Folk Art Antiquities
FOLK ART STYLE
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.
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Style: Folk Art
Antique Danish Mangle Board Wedding Love Gift Painted Wood, Horse Handle, 1803
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Antique Danish mangle board (clothing and bedding press) dated 1803.
It is made from oak wood which is hand carved with a rich decoration of geometric blossoms. Painted in the colou...
Category
Early 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Sculptural 19th Century Horn Chair with Footstool
Located in Chicago, IL
A sculptural armchair and matching footstool from the late 19th century, artfully assembled from the curving forms of American cattle horns. At once delicate and dramatic, the chair ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Horn, Wool, Wood
24 Pcs. Alabaster Mini Stone Fruit W/ Birds Eye Maple Compote
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Collection of 24 pieces of miniature stone fruit or alabaster hand painted mini alabaster fruits in a collection.The compote is a 19thc birds e...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Marble
19th Century Hand Written Persian Book
Located in London, GB
19th century oil on board of a Blacksmith
Of rectangular form, the papier Mache and ebonised cover is finely painted, covered in flowers and a circular motif to the central section...
Category
1850s Unknown Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Paper
antique shepherd’s chest, 1850’s
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Low shepherd’s chest with a beautiful appearance and proportions. These chests were made in the same way for centuries. They were decorated with traditional magical geometric symbols...
Category
1850s Romanian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Beech
Antique Handmade Bronze Cowbell From Switzerland 1850s
Located in Hannover, DE
This bell has a wonderful and very loud sound. Ideal for a large house to call all the residents out to eat or on your property in the country, the children will hear this sound from...
Category
1850s Swiss Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
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 Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Bone
Norwegian Stump Chair ca 1820s
Located in Farsta, SE
Norwegian Stump Chair late 1800-century
Made out of pine with amazing patina and some original paint left.
Height: 70 cm/27.5 inc
Depth: 25 cm/9.8 inch
Width: 37 cm/14.5 inch
Seat ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pine
Scandinavian Stump Chair, Late 1700s - Early 1800s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful stump chair with beautiful scars and wonderful repairs that add to its charm and uniqueness. The chair was aquired from Sweden and is most probably from a Swedish origin....
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pine
Early 20th Century Mexican Alms Box
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this early 20th century Mexican Alms box.
Category
Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Antique Scandinavian Round Storage Box “Tejne” Decorated Pine, Late 19th Century
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Large Antique Scandinavian storage box made from wood, made in the last half of 1800. It's most likely from Sweden or Denmark.
It's a so called "Tejne" made for storing and transp...
Category
Late 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Large Antique Steer Weathervane c. 1880
Located in Lancaster, PA
Beautiful antique weathervane most likely by Cushing and White. Origin is New England c. 1880. This weathervane was purchased from Allan Katz Amer...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Copper
Dated 1827 - Antique Norwegian Wall Hanging Cabinet, Hand-Painted by Embrik Bæra
Located in Skien, NO
Antique Norwegian Wall Hanging Cabinet - 1827, Hand-Painted by Embrik Bæra
This exceptional primitive wall-hanging Cabinet / Cupboard / Sideboard ...
Category
Early 19th Century Norwegian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Iron
Original Old Painted Storage Basket, Hand Decorated
Located in Vo', Veneto
Original old painted alpine storage basket, hand decorated
Measures: Height 48 cm – Base diameter 39 cm – Top diameter 50 cm
Hand painted antique Tyrolean wooden tub. Entirely painted in a beautiful teal blue, on the edge it is decorated with a motif of red triangles while on the central bands are painted scenes of a wedding.
This accessory can have various uses, and given its medium size it can adapt to many environments. It can be used as an original blanket or magazine holder for the living room, or as a large vase filled with dried flowers, or as a pure decorative element, enhancing a corner of the house. Another idea could be to apply a removable cover in antique wood, thus transforming it into an entrance or living room table, or into a colorful bedside table...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Fir
19th Century Carved Bull Sign
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Carved and painted wood bull sign. Life size head with carved and painted details, real horns fitted to the head by lead sleeves. The top of the head fashioned from a thick sheath of...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Metal, Iron
An Important Carved Pine Bucket by Lars Kinsarvik (1846-1925), Norway, c.1900
By Lars Kinsarvik
Located in Skien, NO
**An Important Norwegian Folk Art Carved Butter Bucket (Amber Tine) by Lars Kinsarvik (1846-1925), Hardanger, Norway, circa 1900**
This exceptional butter bucket, or *Amber Tine*,...
Category
Early 20th Century Norwegian Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Bentwood, Pine
Original Mexican Retablo "Exvotos" Oil on Tin
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this original Mexican Retablo "Exvotos" oil on tin, circa 1920.
Category
1920s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Metal
Rare and Antique Mexican Carousel Horse
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1920. We offer this wonderfully charming Carousel Horse from Mexico. Handmade caved from wood with fabulous patina.
Category
1910s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
20th C Original Painted Bank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20th C original painted bank from Mexico. The bank is more Gray than the photos.
