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Folk Art For Sale
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
Period: Early 1900s
18th Century Spain Manises Valencia Ceramic Plate Lustre-Painted Decoration
Located in Epfach, DE
Beautiful ceramic plate from Valencia made in the early 18th century. The ceramic has been glazed with a glossy painted bird depiction. The bird depictions are very rare and hard to find. The ceramic is glazed in an enamel bath...
Category

1720s Spanish Antique Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Exceptional 1750 Red and Blu Painted Blanket Chest, Central Europe
Located in Vo', Veneto
Small Antique painted blancket chest Measures: H. 31cm - L. 72cm - P. 45cm Rare small chest in painted fir wood. The decorations are geometric, of an intense blue color, with ...
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Folk Art Antique Folk Art

Materials

Fir

AR Tetradrachm Macedonia, Side, Alexander the Great, 325-320 BC
Located in UTRECHT, UT
Obverse: head of Herakles right wearing lion skin headdress Reverse: enthroned Zeus left, eagle on outstretched right hand, scepter in left hand FINE STYLE Late lifetime or early...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Greek Classical Greek Antique Folk Art

Materials

Silver

Rare Pre-Columbian Moche Portrait Vessel – Musician Latin American Art
Located in London, GB
Rare Pre-Columbian Moche Portrait Vessel – Musician with Panpipes – Peru, 700–900 AD An exceptional and highly unusual Pre-Columbian Moche greyware portrait vessel, depicting a diminutive rotund personage playing panpipes. This rare sculptural ceramic, dating to the Moche IV period (circa 700–900 AD), features expressive detailing including a crown-style headdress, flowing hair, and an axe carried at the side—suggesting both ceremonial and symbolic importance. Culture: Moche Civilization, Northern Peru Period: Moche IV, circa 700–900 AD Region: Pre-Columbian South America Material: Greyware ceramic Subject: Dwarf figure playing panpipes, wearing a headdress and carrying an axe Condition: Two prongs of the headdress have been professionally restored; part of the panpipes is lost otherwise intact and well preserved Provenance: From the Romy Rey Collection, UK – acquired before 1960 Additional Detail: Retains an old collection label on the base Cultural Context: The Moche culture, predating the Inca Empire, is renowned for its lifelike portrait vessels and ceremonial ceramics. This figure, possibly representing a ritual performer or symbolic character, reflects the Moche’s complex social structure, musical traditions, and representation of marginalized figures with spiritual or narrative roles. This rare South American artifact is a compelling addition for collectors of Pre-Columbian art, Moche pottery...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Peruvian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Pottery

SECOND HALF OF THE 18th CENTURY NEOCLASSICAL PAPER PEINT WITH VENUS
Located in Firenze, FI
Wonderful papier peint painted in lean tempera on paper, applied on canvas, with carved wooden frame, painted with tempera and gold paste. The papier peint represents Venus as if she...
Category

Late 18th Century French Neoclassical Revival Antique Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint, Paper

Hand painted Pine Wedding Cabinet, anno 1782
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A beautiful cabinet from the rural south of Germany dating from 1782. The cabinet was once given as a wedding gift. Made of solid pine and hand painted in vibrant colours. The cabine...
Category

1780s Folk Art Antique Folk Art

Materials

Iron

Chupicuaro Redware Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
This standing effigy figure was crafted in 300 BC from the ancient Chupicuaro region of Mexico and was likely used as a ritual or burial offering. The ceramic works of the Chupicuaro...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Mexican Pre-Columbian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Big Hand Carved Painted Stag Sculpture in Wood, Early 18th Century
Located in Stockholm, SE
A big hand carved painted stag sculpture in wood, early 18th century. Pre-owned by a collector. This sculpture are one of a kind. The stag deer are a symbol of spiritual authority, a deer stag is here depicted in all its magnificent elegance. Wooden sculpture of a life-size deer stag laying upon a rectangular platform base. The symbol of the stag: The deer’s antlers are one of the characteristics that have made it the figure of a spiritual superiority, according to some. Like a crown, the antlers grow beyond its body, bringing it closer to the sky and making it sacred. In many cultures, the deer is a symbol of spiritual authority. During a deer’s life the antlers fall off and grow again and the animal is also a symbol of reGeneration. In the Christian imagination, the deer is a symbol of piety, devotion and of God taking care of his children: men. The legend of Saint Eustace...
Category

