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.
Original Antique Print of a Racehorse, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a racehorse. Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after George Stubbs with original hand color. ...
Paper
$556Sale Price|20% Off
Early 20Thc Hubley Cast Iron Dog
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This little folky original painted cast iron dog bank.This is the dog that's in the old Victrola commercials.
Iron
Floral Bouquet Door Stop Painted Cast Iron, American Folk Art
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage or antique cast iron door stop features a bouquet of blue, white, and pink flowers. Carefully painted, highly detailed flowers are juxtaposed by the monochromatic light blue ...
Iron
Zabihi Collection Blue Chinese Batou Floral Vase Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th-century Chinese Batou Small Rug in light blue Details rug no. j4553 size 2' x 4' 2" (61 x 127 cm) rug type Chinese
Wool
$224Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Birdseye Maple Picture Frame. English, 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful birdseye maple frame With gilt slip. Original patina. A delightful colour The measurement given below is the outside of the frame Internally it measures 7.25 x 7.75 inc...
Birdseye Maple
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
19thc Mounted Blue & White Flying Geese Mounted Crib Quilt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine 19thc flying geese crib quilt is professionally hand sewn on white linen & mounted and wired to hand on your wall or gallery.This crib quilt was found in Pennsylvania and ...
Cotton
$1,036Sale Price|44% Off
Rare Swedish Travel Box, Hand Forged Iron Details, Circa 1800-1850
Located in Buisson, FR
Rare Swedish travel box with stunning patina and hand forged iron details. Sweden, circa 1800-1850. Weathered H:21cm W:37cm D:29cm
Wood
19th-Century Original Hand-Painted Pine Chest of Three Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
19th-century chest of three drawers crafted in pine with its original hand-painted finish. The background is a soft aged blue, while each of the six front panels is painted in brick ...
Pine, Paint
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
20th Century American Folk Art Cow and Tree Silhouette on Custom Wall Mount
Located in Chicago, IL
Cut from sheet steel and weathered to a deep, honest rust, this 20th century American folk art silhouette carries the quiet authority of something that once lived outdoors. A cow sta...
Cut Steel
19th century Alpine region hand painted marriage chest
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th Century Alpine region hand painted marriage chest circa 1890. Here we have a marriage chest which is likely to be from Switzerland. Using...
Pine, Paint
$956Sale Price / item|20% Off
Early Chihuahua Oil Painting W/ Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This folky & fun oil painting of a chihuahua on canvas in a old wood frame.The condition is very good.It is unsigned by the artist.
Wood, Paint
19thc Double Weave Blue & White Fringed Coverlet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Hand woven double weave coverlet in blue & white in pristine condition with long original fringe.The coverlet is totally reversible and lighter on one side and darker indigo o...
Wool
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
American Folk Art Large Painted Wrought Iron Sitting Cat Statue 1950s-1960s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage large American Folk Art statue features a large cat sitting with its tail raised up and slightly curled, looking straight forward with its ears perked up. The cat is sculpted...
Metal, Wrought Iron
$1,380Sale Price|47% Off
Swedish 18th Century Bentwood Travel Box or Chest
Located in Buisson, FR
Rare and very beautiful Swedish travel box with stunning patina and hand forged iron details. Working lock and key ( bronze key from the 19th century). Sweden, circa 1750-1800. Weath...
Iron
Folk Art Woolwork of a Ship's Cat
Located in Downingtown, PA
Folk Art Woolwork Depicting a Cat “The Tabby on the Rug” Circa 1860s This mid-19th-century sailor’s woolwork, possibly American, presents a centrally placed tabby cat, rendered in ...
Wool
19th-Century Original Red Painted Hungarian Armoire
Located in Round Top, TX
19th-century Hungarian pine armoire featuring its original hand-painted finish in vibrant tones of red, dark blue, yellow, and green throughout. Painted dental molding accents the cr...