Category
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
18th Century, New England Paint Decorated Folk Art Box or Crate
Located in Atlanta, GA
This charming hand-painted wooden box exemplifies early American folk art, blending utility with artistry. The box is constructed with rose head nails, a detail indicative of late 18...
Category
18th Century American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood, Paint
18/1900s A Fine Bena Lulua Mask - Primitive African Folk Art
Located in Skien, NO
Antique Bena Lulua Mask
Late 1800s to Early 1900s – Democratic Republic of the Congo
This striking primitive folk art mask hails from the Bena Lulua people of the Democratic Republi...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Softwood
Vintage European Walking Stick with 12 Badges
Located in High Point, NC
Early 20th century hickory thorn walking stick from Europe. This walking stick has 12 badges, which were acquired by the hiker going from village to village and earning those souven...
Category
20th Century German Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Metal
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 Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pine
Olokun Head, Kingdom of Ife, Western Nigeria Hand Carved Hardwood
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Fascinating detailed Olokun head from the Kingdom of Ife in Western Nigeria.
Hand carved hardwood face with almond shaped eyes, neck creases and astounding facial incisions
Circa 1...
Category
Late 20th Century Beninese Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Hardwood
Huge Folk/Tramp Art Side/End Table Box on Legs
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is the largest piece of chip carved tramp art I have ever had! It would definitely work as a side or end table and would be a great addition to anyone's collection. Tramp art wa...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
19th C English Field Artillery Ammunition Carrier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 19th C English Field Artillery Ammunition Carrier dating about 1850 - 1860. The carrier has painted canvas over a wood frame and heavy leather carring handle. The carrier is sta...
Category
19th Century English Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Vintage Handmade Advertising Tire Iconic Bibendum Michelin Man
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970. We offer this Vintage Handmade Advertising Tire Iconic Bibendum Michelin Man.
Category
1970s North American Vintage Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Resin
Antique Big Size Mexican Wood Tray
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
A wonderful Antique big size Mexican hand carved wood t with wonderful patina.
Category
Early 20th Century North American Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Decorated Dutch Antique Copper Bowl / Pot with Lid, 18th Century, Dated 1750
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Antique copper bowl with lid, 18th century
Beautiful and richly decorated antique copper pot with lid with a very attractive decorated dec...
Category
18th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Copper, Metal
An antique wooden nutcracker - France early XXth
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A magnificent antique wooden nutcracker, a true piece of folk art from the early 20th century. Crafted with exceptional artisanal skill, thi...
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Neolithic Grinding Stone from Denmark, circa 3900 – 1700 BCE
Located in Kastrup, DK
Grinding stone used for sharpening and polishing flint tools during the Stone Age. The surface is smooth and slightly curved, shaped through prolonged use. It was likely employed to ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Danish Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Stone
Dutch Wood Framed Mural Of “Azulejos”
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Dutch Wood Framed Mural Of “Azulejos” or White and Blue Tiles. It depicts three rows of tiles and each one consists of three different tiles...
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Earthenware
A fine Kuba Mask - Rustic African Folk Art
Located in Skien, NO
Ngaady aMwaash Mask. African Antique Folk Art Kuba Mask, originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Property from a Private Collection. Acquired by a Norwegian Collector...
Category
19th Century Congolese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Softwood
Vintage Hickory Walking Stick with Three Badges
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1940-1960 hickory walking stick with three badges. These badges were earned while walking through towns in the mountainous regions of Germany and Switzerland. The badges are ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Hickory
Popular Art Shelf in Pine, circa 1900
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Popular art shelf in pine circa 1900
Measures: depth : 23 cm.
Category
Early 20th Century European Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pine
Set of 33 Antique Wood Bowling Balls, Late 1800's USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This remarkable set of 33 antique wooden bowling balls is an exceptional find, dating back to the late 1800s United States. Each piece is meticulously crafted from Lignum Vitae, a pr...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Antique Danish Wooden Mangle Board Wedding Love Gift with Horse Dated 1768
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish mangle board (clothing and bedding press) dated 1768.
Made of wood richly decorated with hand-carved geometric patterns and a horse as handle. With original brown, green and ...
Category
1760s Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
17/1800s Museum-Quality Wall Shelf, Primitive Farmhouse / Cabin RUSTIC Antique
Located in Skien, NO
Extremely Rare - Museum-Quality 17/1800s Norwegian Wall-Hanging Shelf
This important and exceptionally rare antique wall-hanging shelf originates from Trøndelag / Trondelag, Norway,...
Category
Early 19th Century Norwegian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Bentwood, Pine
1920's Cast Iron Native American Side Profile Plaque In Original Paint
Located in Lancaster, PA
A powerful and well-rendered 1920's cast iron relief plaque featuring a Native American man in side profile, complete with original multicolor paint and vibrant feathered headdress. ...
Category
1920s American Vintage Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Iron
18th Century Primitive Folk Art Baroque Era Unique Pine Cabinet Chimney Cupboard
Located in Zagreb, HR
Stunning sculptural piece of furniture, a rustic wabi sabi folk art primitive cabinet, "chimney cupboard", from the 18th century.
One of a kind antique rustic piece with loads of...