18th Century Swedish Arts and Crafts Antique Folk Art

Materials

Paint, Hardwood

Vintage Richters German Anchor Blocks Building Toy
Located in Barcelona, ES
Discover a piece of history with this vintage Richters German anchor blocks building toy, also known as Der Geschickte Baumeister. Made in Rudolstadt, Germany, circa 1900, this set c...
Category

Early 1900s German Baroque Antique Folk Art

Materials

Quartz

Exceptional Lancaster County Sack Back Windsor Chair
Located in Lancaster, PA
This is an exceptionally fine Lancaster, Pennsylvania Sack Back Windsor Armchair, circa 1780. It has a bowed crest rail mortised into a continuous rear rail with eleven spindles, se...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Folk Art

Materials

Hardwood

Pre Columbian Large Inca Early Colonial period Wood Kero South American Antiques
Located in London, GB
Large Pre Columbian  INCA / Early Colonial period  Wood Kero    A superb Large Inca Kero cup profusely carved in the mosaic style with a image of the Inca or...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Peruvian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Swedish 18th Century Gustavian Grey and Blue Display Cabinet
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique Swedish Glass-Top Cabinet Made in Two-parts. The base has a set of 4 drawers and the top display cabinet has two glass doors that is pati...
Category

1770s Swedish Gustavian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Pine

Corinthian Helmet
Located in London, GB
A bronze helmet made of a single hammered bronze plate in the characteristic shape of the military Corinthian type helmets of the end of the 7th century and the beginning of the 6th ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Greek Greco Roman Antique Folk Art

Materials

Bronze

Venetian school Painting Biblical scene oil on copper anonymous C 16th century
Located in London, GB
Venetian school Painting Biblical scene oil on copper anonymous C 16th century Unsigned Fine old master quality Venetian school painting of a biblical scene painted on copper Oil cop...
Category

17th Century Italian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Paint

Small hand--painted cabinet, dated 1736
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Small cabinet with 1 door. Hand painted with decorative floral motives. Dated: 1738. Inside has 2 shelves, a small drawer is missing.
Category

1730s Folk Art Antique Folk Art

Materials

Pine, Paint

Ancient Egyptian Turquoise Glazed Faience Ushabti of the 26th Dynasty 664-525 BC
Located in Nottingham, GB
Ancient Egyptian Turquoise Glazed Faience Ushabti of the 26th Dynasty Good condition, displayed on stand An Egyptian ushabti, also known as shabti or shawabti, is a small funerary f...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Egyptian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Faience

Memento Mori in Wood with Chrismon, Monogram of Christ, Italy End of 17th Cent
Located in Milan, IT
A Memento Mori in wood with Chrismon, monogram of Christ. Valuable sculpture in fruit wood in almost true-to-life measurements, sculpted with art and finished with a wealth of details. The wood was covered with a thin layer of pellet and finished in color. Immediately above the forehead, in correspondence with the anterior neonatal fontanel, the CHRISMON is painted in purple red. The monogram of Christ or Chi Rho (or CHRISMON) is a combination of letters from the Greek alphabet, which form an abbreviation of the name of Christ. Solar in nature, often inscribed in a circle with multiple rays reminiscent of the cosmic wheel deriving from the ancient solar emblems of Egypt. The symbol consists of two large overlapping letters, the 'X' and the 'P'. They correspond, respectively, to the Greek letter '?' ('chi', which reads kh, aspirated) and '?' ('rho', which reads r). These two letters are the initials of the word '???st??' (Khristòs ), the name of Jesus, which in Greek means "anointed" and translates the Hebrew "messiah". On the sides of these two letters, there are very often two others: one 'a' and one '?', alpha and omega...
Category