Pine, Paint
$1,188Sale Price / item|20% Off
19Thc Red & Teal Applique Quilt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Red & teal leaf applique quilt from Pennsylvania in fine condition.This is from Lancaster County,Pa.
Cotton
Scandinavian folk art cabinet
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover a touch of history with this captivating 19th-century peasant cabinet, a testament to exquisite Scandinavian folk art. Exhibiting a beau...
Wood
$1,356Sale Price / set|20% Off
19Thc Children's Windsor Chairs in Original Paint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original Black Painted child's Windsor chairs.These chairs are in fine and sturdy condition.Sold as a pair.
Wood
Framed Antique Ottoman Embroidery Fragment , Late 19th Century.
By Seref Ozen
Located in Istanbul, TR
First the fragment has been hand backed on a linen fabric, then stretched over a wooden stretcher and finished with a wooden frame. E 20th Century. Uzbekistan Ready to go on a wall....
Silk
Zabihi Collection Crazy Animal Motif South Persian Pictorial Rug
Located in New York, NY
a crazy late 20th-century one-of-a-kind Animal motif rug. It seems like every animal you can think of is in this rug. Every animal is spelled out as well. The weaver made a lot of sp...
Wool
Early 19th-Century Hungarian Hand-Painted Pine Two-Door Armoire
Located in Round Top, TX
Early 19th-century original hand-painted two-door armoire from Hungary crafted in pine. The original painted finish features a blue ground with four painted floral panels in the two ...
Pine, Paint
$956Sale Price|20% Off
Early 20thc Wooden Salmon Sled
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century original painted and decorated sled from New England. Stamped/Signed By the maker under the body. In Very good condition.
Metal
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
19thc Collide-scope Star Quilt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19thc Collide-scope Star Burst with wonderful blue backing. Blue Liner give the edges a nice touch. The interior fabrics are 19thc Calico fabrics. thoughtfully pieced together. Great...
Cotton
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
Log Cabin Variation Quilt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20thc Log cabin quilt with a wonderful faded/muted color pallet. The variation in color change and color choice in this log cabin is amazing, vibrant yet subtle colors that pop...
Cotton
$316Sale Price / set|20% Off
Collection of Eight Piece Wooden Fruit & Bowl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20Thc Collection of seven pieces of wood carved & painted fruit in a large wooden bowl.The bowl has its original label on the base.Sold as a eight piece collection.
Wood
Handpainted Folk Art Wedding Chest by Peter Hunt, Provincetown, D. 1948
By Peter Hunt
Located in Peabody, MA
A handpainted folk art wedding chest by the noted maker Peter Hunt of Provincetown, Massachusetts. Hunt was a charismatic figure who sold his colonial and Dutch revival decorated fou...
Wood, Paint
Pillowcase Made from an Antique Crewel Embroidery, England
By Seref Ozen
Located in Istanbul, TR
It does not come with an insert. Linen in the back. Zipper Closure. Dry Cleaning recommended.
Wool
Antique Swedish Unusual Narrow Longcase Clock Cabinet with Bureau and Drawers
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique longcase clock cabinet with bureau from northern Sweden around 1850. An unusual and charming example of a combined furniture where a longcase clock is combined with a writing...
Pine
Genuine Antique Swedish Folk Art Secretary Desk with Original Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Genuine folk art secretary desk from the early 1800s. Made by hand in solid pine with the original first layer of paint from the 1820s. Interior with small drawers and traces of the ...
Pine
Folk Art Bridal Chest, circa 1950
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This vintage pine chest from the mid-20th century is a real eye-catcher. It is richly decorated with hand-painted folkloric decorations, executed in a traditional color scheme of war...
Pine
$1,340Sale Price|20% Off
19Thc Decorated Stoneware Crock Cowden & Wilcox Pa.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine decorated 19thc stone ware crock from Cowden & Wilcox in Harrisburg,Pennsylvania.This folky tulip hand painted & decorated large three gallon crock is in fine condition.It ...
