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.
Hammered Silver Plate Basket
Located in New York, NY
Small vintage hammered silver plate basket with a nursery theme depicting two children and two geese. Charming oval shape with scalloped edges, the handle with a twisted rope pattern, raised on small ball feet. Hallmarked: Meriden silver plate...
Silver
$295Sale Price|25% Off
H 8 in W 9.5 in D 9 in
Mappin & Webb Princess Sheffield Silver Plate Basket with Handle
Located in Miami, FL
Mappin & Webb Princess Sheffield Silver Plate Basket with Handle Offered for sale is an English Sheffield silver-plated reticulated b...
Sheffield Plate, Silver Plate
$899 / set
H 11.5 in W 6 in D 9.5 in
Antique Aesthetic Movement 7 Piece Silver Plated Tea Set with Floral Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique silver plated tea set was made by the Meridian Company of the United States in approximately 1890 in the period Aesthetic Mo...
Silver Plate
$843Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.97 in W 9.45 in D 4.93 in
Christofle, Gallia, Silver Plated Leaf Vide-Poche, French, Circa 1930
By Gallia
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This leaf vide-poche is made of silver plated. This is a work by famous French designer Gallia for Christofle, circa 1930.
Silver Plate
$1,321Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 7.5 in Dm 3.25 in
Art Deco Hammered Silver Plate Cocktail Shaker / Set c.1930
Located in Bath, GB
A magnificent cocktail set which came to us as a set but started life on two different sides of the Atlantic; New York meets London! The cocktail shaker was made by the top-notch ...
Silver Plate
James Dixon & Son Sheffield Silver Plate Basket
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a James Dixon & Son Sheffield Silver wide basket. The basket is shaped as a large open flower whose petals border forms ruffles. I...
Silver Plate
$1,295
H 18 in W 10.75 in D 10 in
Antique Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated Hot Water Kettle with Floral Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique silver plated hot water kettle was made by the Meridian Company of the United States in approximately 1890 in the period Aesthetic Moveme...
Silver Plate
Late 19th Century English Bridal Basket
Located in High Point, NC
Late 19th century art glass cased bridal basket with pink and white satin glass bowl, which is shaped and fluted around the edge and is hand painted with...
Silver Plate
$500 / set
H 0.75 in W 5.75 in D 1.75 in
Europe and USA Collection 5 Tea Baby Spoons Marked Sterling Silver Plate Spoons
By Meriden Silver Plate Co., T R Sterling, Oneida
Located in Miami, FL
Marvelous Set of 5 Teaspoons or Baby Spoons collected during my Travel Years through Europe and the United States. All Spoons are marked and four are Silver Plate and one is Silver, marked Sterling. Set is consisting of first the oldest Sugar Spoon, marked Meriden Silverplate Company, which is in the U.S.A. Next is Silver Plate marked Oneida Hotel Plate...
Metal, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
Regency Sheffield Silver Plate Bread Basket, England, circa 1820
Located in San Francisco, CA
Large Sheffield silver plate Regency period gondola shape bread basket with loop ring handles, England, early 19th century.
Silver Plate
English Cut Glass and Silver Biscuit Barrel
Located in Stamford, CT
English cut glass and silver plate biscuit barrel. Clear cut glass. Silver plate lid and handle. No makers mark or signature.
Silver Plate
$595
H 2.75 in Dm 2.75 in
American Aesthetic Twin Turtle Figural Napkin Ring, Meriden Silver Plate Co.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American Aesthetic Twin Turtle Figural Napkin Ring Meriden Silver Plate Co., circa 1880s A finely cast American Aesthetic Movement figural napkin ring produced by the Meriden Silve...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Silver Plate Stylized Grape Leaf Decorative Dish
Located in New York, NY
This refined Mid-Century Modern silver plate decorative dish was realized in the United States circa 1960. Offering the form of a stylized grape leaf with pointed scalloped sides and...
Silver Plate