Late 17th Century Italian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Vintage Turn of The Century Deer Horn Handle American Walking Stick Circa 1900
Located in Incline Village, NV
Desirable western themed walking stick with a deer horn, highly figured handle in natural bone colors, with original brown highlights to the boned recessed horizontal lines. This is ...
Category

Early 1900s American Folk Art Antique Folk Art

Materials

Bone

Antique Medieval European Castle Gothic Forged Iron Processional on Stand
Located in Forney, TX
A spectacular early European castle altar processional / torchiere stand. circa 1730 or earlier. Born in Continental Europe in the early 18th century or earlier, some later elements, most likely Germanic, Medieval Gothic style, hand forged iron sculptural cross form mounted with primitive push-button panel opening to reveal heraldic coat of arms embossed brass plaque, with The Nelsons family banner, royal crown crest with cross, standing mythical goat and stag heraldic supporters, shield escutcheon castle, fleur-de-lis, three diamonds and eagle shield...
Category

Early 18th Century European Gothic Antique Folk Art

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Antique Danish Wrought Iron Mounted Fish Fork
Located in Søborg, DK
A wrought iron fish fork from the 18th century. Extremely decorative and a piece of pure folk art. Who ever made this made an extra effort to not just make it functional but also so...
Category

18th Century Danish Folk Art Antique Folk Art

Materials

Wrought Iron

18th Century Polychromed Santo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning polychromed wood santo from the early 1700s. Likely from a Roman Catholic Church. Very good condition considering age. Huge amount of presence. Beautiful religious artifact.
Category

Early 18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Wood

19th Century Paris Magicians Poster on Canvas
Located in London, GB
19th Century Paris Magicians Poster on Canvas A rare example of a late 19th century lithograph on canvas Paris magician’s promotional poster. By Effi...
Category

Early 1900s French Victorian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Canvas

Columbia River Massive Pre Contact Carved Stone Nine Effigies Ceremonial Mortar
Located in South Burlington, VT
From Native America's Northwest Columbia River area comes this substantial and unique ancient hand carved basalt stone ceremonial bowl or mortar possessing nine (9) human like heads within a circular double band, Columbia River. It comes from a private Colorado collection. The stone hand carved from a large basalt...
Category

15th Century and Earlier American Native American Antique Folk Art

Materials

Stone

A Sardinian Figure of a Warrior
Located in London, GB
An exceptionally rare and important Sardinian bronze figure of a warrior. The highly stylized figure is depicted standing, holding a club resting on his shoulder in the right hand an...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Bronze

Peru Pre Inca 100-700 Ad Moche Pre Columbian Personified Vessel in Earthenware
Located in Miami, FL
Rare pre Hispanic Moche culture, pre-Inca earthenware vessel. A beautiful interesting piece, created in the southern Peru region around the 100-700 AD by the Moche culture. This rare early period...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Peruvian Pre-Columbian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Earthenware, Pottery

Three Roman terracotta oil lamps antiquities ancient world antiques Styling
Located in London, GB
A Fine Collection of Three Ancient Roman Terracotta Oil Lamps – Authentic Antiquities from the Ancient World Discover a captivating trio of authe...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Blown Glass

Torso of a Youth
Located in London, GB
A marble statue of a youth in contrapposto position. The torso is idealised but has only softly suggested muscles, giving the impression of youth. The beginnings of the slender arms ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier European Antique Folk Art

Materials

Marble

Strongbox Safe Chest Iron Painted Armada 12 bolt lock Nuremberg Renaissance
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Rare, small, late-Renaissance, Nuremberg, iron, 'armada box', strongbox or travelling safe with its original, naïve, painted decoration on later sledge feet...
Category