Category
18th Century European Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wrought Iron
Scandinavian Folk Art - Farmhouse Butter Bucket, Hand-crafted, Norway, Signed
Located in Skien, NO
**A Masterpiece of Norwegian Folk Art: Exquisite Hand-Carved Butter Bucket/Porridge Amber from Telemark, Norway**
Elevate your Scandinavian art collection with this exceptional, l...
Category
Early 2000s Norwegian Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Bentwood, Pine
Chinese Painted Bamboo Walking Stick, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th-century walking stick from northern China is comprised of a length of thin bamboo that has been steamed and bent into a hook shape. The bamboo segments are painted in alter...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo
Antique Danish 1841 Mangle Board Wedding Love Gift Colorful Hand-Carved Wood
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Antique Danish or Scandinavian mangle board (clothing and bedding press) dated 1941. It has this text cut into it: KM JDR 1841 and a short text painted on both sides of the handle. I...
Category
1840s Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Folk-Art Cabinet from Cortina d'Ampezzo – Early 20th Century, Barkwork
Located in PARIS, FR
This extraordinary cabinet is a rare piece of Italian craftsmanship, hailing from Cortina d'Ampezzo in the early 1900s. Completely covered in dark, meticulously nailed bark, it showc...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Sag Harbor Whale Scrimshaw Cribbage Board
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Authentic Scrimshaw carved into and antique tortoise shell with brass legs. Carved aboard the Ship Argonaut. A whaling ship from Sag Harbor New York from 1814-1832. The detailed carv...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Tortoise Shell
Antique Cast Iron Mortar & Assorted Artist Brush Collection Art Object
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Delightful, as found, decorative object consisting
of a 19th century cast iron Mortar filled with assorted, well used,
antique paint brushes. Lar...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Iron
Fox Head Doorstop, Cast Iron Door Stop A Beautiful Cast-Iron Doorstop
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Fox Head Doorstop, Cast Iron Door Stop
A Beautiful Cast-Iron Doorstop depicting a Fox Head dating from the 19th Century
This doorstop is Heavy and in sound used condition it is 6” h...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Iron
Antique Stag Horn Handle American Walking Stick Circa 1900
Located in Incline Village, NV
Highly figured stag horn handle, turn of the 19th century walking stick with a round walnut shaft in original finish and wide 1 3/16" silver banded collar wrapped around the upper sh...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Silver
Set of Seven Vintage Trench Art Brass Goblets with Bakelite Card Suit Bases
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique set of seven diminutive trench art goblets in brass (circa 1930s, USA).
Formed from artillery shell stems supported by black bakelite bases.
Bases are both card suit-forms (tw...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Brass
19th C Tin Wrapped Wooden Spice Containers, 10 Pieces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C Tin Wrapped Wooden Spice Containers.
Stamped: PATENT PACKAGE CO. NEWARK, NEW JERSEY. PAT'D AUG. 31, 1858. Lightweight hardwood construction. Ra...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood, Bentwood
Scandinavian 19th Century Folk Art Wood Grain Shovel
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This charming folk art shovel is all wood. The patina on this 19th Century piece is incredible and would make a wonderful wall ornament. This shovel would also be impressive added ...
Category
Late 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Antique Folk Art Miniature Rocking Horse in Painted Wood
Located in Meer, VAN
Antique Folk Art Horse in Painted Wood, Europe, 19th century.
This is a beautiful and hand made antique folk art rocking horse in wood and weat...
Category
19th Century European Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Painted Wooden Lunch Box, circa 1910
Located in Valby, 84
This early 20th-century Swedish allmoge wooden lunch box, dating to around 1910, is a fine example of traditional Scandinavian folk craftsmanship. Pai...
Category
1910s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Iron
Antique Danish Wooden Mangle Board Wedding Love Gift with Horse Dated 1814
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish mangle board (clothing and bedding press) dated 1814.
It is made from oak wood which is hand carved and richly decorated abstract geometric flowers and branches with leaves a...
Category
1810s Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
H67cm Swedish Horse, handmade folk craft circa 1800, highly decorative element
Located in Forest, BE
Big Swedish horse from the early 19th century. Made of pine wood with the famous red paint. It is worn but in a very nice way. The patina shows the trace of time. There's a whole on ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pine
Collection of Swedish wooden barrels from the 18th century
Located in Valby, 84
Rare collection of seven wooden folk art barrels from Sweden from the 18th century in original condition with signs of use.
These barrels were found in the north of Sweden.
Some of t...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Fantastic American Paint Decorated Folk Art Cutlery Tray - Circa 1845
Located in Atlanta, GA
American, circa 1845.
One of the finest quality folk art cutlery trays on the market. Not only does this piece have its original robin's egg blue paint to...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pine, Paint
Turn of The Century "Clown" Themed Chocolate Mold Pattern Germany Circa 1910
Located in Incline Village, NV
Turn of the century chocolate mold pattern was used in the making of chocolate in the shape of a clown circa 1900; which was the dawn of chocolate manufacturing in Europe. To capital...
Category
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Metal
Folk Art antiquities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art antiquities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage antiquities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art antiquities made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for antiquities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $250 and tops out at $28,000 while the average work can sell for $1,255.