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.
Large Handmade French/Belgian Three Tier Dessert Stand, 1940's
Located in Balen, BE
Handmade Farmhouse Metal Serving / Cake Stand – Possibly French or Belgian, Early 20th Century Charming Folk Art with Galvanised Sheet Metal Detailing This unique handmade serving o...
Metal, Wrought Iron
Beautifully decorated and crafted Italian copper and brass cauldron
Located in Milan, IT
Beautifully decorated and crafted Italian copper and brass cauldron.Can be used for outdoor cooking or as a planter.
Brass, Copper, Wrought Iron
$1,895 / item
Collection of Three Sponge Ware Serving Platters -3
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Collection of three sponge ware platters all in good condition. No cracks or chips.
Pottery
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...
Terracotta
Chinese Folk Painted Tray with River Landscape
Located in Chicago, IL
This lacquered serving tray is crafted with a hand-painted panel salvaged from a vintage Chinese cabinet. Selected for its charming folk art decoration, the found panel is painted wi...
Pine
Chinese Folk Painted Peony Tray
Located in Chicago, IL
This large wooden serving tray is crafted with a hand-painted panel salvaged from a vintage Chinese cabinet. Selected for its charming folk art decoration, the found panel is painted...
Pine
Chinese Folk Painted Tray with River Landscape
Located in Chicago, IL
This lacquered serving tray is crafted with a hand-painted panel salvaged from a vintage Chinese cabinet. Selected for its charming folk art decoration, the found panel is painted wi...
Pine
Large Antique Tole Handled Tray with Courting Couple
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Large black antique tole tray with courting couple walking among the floral garden setting with a cottage in the background. Circa 1900. Dimensions:...
Metal
Chinese Folk Painted Rooster Tray
Located in Chicago, IL
This lacquered serving tray is crafted with a hand-painted panel salvaged from a vintage Chinese cabinet. Selected for its charming folk art decoration, the found panel is painted wi...
Pine
Deruta Red Rooster Majolica Set of 4 Cups Saucers & Plates for PV, Mid Century
By Deruta
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage set of cups, saucers, and plates, total of 4 settings, was made in Deruta region of Italy for Peasant Village. It is hand painted with red Rooster pattern on speckled light ...
Ceramic, Pottery, Majolica
$1,595 / set
Set of Four 19Thc Sponge Ware Plates -4
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four 19thc sponge ware plates in mint condition.Notice the fantastic dark indigo colors.
Pottery
$1,495 / set
Set of Three Sponge Serving Bowls
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of three 19thc sponge ware serving bowls.All three in mint condition.Sold as a set of three.
Porcelain
$88Sale Price|20% Off
Hand Made Hand Painted Gail Pittman Ceramic Chop Plate Signed And Dated 2007
Located in New Orleans, LA
A hand made chop plate by Mississippi artist Gail Pittman. Founded in 1979 when Gail Pittman left full-time teaching to stay at home with her children, her kitchen table was her st...
Ceramic
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
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...
Ceramic
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...
Ceramic, Paint
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 ...
Clay
Exceptional Bristol Delft Landscape Charger
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very good 18th Century English, probably Bristol, charger depicting a church, cottage and wooded landscape with flocks of birds overhead.
Earthenware
$264Sale Price|37% Off
Pair Of Danish 18th Century Pewter Salt Cellars
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Pair of Danish 18th century pewter salt cellars.
Pewter
Large White Ceramic Fish Serving Platters - A Pair Olfaire Portugal
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This pair of stunning vintage Olfaire fish-shaped serving platters is a true testament to Portuguese craftsmanship and artistry. Carefully molded from fine ceramic, the platters show...
Ceramic, Paint
French Art Glass Fish Platter, Sculptural Molded with Textured Relief
By Daum
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This striking French art glass platter features a finely modeled fish rendered in high-relief beneath a thick, softly contoured glass surface. The platter is substantial in weight an...
Glass, Art Glass
Peruvian Table Bell in 925 Silver from the middle - 20th century
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
PERUVIAN 925 SILVER BELL, MID-20TH CENTURY Beautiful Peruvian silver bell of a woman carved in traditional clothing ...
Silver
Vintage Boho Studio Pottery Plate
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This unique studio pottery tile or small plate is a fascinating piece of handcrafted ceramics, utilizing texture and glazing to create a dynamic optical effect. Hand-formed with a sl...
Clay, Pottery
Carl Auböck Model #3431 'Knopferl' Brass Tray
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3431 'Knopferl' Brass Tray Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese tray is executed in patinated and p...
Brass
Midcentury Teak Serving Tray or Platter
Located in San Diego, CA
Midcentury teak serving tray or platter from Denmark, circa 1960s. The platter is 12" in diameter and .5" high. The piece is in very good...
Teak
$957
H 0.79 in Dm 13.59 in
Dior Silver Plated and Tortoiseshell Lucite Serving Serving Tray, Italy 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous midcentury serving tray in silver plated metal and tortoiseshell effect lucite. This stunning and unique piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s and its design is attr...
Silver Plate
$675
H 11.5 in Dm 9.5 in
Kensington Moire Gold Plate Two Tier Center Handled Etched Snack Serving Stand
By Lurelle Guild, Kensington Ware
Located in Miami, FL
Charming Gold Plate 2 tier Center Handled snack, pastry, cake treats stand or serving tray designed by Lurelle Guild. The textured free-form biomorphic relief design looks very Mid-...