Early 1600s German Renaissance Antique Folk Art

Materials

Iron

Antique Gothic Carved Limestone Model of a Madonna or Venus
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique limestone carving. Modeled as a Madonna. With her head slightly tilted, holding an orb in one hand, and with her other hand resting on her breast. By repute ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Unknown Gothic Antique Folk Art

Materials

Limestone

Antique 19th C Hindu Shiva Brass Votive Head Indian Ritual Art Sculpture
Located in London, GB
Antique Indian Hindu Shiva Brass Votive Head – 19th Century Beautiful 19th-century brass votive head of Lord Shiva, finely cast with detailed moustache and turban. This larger form ...
Category

18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Brass, Bronze

18th Century One-Door Wardrobe, Central Europe
Located in Vo', Veneto
One-door wardrobe in fir from 1700 Measures: Height 185cm – Width 115cm (130 to the frames) – Depth 50cm (57 to the frames) Spruce wardrobe, with one door, in excellent conditi...
Category

1750s Italian Baroque Antique Folk Art

Materials

Fir

Early 20thc Pictorial Pima Indian Basket
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine American Indian Pima pictorial basket is in fine condition except some roughness around the top edge of the basket. The base has some minor...
Category

Early 1900s American Adirondack Antique Folk Art

Materials

Hemp

18th Century German Baroque Architectural Putti Bust Wall Shelf Carving
Located in Forney, TX
A finely carved Baroque period architectural element, now fashioned as a sculptural bracket shelf. Hand-crafted by a master-artisan in the 18th century, originally part of a corbel, likely from a church around the Black Forest region of Southern Germany. Exquisitely hand carved solid walnut, exceptionally executed and intricately detailed, featuring two protruding busts of cherub children with fine facial details and sculpted wavy hair, over pierced foliate floral decoration. circa 1750 Provenance / Acquisition: Property from the magnificent estate of the late T. Boone Pickens (1928 -2019). An American business magnate and financier. Acquired from the highly reputable auction house J. Garrett Auctioneers, Dallas, Texas. September 2022 More of T. Boone Pickens Estate catalog J. Garrett Auctioneers had the pleasure of presenting this item from the iconic Texas and Oklahoma oil...
Category

18th Century German Baroque Antique Folk Art

Materials

Walnut

French 18th Century Agricultural Fragment
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very charming 18th century agricultural fragment in wood and iron from the Southwest of France. Wonderful as a tabletop or countertop small pedestal to display a sculpture.
Category

18th Century French Antique Folk Art

Materials

Iron

18th Century French Wrought-Iron Dragon Weathervane
Located in Chicago, IL
A stunning and rare 18th century French hand-wrought iron weathervane, from Normandy, with a stylized dragon "flag" the moves according the wind, and with four wrought-iron flowers t...
Category

18th Century French Primitive Antique Folk Art

Materials

Wrought Iron

Swedish Stump Chair late 1700 century
Located in Farsta, SE
Exceptional Swedish Stump Chair ca 1650–1700 Crafted from driftwood sourced in Dalarna, Northern Sweden, this remarkable chair is made from a sing...
Category

1690s Swedish Folk Art Antique Folk Art

Materials

Pine

Pre Columbian Inca double chambered whistle vessel South Latin American Antiques
Located in London, GB
Pre Columbian Inca double chambered whistle Vessel Circa 15- 16th Century Ad A fine Inca greyware vessel double chambered with a bird whistle on ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Peruvian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Pottery

Pair of Federal Gilt Swag Mirrors
Located in Greenwich, CT
A pair of federal gilt mirrors of rectangular form with thin molded frames and tall vase and acanthus leaf garland and swag decoration to crowns as well as to bases, retaining origin...
Category

1780s American Antique Folk Art

Materials

Giltwood

Brightly Coloured Ewe Cloth
Located in London, GB
An early and rare weft faced Ewe cloth woven in strops of brightly coloured red, blue, yellow cream, lime green and ivory. A great example, large size. Con...
Category