Pottery
20th Century Corsican Vendetta-Style Folding Steel Knife with Carved Handle
Located in North Miami, FL
Early 20th century Corsican 'Veritable Poudrille' vendetta-style folding steel knife with carved handle, France By: unknown Material: metal, iron, steel Technique: cast, molded, car...
Steel, Iron, Metal
$612Sale Price|20% Off
19Thc Original Painted Sailor Iron Bank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original painted sailor coin bank.The condition is very good.
Iron
Antique 1910s German Santa Claus Belsnickle Figure on Sleigh pulled by Pink Pig
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German Santa Claus Belsnickle Sleigh with Pig and Toys, circa 1900 A rare and charming example of early German Christmas craftsmanship, this Antique Santa Claus Belsnickle figure depicts Santa seated in a sleigh pulled by a pig, overflowing with miniature gifts, toys, and trees. The composition figure of Santa, marked Germany, measures approximately 7 inches high, while the papier-mâché pig is about 10 inches long. The entire display extends to an impressive 24 inches (60 cm). Beautifully detailed with cotton, porcelain dolls, wooden toys, and seasonal greenery, this unique piece embodies the nostalgic charm of old-world Christmas traditions. Discovered at an estate sale in Leipzig, Germany, it makes a museum-worthy addition to any collection of antique holiday decorations, Belsnickle figures, or Victorian Christmas ornaments...
Composition
Pillowcase Made from an Antique Crewel Embroidery, England
By Seref Ozen
Located in Istanbul, TR
It does not come with an insert. Linen in the back. Zipper Closure. Dry Cleaning recommended.
Wool
Country English Painted Pine Trunk with Georgian House Facade
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming grand country English folk art blanket chest or trunk crafted from pine. The chest features a painted Georgian Manor house facade on three sides. The house is decorated with...
Iron
German Wedding Cabinet, dated 1850
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This characterful pine cabinet from rural southern Germany, dated 1850, is a special piece with a romantic history: it was once given as a wedding gift. The cabinet is hand-painted i...
Pine
Swedish Hand-Painted Pine Armoire Dated 1823
Located in Round Top, TX
Early 19th century Swedish armoire constructed of pine and dated 1823, featuring its original hand-painted finish. The cabinet displays a deep red to burgundy background with four ri...
Pine, Paint
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
19Thc Child's Walnut Rocker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Walnut child's rocking chair upholstered in a suede leather.The condition is very good and sturdy.
Leather, Wood
1950s Lacquered Wood Italian Articulated Mannequin
Located in Catania, Sicilia
A charming vintage mannequin from the 1950s, beautifully crafted figure is a perfect blend of functionality and folk art, making it a unique and striking decorative piece. The manneq...
Wood, Lacquer
Pillowcase Made from an Antique Hungarian Embroidery
By Seref Ozen
Located in Istanbul, TR
It does not come with an insert. Linen in the back. Zipper Closure. Dry Cleaning recommended.
Silk
Late 18th Century Original Hand-Painted Swedish Cabinet, Dated 1790
Located in Round Top, TX
Late 18th Century Original Hand-Painted Swedish Cabinet, Dated 1790 Late 18th-century Swedish pine cabinet retaining its original hand-painted decoration, dated 1790. The painted sur...
Wood, Pine, Paint
Native American Indian Large Shipibo-Conibo Peruvian Amazon Pottery Jar Vase
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful geometric patterned and designed hand painted and glazed Native American large earthenware jar/vase/pot made by the Shipibo-Conibo people, an indigenous people along the ...
Earthenware, Pottery, Paint
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Amish Wool Mounted Nine Patch Postage Stamp Crib Quilt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20Thc All wool Amish postage stamp crib quilt chain from Lancaster County ,Pennsylvania.This quilt is mounted and wired for hanging.
Wool
Country English Painted Pine Trunk with Georgian House Facade
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming grand country English folk art blanket chest or trunk crafted from pine. The chest features a painted Georgian manor house facade on three sides. The house is decorated with...
