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.
German Antique Handmade Salt Glazed Fruit Patterned Stoneware Bottle
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional and unusual antique German salt glazed hand worked stoneware bottle decorated with stylised fruit designs dating from the 19th centur...
Stoneware
Antique Stoneware Salt Glazed 9" Round Pottery Crock Pot with Blue Flower
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Stoneware Salt Glazed 9" Round Pottery Crock Pot with Blue Flower. circa 19th century. Measurements: 8" H x 9" Diameter.
Stoneware
Antique Dallah Coffee Pot, Hand-Hammered Copper & Brass, Oman, 1890
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
19th century Middle Eastern Arabian tinned copper Dallah coffee pot. Antique decorative Arabic coffee pot hand-hammered and chased copper with riveted b...
Brass, Copper
Whimsical Ceramic Pink and Green Spring Theme Platter Made in Portugal
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A whimsical round ceramic platter made in Portugal. The decorative plate is decorative in whimsical design of Spring. A rabbit in gray, castle and bird are surrounded by hand painted flourishes and stylized flowers. A braided ceramic...
Ceramic, Paint
Collection of 8 Glass And Metal German Tankards
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 8 pieces of tankards in glass with metal lids from the end of the 19th Century and beginning of the 20th Century. Probably these have been used for beer drinking. Fou...
Metal
Scandinavian Caviar Ladel
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in Glasgow, GB
A beautiful Caviar ladel in Ebony and Mother of pearl with brass binding. Mid 19th century , Scandinavian in origin. Expertly created with exceptional brass binding to the lip and re...
Mother-of-Pearl
$225Sale Price|43% Off
Primitive Folk Art Wooden Tray
Located in Redding, CT
Primitive Folk Art wooden tray. Most likely Pennsylvania Dutch. All hand carved in the Frisian Chip Cut technique. Intricated detail with geometric designs.
Wood
$135Sale Price|25% Off
Big Vintage African Hand Carved Ebony Statue - Reclining Object Table Decoration
Located in Bussiere Dunoise, Nouvel Aquitaine
This Offer is only available in France and EU Countries. A rare, large African Ebony statue featuring a Tribal Man and Fish from the 1950s. This intricat...
Ebony
Vintage 15 Milk, Wine, Bottle Carrier
Located in Napa, CA
Vintage 15 slot metal milk/wine bottle carrier from Belgium with a twine handle. Vintage condition.
Metal
Mango Wood Country Tray by Indian Artisan, Mid-20th Century
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Mango wood Indian artisan country tray. A good honest piece, the tray is made in a marquetry of Mango Wood, it has a raised gallery and inset carrying h...
Fruitwood
Small Vintage French Kitchen Stoneware Crock, Ceramic Pot
Located in Rümmingen, BW
Available are 3 same-sized french stoneware crocks. Individually sourced in the south of France, this set of glazed stoneware crocks is a staple of any...
Stoneware
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.5 in Dm 11.5 in
19th Century Decorated Salt Glaze Crock Sipe & Sons Cake Crock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine Sipe & Nichols decorated stoneware cake crock has amazing hand painted blue decoration and in very good condition.Minor rim chip as you...
Pottery
19th Century Decorated Salt Glaze 3 Gal Crock- Sipe & Sons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine blue decorated hand made pottery crock. It has the original double handles and in fine condition. Minor base chip (tiny). Fantastic glaze surface. This is a large three gallon...
Pottery
Handmade Rounded Pink Portugal Marble Cheese Plate
By Fiammetta V.
Located in Carrara, IT
Rounded pink Portugal marble cheese plate. Each piece is in a way unique (every marble block is different in veins and shades) and handmade by Ital...
Marble
Pair Meissen Blue Onion Coffee Pots
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Pair Meissen blue onion coffee pots 9" and 11" tall. Age appropriate wear with very minor flea bites to the finial flowers.
Porcelain
Saint Jacques Hand-Painted Ceramic Tray Made in Italy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Enhance your summer entertaining with the elegant Ceramic Saint Jacques Platter. Expertly handcrafted and beautifully hand-painted in Italy, this platter feature distinctive scalloped-edge detailing inspired by the iconic Saint Jacques seashell. The charming design and artisanal craftsmanship make them a perfect choice for stylish outdoor dining or festive indoor gatherings. Ideal for serving fresh seafood, appetizers, or delightful desserts, these plates add a touch of Mediterranean flair and sophistication to your table...
Ceramic
Cartier Caviar Holder
By Cartier
Located in Torino, IT
Rare Cartier Caviar Holder Elegant set of caviar bowls with silver decoration. The larger bowl, features a silver border with a decorative band in the three colors of gold. A remo...
