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.
Set of 4 Porcelain White Owl Napkin Rings, Japan 1960s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Charming vintage set of 4 porcelain napkin rings features an owl sitting on a side of a wide rounded branch with leaves and berries; the branch forms the ring itself. The napkin ring...
Ceramic, Pottery
Vintage Latin American Folk Art Serving Spatula
By OWO Ceramics
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Handmade vintage folk art Bolivian serving spatula. Embodying the rich cultural heritage of Latin American folk art, the serving utensil is in excellent condition and ready to be used. By seamlessly merging beauty, practicality, and history, this engraved spatula elevates the dining experience by infusing it with both aesthetics and cultural significance. The engraving details on this vintage spatula...
Silver, Nickel
Set of Two Vintage German Blue and White Ceramic Butter Warmers
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A charming set of two vintage German ceramic warmers, designed for serving butter, syrup, sauces, or other accompaniments while keeping them gently warm at the table. Each two-part p...
Ceramic
Vintage Boho Embroidered Tablecloth
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Infuse your dining space with artisanal charm with this stunning vintage embroidered tablecloth. Showcasing an intricate hand-stitched d...
Cotton
Large French Copper & Brass Egg Or Escargot Handled Poaching Pan
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Large French copper egg or escargot poaching pan with embossed drop brass handles and 19 cup openings. Previously repurposed as a tray and comes with a glas...
Copper
Salad Servers, Carved Olive Wood and Bone, Kenya
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Salad servers in olive wood and bone, Kenya 1990s Cleverly carved from a single piece of wild olive wood using simple hand tools. Rustic pair of wooden salad servers showcasing the...
Bone, Horn, Wood, Olive
Rare Pug French Bulldog Dog Figural Salt Pepper Shaker Antique German 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare pug or french bulldog Figurine bought in Germany. It is made of china porcelain and very delicate, this would be a great addition for your collection. It is in nice condition ...
Porcelain, Cork
Vintage Russian Khokhloma Hand-Painted Lacquered Wood Salt Cellar and Dip Set, 7
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Charming vintage Russian set of seven pieces, comprising one lidded salt cellar or serving jar and six small individual salt cellars. Each piece is made of lacquered wood and hand-de...
Hardwood
Substantial Early 19th Century Pennsylvania Primitive Large Copper Kitchen Pot
Located in Red Lion, PA
Substantial Early 19th Century Pennsylvania Primitive Large Copper Kitchen Pot An exceptional example of early American craftsmanship, this large 19th-century Pennsylvania primitive...
Copper, Tin
Set of 2 Latin American Folk Art Vintage Tea Spoons
By OWO Ceramics
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Handmade folk art vintage tea spoons. Featuring beautiful motifs inspired by the indigenous worldview and spirituality, these vintage folk art spoons embody Latin America’s rich cultural heritage. The engraving details on the tea spoons are superb, showcasing intricate patterns and designs that are characteristic of Bolivian folklore art. By seamlessly merging beauty, practicality, and history, these engraved...
Silver, Nickel
$155 / set
Tropical Fish Napkin Rings, Set of 12
Located in Bradenton, FL
A set of twelve wooden napkin rings carved in the shape of tropical fish. Hand painted in vibrant orange, red, yellow, purple, with fine whimsical detailing.
Wood, Paint
Tonala Mexico Set of 5 Pottery Angel Napkin Rings, Hand Painted 1960s
By Tonala Pottery, Ken Edwards
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Charming vintage set of 5 Tonala pottery napkin rings features angel shaped bodies, with angels' outstretching hands forming the rings. The angels' wings can be used to balance the f...
Ceramic, Pottery
Set of 2 Latin American Antique Folk Art Tea Spoons
By OWO Ceramics
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Handmade antique folk art tea spoons. Featuring beautiful motifs inspired by the indigenous worldview and spirituality, these vintage folk art spoons embody Latin America’s rich cultural heritage. The engraving details on the tea spoons are superb, showcasing intricate patterns and designs that are characteristic of Bolivian folklore art. By seamlessly merging beauty, practicality, and history, these engraved...
Silver, Nickel
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
Wood Nutcracker French Folk Art from Les Deux Alpes, 1960s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Sculptural wooden nutcracker. Folk Art piece from the French Alps. Dating the 1960s. The surface of the wood is carved with a gouge, giving it this raw patterned appearance. Engra...
Wood, Hardwood, Boxwood, Fruitwood
Latin American Antique Folk Art Engraved Spoon
By OWO Ceramics
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Handmade vintage folk art engraved spoon that embodies Latin America’s rich cultural heritage.The engraving details on the spoon are superb, showcasing ...
Silver, Nickel
Set of 4 Chinoiserie Yellow Hemp Placemats with Double Happiness, Philippines
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Vintage set of four hemp placemats with Chinese symbol at the bottom right. (We believe it to say “Double Happiness”, however we have not confirmed this...
