Skip to main content

Folk Art Carnival Art

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.

92
to
3
68
20
92
92
92
17
6
4
2
2
2
20
72
22
39
7
2
2
7
11
9
11
4
5
1
1
55
21
14
13
10
55
50
23
10
6
1
1
1
1
1
Style: Folk Art
Early Sunshine Studios American Side Show Electric Chair Banner
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Early example of American sideshow banner art. Painted at the Sunshine Studio in Witchita, Kansas by Geo Bellis. Signed by artist on front and studio name on front and back. This ban...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Canvas

Carnival Midway Sideshow Banner
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Original hand-painted canvas sideshow banner for carnival midway sideshow entrance. Not signed but most likely out of Chicago Tent and Awning's banner ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Canvas

Vintage Turtle Baby Carnival Sideshow Banner, circa 1930s-1940s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Fantastic turtle baby sideshow banner. Great colors and a nice manageable size. This banner was found outside of Chicago and most likely the work of Nieman...
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Canvas

Monumental Fiberglass Lion Sculpture Drinking Fountain mFG. by F.A.S.T Corp
Located in Buffalo, NY
Monumental Fiberglass Lion Sculpture Drinking Fountain mFG. by F.A.S.T Corp..Salvaged from Crystal Beech ,famed amusement park in Ontario Canada,, Amazing Cartoon Lion ,complete with...
Category

1970s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Chrome

Early 20th Century English Fairground Fortune Telling Penny Machine
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century fairground fortune telling penny machine We are proud to offer a unique and very rare early 20th century English fairground penny fortune telling machine...
Category

1910s British Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Circus Poster by Ringling Bros., circa 1971, "Clown Standing over Tents"
Located in Incline Village, NV
This highly animated, bright and colorful circus poster portrays a fabulous looking clown in white frilled garb with red stripes, welcoming everyone to see the "Greatest Show on Earth...
Category

1970s Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Paper

Circus Poster by Ringling Bros, circa 1971 "Buffalo Bill’s Wild West"
Located in Incline Village, NV
This bright and colorful, action packed circus poster portrays the quintessential Buffalo Bill images with Indians and western scenes, characters in full regalia that were used in his wild west shows...
Category

1970s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Paper

Equestrian Circus Poster by Ringling Bros Ca. 1971 Featuring "Miss Helen Girard"
Located in Incline Village, NV
There is a lot going on in this equestrian themed, bright and colorful circus poster portraying famous early 20th century circus performer "Miss Helen Girard". She is in a horse draw...
Category

1970s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Paper

Iron Shooting Target of a Pig
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique shooting target made from cut steel and iron in the shape of a pig. The piece is quite rusty and weathered from all it's years in use.
Category

Early 20th Century North American Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Steel

Circus Poster by Ringling Bros., circa 1971, Portraying Six Seated Clowns
Located in Incline Village, NV
This bright and colorful circus poster depicts six seated clowns with their backs to the audience and an alphabet letter on their back spelling out the word "Circus". It is a reissued poster by Ringling Brothers from 1971 of one of their original 1936 promotional circus posters. To commemorate their 100th anniversary, in 1971, Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey, produced reissues of some of their select and most famous authentic posters dating from 1883 until the 1930's. There were 30 different posters, and they were advertised as "The only antique posters authorized by the greatest show on...
Category

1970s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Paper

Scratch Built Fairground Wheel
Located in London, GB
Scratch built fairground wheel Mounted on a bespoke cast iron detachable support stand, this unique, folk art, scratch-built fairground roulette wheel is still in fully working order. We would say dated from the mid-20th Century the wheel is made from an old bicycle...
Category

1950s British Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Metal

Set of Eight Folk Art Carnival Punks / Knockdown Dolls
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Folk Art carnival punks / knockdown dolls composed of canvas forms lined with cotton fur supported by carved wood bases for added stability / weight, c...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Canvas, Cotton, Wood

Rare Antique Early American Carnival Coin Toss Game Table
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce American carnival coin toss game. The rare and unusual antique hand carved and painted solid wood amusement park / county fair / mid-way gaming tabl...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

Vintage Set of Two Decorative Shooting Club Lodge Target Plaque German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage shooting lodge target plaque set of two. A rare and beautiful wooden shooting target plaque with inscriptions. These are decorative items made by...
Category

1960s German Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Antique Shooting Club Lodge Target Plaque German 1883, Carnival Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage Shooting Lodge Target Plaque 1883. A rare and beautiful wooden shooting target plaque with inscriptions. This rare kings plaque was issued by a s...
Category

