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.
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
Sterling Silver Rooster Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sterling silver heavy hollow body rooster figure is signed 925 on the base and is in fine condition. Beautifully made and proportioned well. Great patina.
Sterling Silver
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Pair Of Gaydon & Sons Sterling Silver Napkin Holders
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Antique Gaydon & Sons Fine Sterling Napkin Holders. As per searching online. We acquired the following information. Gaydon & Sons refers to a prominent, long-stand...
Sterling Silver
$1,180Sale Price|20% Off
Sterling Silver 3 Pieces, Peruvian Serving Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handmade Peruvian three-piece sterling silver dipper and spatula and ladle. These are handmade and unmarked from the artist or maker. Measurements from left to right: Small spoon...
Silver
$1,180Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Six Ornate Sterling Silver Napkin Holders
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of six ornate silver sterling marked 925 oval napkin holders. All Napkin holders are in great condition. All 6 have the exact same stamp and marked, : MEXICO" 925 There are insig...
Sterling Silver
Taxco Mexican Sterling Mask Brooch with Large Green Agate and Stamped Details
By Taxco
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Taxco Sterling Mask Brooch with Large Green Agate and Stamped Details 925 silver brooch with carved details and green agate stone from an ancient Mexican mask is a beautiful piece t...
Agate, Sterling Silver
A Silver Shabbat Shot Cup, Poland 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
A Folk Art Silver Shabbat Shot Cup, made in Poland in the 19th Century. This Ceremonial Silver shot cup was designated for Shabbat use as engraved on ...
Silver
Sterling Silver Taxco Mexico Mayan Face Figural Brooch pin
By Taxco
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Los Ballesteros 925 Sterling Silver Taxco Mexico Mayan Face Figural Brooch Pin Sterling Silver Period: 1940-1949 Date of Manufacture: Circa 1945 D...
Stone, Sterling Silver
Set of Six Silver Napkin Rings
Located in London, GB
Set of Six Silver Napkin Rings, London 1989. The central polished band bordered by textured sections with a brushed finish. Weight: 495.4g
Silver
Moorish Silver Plated Tea Pot, Handcrafted Brass, Morocco, 1940
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Traditional vintage silvered-metal and brass Moroccan tea pot, embossed with traditional repousse design, nicely aged, handcrafted in Fez, stamped in ...
Brass, Silver Plate, Metal
1910s Antique Sterling Silver Duck Napkin Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver duck napkin ring; an addition to our christening silverware collection. This exceptional antique George V sterling silver napkin ring has been realistically modeled in the form of a duck. Either end of the napkin ring is embellished with embossed and applied decoration reproducing the fine details of the ducks plumage and anatomical features. The duck’s head is further ornamented with the original gem set eyes. The surface of this duck napkin ring is embellished with the contemporary engraved initials 'M.R'. Condition This antique silver animal napkin ring...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,260 / set
H 5 in Dm 4 in
Pair of Los Castillo Signed Mexican Sterling Cream and Sugar with Lapis Birds
By Los Castillo
Located in Buffalo, NY
A stunning and rare pair of sterling silver Los Castillo cream and sugar. The Mexican Silver is made in Taxco Mexico by the iconic Los Cas...
Lapis Lazuli, Silver, Brass
$4,703
H 2.96 in W 4.93 in D 1.58 in
Rare Edwardian Antique Sterling Silver Pig Model, Berthold Muller Chester, 1903
Located in London, London
Carrying import marks for Chester in 1903 by Berthold Muller, this charming, Antique Sterling Silver Model of a Pig, is wonderfully modelled, and features a removable head. The pig m...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Stamp Holder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This sterling silver stamp holder is so unique. What a fabulous gift for someone who thinks they have it all!! Either for your desk or someone special, ...
Sterling Silver
Mexican Abrijes Figurine Set Folk Art Wooden Toy
By Agustin Cruz Prudencio
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
A set of colorful Mexican alebrije figurines depicting four animal friends drinking "Corona" beer and having a good time. This humorous Folk Art piec...
