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.
$716Sale Price|20% Off
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.
Pottery
Four Meissen Porcelain Plaques Depicting the Four Seasons
Located in London, GB
This delicately detailed set of four allegorical porcelain plaques portrays family scenes within the theme of the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Spring can be ide...
Metal
Antique Porsgrund Porcelain Chocolate Pot / Sjokolademugge, Norway, 1906–1914
Located in Bergen, NO
Rare antique chocolate pot produced by Porsgrunds Porselænsfabrik, Norway, circa 1906–1914. This elegant early 20th century porcelain piece features a rich oxblood red glaze with fi...
Porcelain
Villeroy & Boch, Design Gérard Laplau, Set of Six Porcelain Plates
Located in København, Copenhagen
Villeroy & Boch, design Gérard Laplau. A set of six porcelain plates with motifs of families, villages and biblical scenes in a naive style. Measuring:...
Porcelain
Beautiful 1 Liter Antique Germany Lidded Porcelain Veterans Beer Stein, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous beer stein, made in Germany. This beer stein has been made in Germany, circa 1900s. Absolutely gorgeous piece still in great condition, without damage. Lid works properly. It is a 1 Liter...
Pewter
Santa Claus Cookies Christmas Plate with Gnome and Angel Motif, Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This beautiful Christmas plate is a nice addition to your Decoration for Santa Claus eve. It is marked at the back. Display Santas cookies in a nice way. Santa Claus will be delighte...
Porcelain
Rare Vintage Chulucanas Pottery Platter with Birds Decor Peru
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Rare vintage platter or bowl is decorated with a design of four birds in pink and green, surrounding a central orange circle. The colors stand out beautifully against traditional rich black-colored background. Most of traditional Chulucanas pottery...
Clay, Ceramic, Pottery
Villeroy & Boch, Design Gérard Laplau, Set of Six Deep Porcelain Plates
Located in København, Copenhagen
Villeroy & Boch, design Gérard Laplau. A set of six deep porcelain plates with motifs of families, villages and biblical scenes in a naivist style. In ...
Porcelain
Sweden Arte Povera Kitchen Rack
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1900s ceramic wall spice rack hand painted and glazed ceramic containers. Original condition. Wood base is hand made.
Ceramic
Art Deco Design Porcelain Plate Collectible Villeroy and Boch
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Villeroy and Boch 1900 Art Deco design, woman with parrot. Villeroy & Boch Design 1900 Porcelain collectible plate. The subjects coll...
Porcelain
1900s Belgian Porcelain Sauceboat
Located in High Point, NC
A vintage porcelain sauce boat made in Belgium, circa 1900. White china is finished with a luscious glossy glaze, elevating the superior form and subtle vintage patina of this finely...
Porcelain
$825 / set
H 2 in Dm 4.5 in
19thc Royal Crown Derby Demitasse Service for Eight Chinoiserie Imari Pattern
By Royal Crown Derby Porcelain
Located in Savannah, GA
19th century Royal Crown Derby demitasse service, Imari pattern #198, in classical Japanese chinoiserie taste having a beautiful painted Imari palett...
Porcelain
Vintage Germany Hutschenreuther Novum Porcelain Coffee Pot
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage white porcelain teapot with lid and a cobalt blue stylised flower burst design on each side. Minimalist porcelain coffee pot or tea po...
Porcelain
Blue porcelain pot with silver applications
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Blue porcelain pot with silver applications with garlands and bows, sitting on a base with friezes and three cut-out feet. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: java...
Silver
$396 / set
H 0.79 in Dm 6.7 in
Mix & Match, Six Contemporary Porcelain Bread Plates with Multicolored Flowers
Located in MILAN, IT
If you are looking for an unique tableware in order to make your lunch special and chic every day, this "Mix and Match" bread porcelain set of six is the perfect solution. It is an e...
Porcelain
Bjørn Wiinblad Christmas Plate 1991 "Christmas Carols"
Located in Brønshøj, DK
Bjørn Wiinblad porcelain Christmas plate 1991, produced by Rosenthal Motif: Kommet, ihr Hirten Designed by: Bjørn Wiinblad Diameter: 11" - 29 cm Comes in original box. Box has s...