Gold Plate, Aluminum
$161 / item
H 1.78 in W 13.59 in D 19.3 in
Les Ottomans "The Peacock Design" Oval Iron Tray by Matthew Williamson
By Matthew Williamson, Les Ottomans
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Renowned British designer Matthew Williamson, known for his bold use of colour and nature-inspired motifs, has created a tabletop and textile collection with Les Ottomans. This colla...
Iron
$119 / item
H 1.97 in W 13 in D 8.27 in
Les Ottomans "The Peacock Design" Rectangular Iron Tray by Matthew Williamson
By Matthew Williamson, Les Ottomans
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Renowned British designer Matthew Williamson, known for his bold use of colour and nature-inspired motifs, has created a tabletop and textile collection with Les Ottomans. This colla...
Iron
$2,284
H 3.35 in Dm 24.41 in
Very Large Antique Decorative Serving Plate, Belgian, Ceramic Charger, C.1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a very large antique decorative serving plate. A Belgian, ceramic charger with blue and white finish, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920. Of Impressive size, with ...
Ceramic
$325
H 0.75 in W 13 in D 11.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Taverneau Serving Tray by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage serving platter tray designed by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor, circa 1960's. This solid piece is made out of Taverneau wood and features ...
Reed, Wood
Serving Tray, 19th Century English in Papier Mâché
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century English papier mâché serving tray with an exquisitely hand painted scene of a stylized bird, floral bouquet and rococo bordering with lacquered finish. Perfect for servi...
Paper
Nouveau / Arts and Crafts Copper Coffee Set
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
fleurdetroit presents for your consideration a wondeeful tea service from the Arts and Crafts period. Dazzle guests with a one of a kind find like this early 20th century coffee/tea ...
Copper
$520 / item
H 3.94 in Dm 15.75 in
Talavera Decorative Lavabo Sink Folk Art Mexican Ceramic Spanish Colonial
By Cesar
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Elegant surrealist sink lavabo made with the Talavera technique. Artist, Cesar Torres portraits the colonial art of Mexico. The Spanish colonial style sink is a perfect piece to bring personality and light to bathrooms and restrooms. Its warm colors bring light to the piece, creating a cozy effect in the atmosphere where it is placed. The Talavera is not just a simple painted ceramic: its exquisite decoration is the product of a delicate process of alchemy that translates into fine enamels. In Puebla, Mexico few people still produce using Talavera with the ancestral techniques.One of those few is Cesar Torres, Don Cesar...
Ceramic, Clay, Majolica
Marble Tray Marquina Color with Leather Straps, Large
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Marble trays with leather straps and brass bottom reinforcement. Leather tips on the legs to avoid scratching surfaces. Marble is a non-foliated m...
Marble
Chinese Folk Tea Tray with Mirror, c. 1940s
Located in Chicago, IL
Floral carvings and a hand-painted finish add charming detail to the simple lines of this vintage Chinese tea tray. The rectangular tray has developed great character from years of s...
Mirror, Pine
Burmese Red Lacquer Tray, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This large, round tray dates to the early 20th century and is a simple example of Burmese lacquerware (pan yun). The tray is formed of thin bamboo strips that have been woven and coi...
Bamboo
Chinese Folk Painted Garden Tray
Located in Chicago, IL
This lacquered serving tray is crafted with a hand-painted panel salvaged from a vintage Chinese cabinet. Selected for its charming folk art decoration, the found panel is painted wi...
Pine
Chinese Folk Painted Tray with Tiger Scene
Located in Chicago, IL
This lacquered serving tray is crafted with a hand-painted panel salvaged from a vintage Chinese cabinet. Selected for its charming folk art decoration, the found panel is painted wi...
Pine
Chinese Folk Painted Tray with Railway Scene
Located in Chicago, IL
This lacquered serving tray is crafted with a hand-painted panel salvaged from a vintage Chinese cabinet. Selected for its charming folk art decoration, the found panel is painted wi...
Pine
Sold
H 16 in W 1.75 in D 16 in
5 JA Froilan Talavera Scalloped Folk Art Pottery Charger Platters Spain 16”
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of 5 vintage Mexican / Spanish folk art pottery platters / chargers by J.A. Froilan. All platters are the same size, round with lightly scalloped edges and drilled holes in the b...
Pottery
Round Blue-Painted Swedish Bread Board
Located in Chireno, TX
Round blue-painted Swedish breadboard dating to early 20th century.
Pine
Round Blue-Painted Swedish Bread Board
Located in Chireno, TX
Round blue-painted Swedish breadboard dating to late 19th century.
Pine, Paint
Sold
H 2 in W 17 in D 14 in
Mexican Patamban Hand Painted Fish Design Folk Art Green & Brown Glazed Platter
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning Mexican Patamban hand painted fish design Folk Art green and brown glazed pottery platter. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. There is one small imperfection on the rim of platter that we feel is an unglazed spot might be a chip can’t tell. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Mid-Late 20th Century. Something seems a bit “fishy” about this platter… Of course, it does!! That’s because there is a FABULOUS hand painted fish swimming through moss or a leafy vine in the center of this lovely Mexican Patamban pottery...
Clay
Mid Century Folk Art Pottery Equestrian Horse Plate Platter Robert Stevenson
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage speckled blue glaze and red-brown earthenware folk art clay pottery plate showing a prancing horse surrounded by flowers and around the outer ...
Pottery
Carved Pine Breakfast Bed Tray Table
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Carved pine breakfast bed tray table. This is a good Country Piece, it has a scratch carved decoration on the top. It is a bed tray with foldaw...
Pine
Large Swedish Trencher Bowl
Located in Chireno, TX
Large Swedish rustic trencher bowl, hand-carved in beech. Dates to 19th century.
Wood