Acrylic, Wood
Pair of American Art Deco Sterling Silver Napkin Rings
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Art Deco sterling silver napkin rings, ca 1925. Each: Concave and faceted with molded rims. Fully marked including stamp for New York maker Clarence A. Vanderbilt and no. 84....
Sterling Silver
Buccellati six card-holders sterling silver Ocean-themed
By Buccellati
Located in Paris, FR
This rare set of six place card holders (place card) by M. Buccellati is a tribute to the marine world, captured through the elegance of Italian silversmithing. Each piece is finely ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$2,638 / set
H 7.28 in W 8.85 in D 7.67 in
Silver Art Nouveau Pair of Centrepieces Holders Bruckmann and Sons, Germany 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Silver German pair of centrepieces / centerpieces made by Bruckmann & Sons (Germany). Art Nouveau (made circa 1900) Silver 800 branded by German Crescent with Crown Manufactory: Eagle Mark of Bruckmann & Soehne (= SONS), Heilbronn (Germany) Peter Bruckmann (1865-1937) was the first Chairman of the Deutscher Werkbund (founded 1907). Size: Height 18.5 cm ( 7.28 inches) Width 22.5 cm ( 8.85 inches) Depth 19.5 cm ( 7.67 inches) Total weight: 940 grams / 33.08 OZ / 30.22 troy ounces Specifications: Excellently manufactured pair of silver centrepieces / stands / holders: Each of the reticulated oval bowls are based on four slim as well as concave supports which are attached to round base: Edge of these bases is of reticulated type, too. The bowls' corners are decorated with lockets framed...
Sterling Silver
$1,850 / set
H 3 in W 2 in D 2 in
Emilia Castillo Plata Pura Frog Salt & Pepper Shakers, Taxco Mexico 1998
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A charming and highly collectible pair of salt and pepper shakers designed by Emilia Castillo, handcrafted in celadon green porcelain with sculptural elements in plata pura (pure sil...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Mid-Century Modern Silver Box with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay, Mexico, 1960
By Taxco
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mexican silver box with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay. Lid opens to a wood lined interior. Very nicely done and a really beautiful object!
Silver
Large Antique 925 Silver "Arbol de la Vida" Bell
Located in Mérida, YU
This is a very nice "Arbol de la Vida" Bell. Handmade of solid .925 Silver that Weights 1,240 grams. Exceptional craft and in very good condition. Every single pice and detail is ori...
Silver
Mexican Silver Figural Cocktail Hors d'oeuvres Picks, Set of 14, 1950s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of fourteen, hand-crafted Mexican Silver cocktail or hors d’ oeuvres picks, circa 1950. Showing a charming hand made quality, the pieces have long stems, ending in sharp doubl...
Silver
Cartier Hand Made Sterling Silver Basket
By Cartier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine construction signed hand made Cartier sterling silver ( heavy weight ) basket is in fine condition. These are quite rare to find in such great condition.
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 4.34 in W 3.35 in D 4.73 in
Antique Imperial Russian Solid Silver-Gilt Enamel Tea Glass Holder, circa 1900
By Dmitrii Nikolaev
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 20th century Imperial Russian solid silver-gilt and cloisonne enamel tea glass holder, circular with upright scroll handle, shaped top rim and spreading foot, body profusely ...
Silver, Enamel
Aztec Rose Floral Design Mexican Sterling Silver Set of 12 Plates
By Sanborn Mexican Sterling 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This heavy set of 12 matching sterling silver luncheon plates. The plates are all signed Sanborn Mexican Sterling. Sanborn was founded by Walt...
Silver
Italian Sterling Silver Basket by Fratelli Cacchione
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A chic and beautifully detailed Italian Sterling Basket with a moveable handle by Milan-based silversmith Fratelli Cacchione. The bottom of the bask...
Sterling Silver
19th Century Icelandic Filigran Jewelry
Located in Copenhagen, K
Folkart Icelandic filigran beltbuckle, broche, pendant and hair accessories. Used for the Icelandic folk costume on big occasions. Marked with Icelandic silver marks.