Iron
German Folk Art Pendant Light with Night Watchman Figure, 1950s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Expressive Night Watchman with Lantern Motif, Hand-Carved German Folk Art Pendant Light. This charming German Folk Art pendant light features a wooden figure depicting a traditional...
Metal, Brass
Antique Solid Wood Vanity or Console – Custom Hand-Painted Boho Tropical Décor
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A truly one-of-a-kind antique solid wood vanity or entryway console, thoughtfully reimagined with a custom hand-painted and decoupage boho tropical motif. This piece blends Old World...
Wood
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
19Thc Blue & White Eight Point Star Quilt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Eight point star quilt in blue & white with a swag border in pristine condition.Note the flying geese borders surround the stars.This quilt was found in Virginia and we believe...
Cotton
Original Antique Print of a Brown Bear, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a brown bear. Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Captain Brown with original hand color. ...
Paper
David Eldreth Stoneware Crock Vessel Cobalt Blue Bird, Folk Art Pottery
Located in East Quogue, NY
Charming blue and gray vintage studio pottery crock made by noted American folk potter David Eldreth in Nottingham, Pennsylvania, dated 1996. This wheel-thrown stoneware vessel features a classic salt-glazed exterior and a hand-decorated cobalt blue...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Sailor's Keepsake: Edwardian Shellwork Valentine Diorama of Ship
Located in Downingtown, PA
Sailor's Keepsake: Edwardian Shellwork Valentine Diorama 🐚 ________________________________________ This is a charming and historically evocative Edwardian Shellwork Diorama, a clas...
Shell
Early 19th Century Original Painted Swedish Tall Pine Cabinet
Located in Round Top, TX
Early 19th-century Swedish tall pine cabinet built in two sections with original painted finish. Blue painted panels remain visible throughout, with much of the surface worn down to ...
Pine, Paint
Antique Tramp Art Double Picture Frame With Original Portrait Photographs C 1890
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE FOLK ART CARVED PHOTO FRAME Typically notched hand-crafted tramp art picture frame of unusual form. Charming original black and white family photographs with characterful ...
Paper, Wood, Glass
Large Early 20th Century Hand Woven Winnowing Basket Folk Art Wall Sculpture
Located in Red Lion, PA
Large Early 20th Century Asian Hand-Woven Winnowing Basket – Folk Art Wall Sculpture This large early 20th century hand-woven winnowing basket is a striking example of traditional A...
Rattan
Deer Antler Mount Trophy on Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque Austrian Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An antique Austrian deer antler trophy on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaque. We believe its from 1910s or older. A nice addition to your hunters lo...
Antler, Wood
Swedish Blanket Chest, Hand-Painted Wood, Folk Art Style, 1820
Located in Round Top, TX
Grand-scaled Early 19th C. Swedish marriage chest with hand painted decoration, hardware and hinged candle box. Deep green field with undertones of darkest teal, with traditional han...
Metal
French Folk Art Sculpture of a Horse in Leather
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A hand-made folk art sculpture of a horse from the End of 19th Century/ Early 20th Century. This French made papier mâché horse is wrapped in leather, presented in its authentic old ...
Leather, Paper
Santa Claus Belsnickel Papermache Candy Container German Christmas 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 20th Century German Belsnickle / Santa Claus Candy Container, Paper Mâché, wood & Cardboard This beautiful German Belsnickle / Santa Claus candy container dates to the early 2...
Paper
Hand Carved Folk art Balinese teak door, original frame late 19th -early 20th C
Located in London, GB
Rare Antique Balinese Carved Teak Door in Original Frame, circa 1900 A rare antique Balinese carved teak door with its complete original frame, dati...
Teak
With the help of a new director, the Virginia institution's folk art and decorative arts museums are undergoing extensive upgrades.
The French designer, stylist and creative director offers an inside look at the cabinets of curiosities he calls home in Paris and Nice.
Designers are beginning to see this enigmatic form of folk art in a whole new light.