Early 1900s Ghanaian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Natural Fiber

Roman Carved Marble Torso in Military Dress, circa 2nd-3rd Century
Located in Austin, TX
A well carved Roman marble figure of a male in military dress, late Roman Period, circa 2nd-3rd century. The figure portrayed dressed in military att...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Antique Folk Art

Materials

Marble

A Fine and Large Egyptian Limestone Relief Carved in Shallow Relief
Located in London, GB
A Fine and Large Egyptian Limestone Relief Carved in Shallow Relief Traces of original polychrome Old Kingdom / 5th Dynasty / 2454 - 2311 B.C Size: 32cm high, 70cm wide, 5cm deep - 12½ ins high, 27½ ins wide, 2 ins deep Provenance: Ex Private Swiss collection, acquired mid 1960s and thence by descent Ex Rupert Wace Limited London Ex Private London collection cf A...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Egyptian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Limestone

Antique 18th Century Dutch Delft Tile of a Mermaid & Serpent
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique 18th century Dutch Delft pottery tile. Depicting a mermaid in the ocean wringing a snake with her hands. Simply a wonderful Dutch Delft tile! Date: 18th Cent...
Category

18th Century Dutch Baroque Antique Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Antique French Zinc Weathervane in Original Condition C1900's
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique zinc weathervane that we believe probably came from France and was constructed around the turn of the century and by that we mean circa 1900. Completely original and unrestor...
Category

Early 1900s French Country Antique Folk Art

Materials

Zinc

Late 18th Century Swiss Pine Blanket Chest
Located in Vo', Veneto
Late 18th century Swiss stone pine chest H. 88 cm – L. 145 cm – D. 69 cm Beautiful chest in pine wood, built at the end of the eighteenth century. On the front there are three...
Category

1790s Italian Louis XVI Antique Folk Art

Materials

Fir

18th Century Blanket Chest Blue and Red Painted
Located in Vo', Veneto
Ancient Tyrolean painted chest. Measures: H. 70, L. 174, P. 63 Antique painted chest. On the front it has two mirrors with geometric decor...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Folk Art Antique Folk Art

Materials

Fir

Swedish 18th Century Painted Box in Oak Wood
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Scandinavian Baroque oak wood box with original ironwork, partially black painted. We acquired this piece in the region of "Skåne" in South Sweden. This Mid 18th Century piece wa...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Baroque Antique Folk Art

Materials

Iron

18th Century Wooden Cross, Guanajuato, Mexico
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Wooden cross Guanajuato, Mexico Wood, paint 22 x 13 inches, (56 cm x 33 cm) 18th century A wonderful old wooden cross with a painted crucified Christ figure, an angel, possibly Mary Magdelene...
Category

18th Century Mexican Folk Art Antique Folk Art

Materials

Paint, Wood

Child' Wind Up Toy "Crawling Beetle" by The Lehman Toy Co. Germany, Circa 1900
Located in Incline Village, NV
Listed as #431 in the Lehman catalogues this wonderful vintage children's wind up toy, manufactured by the prestigious and iconic Lehman Toy Company of Germany; was patented in 1895 (see image--markings under wing ). The toy was made for over 25 years and was quite popular. When wound up using the underside attached clockwork( key (see attached movie) the toy depicts the six legged beetle crawling across the floor by moving it's legs back and forth while flapping it's wings in the air. All the markings "Pat. U.S.A." "D.R.G.M." "Pat April 23, 1895" "Lehman" are clearly marked under the wing (see image). It is lithographed and hand painted in colors of bluish green wings, a red and white head, yellow and black under wings, with red and blackish green legs. This particular example is completely original ,which is highly unusual for this toy as a search of other examples would reveal that one or several of the legs are typically lacking, or repaired, as are the fragile wings as well. There is no restoration and no touch up paint of any kind. to this toy. It is original in every respect. The toy is catalogued as "EPL #431" and documented on page 59 and 60 of the book "Lehman Toys" by Jurgen & Marianne Cieslik, published in 1982. Dimensions: 4 1/4" long x 2" high x 4" wide Provenance: Recently acquired from a highly regarded West Coast collection of antique wind...
Category

