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
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
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 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
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
$1,400Sale 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
Antique Hungarian Folk Art Carved Pine Bench, 19th Century
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE PRIMITIVE PINE BENCH A decorative and charming bench of peg construction in pine with a fret carved scolloped edge decoration and chamfered stick legs. Originating from Hu...
Pine
$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
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
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
$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
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
$4,229Sale Price|28% Off
Dutch 19th Century Folk Art Architectural Mansion Pigeon / Birdcage
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful and unique Dutch Folk art Pigeon/birdcage in the form of a manor . This type of birdcages were made in the North of he Netherlands . They were miniature versions of the ori...
Wood
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
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
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
$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
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
Early 19th-Century Swedish Original Painted Pine Sideboard Cabinet
Located in Round Top, TX
Early 19th-century Swedish pine cabinet sideboard retaining its original painted finish. The background presents both blue and green aged paint. The two door panels feature tradition...
Metal
$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
$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
Long Narrow Hand Painted Pine Trunk Bench, Dated 1889
Located in Round Top, TX
The painted finish is all original on this rustic pine flat top narrow trunk which may also serve as a bench. Flowers were a traditional embellishment as seen on the front of this ha...
Pine, Paint
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
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
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
19thc Stoneware Two Gallon Decorated Crock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original decorated stoneware crock with handles in fine condition.This crock was found in Pennsylvania.Wonderful blue glaze decoration.
Pottery
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
19th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Hand-Painted Chest Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive hand-painted Folk Art box from the Late 19th Century. The box has been hand-painted in black, red, blues and green. There appears to be either twos horses or maybe unicorn...
Metal
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
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
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
Folk Art Jewelry Box - Sewing Box, Wooden House Model, Mid-Century France 1950s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Folk Art Jewelry Box or Sewing Box, Wooden House Model, France 1950s Charming mid-century French wooden box in the shape of a small house, handcrafted in the 1950s. A unique piece o...
Wood, Birch, Plywood
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
19th Century Country English Chest with House Facade Georgian Trunk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming folk art 19th-century country English pine blanket chest or box featuring a Georgian manor house facade on the outside. The storage box has a hinged top and handles on each ...
Iron
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
Kentucky Burley Tobacco Basket with Original Red Rim, Horse Cave, c. 1880-1910
Located in Louisville, KY
A monumental Southern folk art tobacco basket hand-woven from split white oak, originating from Horse Cave, Kentucky, a historic center of burley tobacc...
Oak
$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
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
Antique Chocolate Mold, Santa Claus Belsnickle, Metal, 1890s, France
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique French Chocolate Mold by Matfer Paris, circa 1890–1900 A beautiful antique French chocolate mold crafted in metal, featuring a rich, naturally developed patina. Manufactured...
Metal
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 ...
Glass, Wood, Paper
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
Rare Black Forest Bear Cigar Cutter and Match Holder, Wood, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Rare Black Forest wooden Figural Bear, with a tray and a Cigar Cutter , also the bear is a Match Holder c.1920s. An exceptional and rare find from the Black Forest Folk Art movement...
Metal, Iron
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
Farmhouse Chicken Wire Egg Fruit Basket Carry All, Vintage Industrial Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful chicken wire made Basket, circa 1930s. Made of wire and wooden handles. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria. Nice addition to any Country Kitchen. Size given in meas...
Metal, Wire
$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
$17,500
Large Carved Pub Sign
Located in Greenwich, CT
A pub sign depicting a whimsical fox emerging from a gilt jug, of very large scale. Hand-hewn from solid wood and skilfully relief carved - the fox has distinct fur, legs, ear, snou...
Wood
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
The Folk Painter’s Hand: 19th Century Painted Armoire
Located in New York, NY
This painted armoire, dated 1819, is a vivid example of early 19th-century European folk art furniture. Set against a deep blue ground, it is richly decorated with hand-painted flora...
Wood, Pine
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
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
Lot of 34 Mercury Glass Christmas Ornaments, Vintage German, 1910s - 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare vintage and antique ornament collection. The size given in the dimensions section refers to the larger Santa Claus in red Coat seen in the first pic...
Mercury 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
Antique Chocolate Mold, Santa Claus Belsnickle, Metal, 1890s, France
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique French Chocolate Mold by Matfer Paris, circa 1890–1900 A beautiful antique French chocolate mold crafted in metal, featuring a rich, naturally developed patina. Manufactured...
Metal
Vintage German Yard or Garden Gnome Fishing, Beautiful Statue 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue. This character statue has been made by unknown Company in Germany, in the 1930s or earlier. Absolutely gorgeous item with lots of ...
Ceramic
Tramp Art Jewelry Box - Wooden Decorative Box - Green Velvet Top - America 1910s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Tramp Art Jewelry Box - Wooden Decorative Box with Green Velvet - America 1910s Striking American Tramp Art jewelry or decorative box, hand-carv...
Velvet, Wood, Fruitwood, Pine
Antique Black Forest Brienz Wood Carved Dog Letter Opener 1890s, Austria Vienna
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautifully carved and richly expressive, this antique dog head letter opener is a fine example of late 19th-century Black Forest or Brienz craftsmanship. Hand-carved from wood, the ...
Glass, Wood
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.