Hemp
Large Sea Shell Appetizer Plates, Set of 5
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Bring a touch of the coastal vibe to your next dinner party. This set of 5 large shells are meant for appetizers or dessert plates. Colors vary from white to light pink/purple and cr...
Shell
Green 3-Piece Dinner Place Setting of Monkeywood Bowl, Napkin, Plates, Set of 4
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A set of 4 three-piece place settings, carefully curated over 6 months. Each place setting includes one monkeywood bowl in the shape of an apple. A green glass textured dinner plate...
Fabric, Glass, Wood
Set of Four Antique German Butter Pats with Blue Dutch Figures on a Pink Ground
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A distinguished set of four antique German butter pats, decorated with Dutch-inspired figures in blue against a delicate pale pink ground. Their miniature format brings together char...
Porcelain
Cutting and Presenting Board Made of Wood and Copper Handle in Pig's Foot Form
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
circa 1970. We offer this Cutting and Presenting Board Made of Wood and Copper handle in pig's foot form.
Copper
$1,007 / set
H 0.32 in W 0.63 in D 7.29 in
Edwardian Mother-of-Pearl Handled Silver Butter Knives, Set of Six
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six butter knives in original box with label Alexander Clark London. Made for Goldsmith and Silversmith. Hallmarks Alexander Clark and Co. Handles in mother-of-pearl. Blades e...
Silver
$395 / set
H 1.19 in Dm 1.54 in
Pair of Japanese Bamboo Pattern 950 Sterling Silver Reticulated Napkin Rings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of Bamboo napkin rings. In 950 sterling silver. Likely produced in post-war Japan. With an openwork pattern of bamboo stalks and leaves around the circumference. Mar...
Sterling Silver
Set of Twelve African Safari Napkin Rings
Located in New York, NY
Set of twelve African Safari napkin rings. Hand carved and stained olive wood figures with integral rings from Kenya consisting of pair cheetah, pair giraffe, pair elephants...
Wood
Danish Vintage Teak Serving Trays 1960s Set of 4
Danish vintage teak serving trays 1960s set of 4. Danish Mid-Century Modern teak trays. This set consists of: A large oval tray by Silva, ...
Glass, Teak
Suzani Printed Cotton Tablecloth
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Add a touch of charm to your dining experience with our unique printed Suzani cotton tablecloth. Measuring 250x150cm, this tablecloth features intricate, vibrant patterns that celebr...
Cotton
$695 / set
H 1 in W 10.75 in D 10.75 in
Vintage Italian Vietri Glazed Ceramic Dinner Plates - Set of 6
By Vietri
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vibrant set of six vintage dinner plates by the renowned house of Vietri is a stunning testament to Italian artisanal craftsmanship. Each plate is meticulously hand-painted with...
Ceramic
Suzani Printed Cotton Tablecloth
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Add a touch of charm to your dining experience with our unique printed Suzani cotton tablecloth. Measuring 250x150cm, this tablecloth features intricate, vibrant patterns that celebr...
Cotton
Suzani Printed Cotton Tablecloth
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Add a touch of charm to your dining experience with our unique printed Suzani cotton tablecloth. Measuring 250x150cm, this tablecloth features intricate, vibrant patterns that celebr...
Cotton
$108 / set
H 11.42 in W 1.97 in D 0.4 in
Set of 2 Hand-Crafted Cooking Spatula by Hokuto Sekine, Japan 2021
Located in Berlin, DE
Hand-Crafted Cooking Spatula in Japanese mountain cherry by Hokuto Sekine, Japan - 2021. The set contains two different sized spatulas. The measureme...
Cherry
$1,020
H 16 in W 10.6 in D 15 in
Vintage Antique French Copper Cooking Pot Jam Pan Brass Side Handles Rustic Kitc
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Circa 19th Century is a nice-looking copper pot with a slightly hammered finish and two handles. It was a treasured piece of the kitchen. Wear consistent with age and use.
Copper
Contemporary 8 Large Egg Plates Ceramic Clay Handmade Mexican
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Ceramic 8 plate set with salt and pepper cart made in modern egg design by Lorenzo Lorenzzo Lorenzo's work alludes to his favourite meal, breakfast, creating a contemporary design f...
Majolica
Set of 4 Midcentury Napkin Rings in Patinated Silver
Located in Meer, VAN
Set of 4 midcentury Napkin Rings in Patinated Silver. Beautiful midcentury set of 4 napkin rings in highly patinated silver. Wonderful texture and rich patination, which give these ...
Silver
Rosewood & Brass Individual Butter Cream Desert Knives Set of 4
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a very sweet set of 4 individual butter or desert cream knives made of brass with rosewood handles. They have a nice curved shape to the blades and are in good condition with...