Porcelain
$5,800 / set
H 0.63 in Dm 6 in
English 19thc. "Imari" Decorated Hand Painted Tea Dessert Service for 8-26 Pcs
By Hammersley
Located in Great Barrington, MA
An amazing hand painted example of the influence of the Japonesque influence on English wares ca. 1890's. This is a complete set of 8 footed cups and saucers and 8 matching dessert p...
Porcelain
Bjørn Wiinblad Christmas Plate 1986 "Christmas Carols"
Located in Brønshøj, DK
Bjørn Wiinblad porcelain Christmas plate 1986, produced by Rosenthal Motif: O Tannenbaum Designed by: Bjørn Wiinblad Diameter: 11" - 29 cm Comes in original box and pamphlet. Bo...
Porcelain
Bjørn Wiinblad Christmas Plate 1990 "Christmas Carols"
Located in Brønshøj, DK
Bjørn Wiinblad porcelain Christmas plate 1990, produced by Rosenthal Motif: Leise rieselt der Schnee Designed by: Bjørn Wiinblad Diameter: 11" - 29 cm Comes in original box and ...
Porcelain
$1,400 / set
H 7 in W 4 in D 5 in
2 Antique Meissen German Porcelain Lidded Chocolate Tea Cups & Saucers on Stands
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of exquisite antique 19th century Meissen porcelain demitasse chocolate cups with lids and saucers, decorated with pink and gold borders and landscapes with stone buildings. Bot...
Porcelain, Hardwood
$577 / set
H 0.79 in Dm 10.63 in
Mix & Match, Six Contemporary Porcelain Dinner Plates with Flowers and Animals
Located in MILAN, IT
If you are looking for an unique tableware in order to make your dinner special and chic every day, this "Mix and Match" dinner porcelain set is the perfect solution. It is an explos...
Porcelain
18th Century Blue & White Delft Vase with a Large Cow Scenery
By Delft
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Dutch Blue and White Delft Vase with a Large Cow Scenery, signed and marked, 1764.
Delft
Antique English Porcelain Boy in Hat Pepper or Pounce Pot
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful antique English porcelain pounce or pepper pot modelled as a young boy wearing a full length coat and hat dating from the 19th century. This quality pot is very lightly ...
Porcelain
Villeroy & Boch Naif Dinner Plates in Porcelain, Designed by Gérard Laplau
Located in København, Copenhagen
Villeroy & Boch Naif dinner plates in porcelain. A set of seven dinner plates decorated with naive motifs. Motifs of families, villages and biblical scenes in naïve style. Designed by Gérard Laplau...
Porcelain
Sold
H 1.63 in Dm 9.25 in
Antique Ceramic Majolica Josef Strnact Wall Plate with Landscape, Austria, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This beautiful wall decoration plate is a nice addition to your Wall. It is marked at the back. A nice addition to your toleware room or Hollywood regency interior.
Ceramic, Majolica
Sold
H 1.63 in Dm 9.25 in
Antique Ceramic Majolica Josef Strnact Wall Plate with Landscape, Austria, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This beautiful wall decoration plate is a nice addition to your Wall. It is marked at the back. A nice addition to your toleware room or Hollywood regency interior.
Ceramic, Majolica
Limoges LPN France Set of Six Bowls with Images of Breton Maidens
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Set o...
Porcelain
Set of Six Qing Dynasty Carp Plates
By Craftsman
Located in New York, NY
6 vividly decorated porcelain carp plates in blue and purple glaze on a blue-tinted clear glaze ground. These plates are were often seen on the tables of r...
Porcelain
Figular Porcelain Statement Teapot Signed Irina Zaytceva
By Irina Zaytceva
Located in Montreal, QC
Rare figural face Folk Art piece, porcelain teapot and lid beautifully handcrafted and painted, signed by renowned artist Irina Zaytceva. Original work of art, 1999. Approximate size...
Porcelain
Large Pair of French Reticulated Paris Porcelain Gilded Baskets
Located in San Francisco, CA
A large pair of French classical-revival reticulated Paris porcelain gilded corbeilles/baskets; each of bold scale and ovoid form with flared reticulated sides raised on a splayed base