Early 1900s German Folk Art Antique Folk Art

Materials

Tin

Wood Black Forest Brienz Carved Figural Gnome Nutcracker German Antique, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1900s Black Forest Brienz wood carved Nutcracker in form of a Gnome. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk.
Category

Early 1900s German Black Forest Antique Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Antique Bridal Bench, Scandinavian Wabi Sabi, c 1600s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Antique Norwegian bridal bench made from rare black alder, this bridal bench approximately dates back to the 17th century. Wear consistent with age and use adds character, with a b...
Category

17th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Folk Art

Materials

Wood

GORGEOUS! Incan Kero Qiru Museum Quality! Finest in world. 15th 16th Century
By Pre-Columbian
Located in Peoria, AZ
Incan Kero Tumbler-shaped drinking vessel Period: 15th 16th Century Region: Peru Material: Wood Polychroming Finest in the world! Museum quality! Keros were used in Peru to consum...
Category

16th Century Peruvian Pre-Columbian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Enamel

Early 18th Century Wedding Blanket Chest
Located in Vo', Veneto
Tyrolean wedding chest Measurements: H.80 – L.156 – P.55 Period: early 18th century Origin: Tyrol Essence: Fir Large Tyrolean chest, in fir wood, with shaped lowering. The front is...
Category

Early 18th Century Italian Folk Art Antique Folk Art

Materials

Fir

Bath Cabinet Makers, an Arts & Crafts Oak Sideboard with Dutch Inlaid Scenes
Located in London, GB
Bath cabinet makers. In the Liberty style. An early Arts & Crafts oak break front sideboard with Dutch inlaid scenes of mill owners with there little bla...
Category

Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Folk Art

Materials

Oak

An antique Tutsi Basketry Woven Screen, Rwanda
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Insika (Screen or Wall Panel) Rwanda-Burundi, Tutsi people Circa 1900 or earlier Natural fibers and dyes H 23 ins (58.5 cm) W 16 ins (40.5 cm) Depth 3 1/2 ins (9 cm) This superb ...
Category

Early 1900s Rwandan Tribal Antique Folk Art

Materials

Natural Fiber

Terracotta Majolica Bulldog Bavent Filmont, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Terracotta bulldog Bavent Filmont, circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s French French Provincial Antique Folk Art

Materials

Terracotta

Antique 1600s Bridal Bench, Scandinavian Wabi Sabi
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Antique Norwegian bridal bench, circa 1600s. Later legs, with some age. Wear consistent with age and use showing beautiful patina.
Category

17th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Folk Art

Materials

Pine

Vintage Portuguese Handcrafted Wooden Stand Cross with Gilt Bronze Christ
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Vintage handcrafted wooden stand cross with gilt bronze Christ and ornaments on a beautiful carved wooden base, Portugal, 1930-1939. Measures: Height 19...
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Gothic Revival Antique Folk Art

Materials

Bronze

Peru Pre-Inca 900 / 1470 AD Chimu Pre Columbian Vessel In Earthenware Pottery
Located in Miami, FL
A pre-Inca Chimu culture, pre Columbian vase in earth ware. This beautiful little vessel vase, was created in the northern Peruvian region by the Chimu culture between the 900 / 1...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Peruvian Pre-Columbian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Earthenware, Pottery

Vintage, New and Antique Folk Art

Folk art refers to a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Vintage, new and antique folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, portraiture and paintings, carnival art, quilts and duck decoys.

American folk art is frequently valued because of the traditional 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. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.

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 folk art on 1stDibs.

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