Brass
1950s Hand-embroidered Tablecloth with 6 Napkins
Located in Florence, Tuscany
1950s Italian hand-embroidered off-white tablecloth in fine linen-cotton blend, decorated with elegant 'ricamo a intaglio' embroidery using a beige silk thread. This wonderful techni...
Cotton, Linen
Set of 4 Blue Wicker Ceramic Dinner Plates Made in Italy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Enhance your table setting with the charming Handpainted Ceramic Wicker Plates, skillfully crafted and beautifully painted by artisans in Italy. Featuring an intricate wicker-inspire...
Ceramic
Sold
H 3.5 in W 4.5 in D 3.5 in
Vintage Alfareria Jimenez Zaragoza # 402 Oaxaca, Mexico Folk Art Pottery Goblets
Located in Southampton, NJ
1940-50's Alfareria Jimenez Zaragoza Majolica set of six goblets showcasing the unique craftsmanship of Mexico's Oaxaca region. Scarcely seen intricate design and vibrant colors refl...
Pottery
Sold
H 2.25 in W 1.25 in D 2.88 in
Antique Dachshund Dog Salt & Pepper Shakers with .800 Silver Heads, Germany 1900
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique Dachshund Dog Salt & Pepper Shakers with .800 Silver Heads, Germany, circa 1900 Description A rare and charming pair of dachshund-form salt and pepper shakers, sourced from ...
Silver
Antique Tin Lined Copper Jelly Mold With Grape Design
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An antique copper mold featuring a prominent grape cluster design, likely used for making desserts like jelly, pudding, or cakes. The two piece mo...
Copper, Tin
Sold
H 20 in W 20 in D 20 in
Set of Patamban Michoacán Folk Art Plates – Mid-20th Century Mexican Redware
Located in New York, NY
This vibrant set of Mexican folk art plates hails from Patamban, a town in Michoacán renowned for its deeply rooted ceramic traditions. Handcrafted from redware pottery, each plate f...
Earthenware
Brown Vintage Woven Wicker Bed or Lap Breakfast Tray
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A set of four woven wicker and bamboo bed trays. This set will be great for guests! Each tray is rectangular with an indented center for plates and silverware. On both the right and ...
Wicker
Vintage Square Batik Blue Floral Tablecloth with Fringe - Indonesia
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A vintage square floral batik tablecloth in blue, pink, and purple. This piece was created by artisans in Indonesia and features a floral medallion at the center and a geometric and ...
Fabric
Portuguese Hand-Painted Floral Lunch Plates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Immerse yourself in the intoxicating charm of European summers with this collection of vintage ceramic lunchPortuguese Hand-Painted Floral Bowls plates, painstakingly hand-painted in...
Ceramic
Portuguese Hand-Painted Floral Dinner Plates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Immerse yourself in the intoxicating charm of European summers with this collection of vintage ceramic dinner plates, painstakingly hand-painted in Portugal. This set of four is an e...
Ceramic
Portuguese Hand-Painted Floral Dessert Plates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Immerse yourself in the intoxicating charm of European summers with this collection of vintage ceramic dessert plates, painstakingly hand-painted in Portugal. This set of four is an ...
Ceramic
Portuguese Hand-Painted Floral Bowls
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Immerse yourself in the enchanting charm of European summers with this delightful set of vintage ceramic bowls. Skillfully hand-painted in Portug...
Ceramic
Pair of Deruta Firenze Ceramic Folk Art Plates in Red Floral Motif, Italy
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A pair of beautiful ceramic hand-painted plates made in Italy. Italian folk pottery has become highly coveted in recent years. This pair features hand-painted red, pink, and black fl...
Ceramic, Paint
Sold
H 4.02 in Dm 4.93 in
15th-16th Century Vietnamese Antique Bowl/ Old "Cyawan"/ Southeast Asian Potte
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Vietnamese bowl from the 15th-16th century. It is very old pottery, so there are some minor glaze flakes. Please check the photos. However, the condition is relativ...
Pottery
19th Century Treen Butter Moulding Paddle
Located in London, GB
19th century treen butter moulding paddle We are proud to offer a 19th century folk art treen English butter paddle mould. A simple yet highly decorativ...
Pine, Paint
Sold
H 3 in W 4 in D 1.25 in
Carved Wood Zebra Animal Napkin Rings in Black and White, Set of 8 Philippines
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Set of eight carved wood zebra napkin rings. A beautiful set that will add interest to any table setting. Each napkin holder is carved into the shape of a zebra. Holes for napkins ar...
Wood, Paint
Antique Mochaware Mug Slip Decorated Made in England, circa 1815
Located in Katonah, NY
An antique mochaware mug made in England circa 1815. Decorated with green glazed rouletting, bands of brown slip, and engine turning black slip in a ...
Earthenware