Sterling Silver
$721 / item
H 3.55 in W 5.52 in D 5.52 in
Caviar Bowl and Spoon in Venetian Glass, Corno Italiano & Lacquered wood Mod 295
Located in Recanati, Macerata
Synonymous with luxury, caviar is a great gastronomic indulgence that requires to be served and tasted in a proper way. Handcrafted from Venetian glass, our caviar bowl is distinguis...
Glass, Wood, Lacquer
$250
H 12.25 in W 15.25 in D 1.25 in
Early 20th Century Allerton's Ltd. Blue Willow Serving Platter, Made in England
Located in Cookeville, TN
Stunning antique early 20th century English Blue Willow serving platter, made in Staffordshire! Excellent crisp blue transfer on a lovely paste porcelain platter! It would be a great...
Ceramic
$409 / item
H 6.7 in Dm 5.12 in
Contemporary Amber Blown Glass Bowl by Natalia Criado Circular Round Cone
Located in Milan, IT
The gelato cup, designed by Natalia Criado is part of the wonder crystal collection. Handcrafted with a nod to 19th-century glassblowing techniques, this delightful piece features an...
Blown Glass
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
H 8 in W 12 in D 1 in
Antique Asian Silver Plate Engraved Expanding Tea Trivet Decorative Stand
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Hand engraved expanding tea trivet with unique design and exuding finesse. May be used as a decorative screen, plaque or objet d'art, circa 1900-1910.
Silver Plate
$324
H 1.19 in W 22.05 in D 13.78 in
Platter or Tray in Ceramic and Wood Portugal 1970s Blue and White Color Azuelos
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Platter or Tray in Ceramic and Wood Portugal 1970s Blue and White Color Azuelos
Ceramic, Wood
Sold
H 1.5 in W 18 in D 13.5 in
Large Oval Mediterranean Ceramic Fish Serving Platter in Blue and Green - Italy
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A large oval ceramic fish motif serving platter in blue, green, and cream. This piece is stamped on the back, "Made in Italy" along with the number 1645. The piece features two blue and cream fish head to tail with textured gils and blue eyes. Placed just on top of each fish is a faux sprig of green parsley. The middle of the platter is cream. The platter will make for a great statement piece at a Spring or Summer dinner party. Imagine serving fish, a side of rice, and lemons on this dish set atop a blue Indian block print tablecloth. Accessorize with blue flowers and a set of our vintage blue wine glasses...
Ceramic, Paint
Hand-Painted Ceramic Serving Plate with Blue Aquatic Scalloped Details
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Capture the essence of European summer in your dining space with this hand-painted ceramic serving plate. Boasting a rustic brown base enhanced with cobalt blue scalloped details, th...
Ceramic
Antique Tall Patinated Brass Turkish Ottoman Spice Coffee Pepper Grinder
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful antique rare pepper coffee spice grinder, hand made an incredible mechanical piece hand hammered one of a kind rare piece with some inscription...
Brass
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
Big Early 19th Century Copper French Tankard
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A very big French copper serving tankard from the end of the 18th. Century/beginning of the 19th Century. This large metal tankard is according our sources from a big farm in the reg...
Copper
Round Blue-Painted Swedish Bread Board
Located in Chireno, TX
Round blue-painted Swedish breadboard, circa 1860-1890.
Wood, Paint
Round Blue-Painted Swedish Bread Board
Located in Chireno, TX
Round blue-painted Swedish breadboard dated 1903.
Wood, Paint
Mexican Hand-Hammered Copper Bowl
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this beautiful Mexican hand-hammered copper bowl with wonderful patina, circa 1960.
Copper
Sold
H 1.75 in W 14.5 in D 12.5 in
Yorkshire Pottery Combed Slipware Bread Dish, Harwood Stockton for John Harwood
Located in Downingtown, PA
Yorkshire pottery combed slipware bread dish, Harwood Stockton for John Harwood of Stockton-on-Tees, circa 1840 The deep oval bread dish is decora...
Pottery
Antique French Round Bread Board
Located in Chireno, TX
Antique French round bread board (or dough board), circa 1880-1910. Large round stripped pine bread board, under-girded with two cross slats to prevent war...
Pine
Antique French Round Bread Board
Located in Chireno, TX
Antique French round bread board (or dough board) circa 1880-1910. Large round stripped pine bread board, under-girded with two cross slats to prevent warp...
Pine
Wood and Pearl Condiment Dish Serving Set with Spoons and Tray, Philippines
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A wonderful set of wood and Cadiz shell pearlized condiment bowls. This lovely set features three condiment dishes. Each dish has one scalloped edge. T...
Shell, Wood