
Make any occasion more special by setting the table with this pair of Mackenzie-Child's flower garden water goblets. These glasses are perfect for serving chilled water, wine or summ...
Glass, Paint
19th Century Swirled Glass Vase, Likely Zanesville Ohio
Located in Doylestown, PA
A lovely swirled amber glass vase, mid 19th century, likely by the Zanesville Glass Company, normal wear with bubbles and a pontil scar in the base.
Blown Glass
Antique Green Glass Apothecary Bottle, English 18th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful piece of glass Beautiful colour of green Traces of the original label " Tinct. Opii " Tiny bruise to top edge. Shown in the last image
Glass
Antique Ape and Gnome Germany Lidded Glass Beer Stein, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous beer stein, made in Germany. This beer stein has been made in Germany, circa 1890s. Absolutely gorgeous piece still in great condition, without damage. Lid works properly....
Pewter
Set of Three Decorative Glasses with Hummingbird and Floral Motif
Located in Plainview, NY
A stylish and decorative set of three glasses. Each glass has been permanently sand blast etched with the Hummingbird and flourish designs in a very spring like color tones including...
Glass
Hand Blown His and Hers Stemmed Wine Glasses
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handblown his and hers stemmed wine glasses- Artfully designed. Perfect for the perfect couple A phenomenal Wedding Gift from the Curated Giver.
Art Glass
Stiegel Decanter, Pennsylvania, 18th Century
Located in Doylestown, PA
A sweet little enamel decorated decanter or scent bottle attributed to the Baron Stiegel glassworks, circa 1790 with pewter threaded top (cap missing) and a Pontil scar on base.
Glass
Large Glass Candy Jar
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This is an exceptional glass candy or apothecary jar or canister. It has a nice blue/gray tint to the glass which shows minor imperfections to the rims of...
Glass