1880s German Antique Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

1960s English Carnival Sign
Located in High Point, NC
1960s carnival art sign from England. It is advertising a cake walk on one side of the sign, and on the back has a charming message "Have a nice Victorian day". Great sign for any co...
Category

1960s English Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Vintage Carnival Spinning Jumbo Carny Trick Gamewheel
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Early 20th century carny made carnival game wheel. Spinning arrow appears to have been gaffed (weighted) to make winning the game more difficult. Lots of care and time went into the ...
Category

1920s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Iron

O'Henry Fred Johnson Salem Witch Trials Sideshow Spider Girl Banner
Located in Santa Monica, CA
O'Henry Tent and Awning sideshow banner with original shipping tag. Unusual subject matter and fantastic story from the Salem witch trails to Spider Girl. ...
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Canvas

Vintage Shooting Club Lodge Target Plaque German 1900s, Carnival Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage Shooting Lodge Target Plaque 1900s. A rare and beautiful wooden shooting target plaque with inscriptions. This rare kings plaque was issued by a ...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood, Paper

Vintage Carnival or Casino Neptune's Trident Lighted Trade Sign Americana
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Unique lighted Neptune's trident carnival ride or casino trade sign. Really nice graphic piece. Original layers of golden yellow and red park paint. Provides a nice amount of warm li...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Metal

Original Wood Carved Carnival Midway Poster Letterpress
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Set of three original hand-carved letterpress made by the Neal Walters Poster Company. Fantastic carnival midway scene. Games, carnival rides and acrobats. Carved with incredible detail, please see photos. The colors are the original ink used during the three color posted printing process. Circus and...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Paint, Wood

Original Wood Carved SHOW Majorette Letterpress Triangle Poster Company
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Large hand carved circus or carnival SHOW letterpress with wonderful and graphic carved majorette. This wood cut was made by the Triangle Poster Company in Pittsburgh. Triangle Poste...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Vintage Paper Mâché Parade Carnival Head Representing Oliver Hardy
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large carnival mask representing Oliver Hardy, circa 1920-1930. English work in paper maché.  
Category

1930s English Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Paper

Late 19th Century Hand-Carved Carousel Camel with Glass Eyes
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Expertly carved late 19th century carousel camel with glass eyes and original park paint surface. Professional restoration to feet and neck.
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

19th C Wooden Folk Art Gaming Wheel with Original Red Paint & Cardinal Design
Located in Savannah, GA
19th Folk Art gaming wheel featuring four cardinals and hand painted numbers, it retains the original red and yellow paint. A charming piece of Americana that would make a colorful w...
Category

1890s American Antique Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Metal

Rare 1950s Childs Size Carousel Motorcycle
Located in Peekskill, NY
This item is a lot smaller than it looks in the pictures. The handlebars are less that 2 foot tall. Its sized for a small child but has the proportions of a full size motorcycle. Tha...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Metal

Amazing Early 20th Century Clown Shoes
Located in London, GB
Amazing early 20th century clown shoes. We love these, The shape, the naïve construction, and the quirky sculptural form. Constructed from old pine planks...
Category

1920s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Leather

Two French Folk Art Wooden Carnival Knock Down Targets
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very rare pair of late 19th century folk art carved wooden carnival knock down gallery targets. Both are of males in long coats, trousers, shoes, and hats...
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Vintage Folk Art Wooden Raffle Drum Lottery Ticket Spinner with Orginal Paint
Located in Savannah, GA
This very colorful pin wheel design wooden raffel drum is constructed in two pieces. The round drum which holds the tickets contains a metal handle and a latch on a door to access th...
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Metal

1938 Folk Art Bandstand Tip "Kitty" Found in Spokane
Located in Santa Monica, CA
1938 bandstand tip "Kitty" found in Spokane, WA. hand-painted wood construction. Pinned paper maker's mark reads "Band Kitty made by Leno for...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Antique Primitive Rustic Burl Wood Sledge Hammer Carpenter Mallet
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique hand crafted primitive / rustic wooden mallet with heavily distressed round burl wood head and handle. Measure: 14".
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Hardwood, Burl

Early 20th Century Carnival Carousel Funhouse Architectural Columns
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Fun antique architectural elements from carnival carousel or funhouse ride. Layers of beautiful original park paint. Great scale for wall art or to act as a frame for something else. Unique and original fairground art!
Category

1890s American Antique Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Vintage Pair of Venetian Masquerade Masks on Opera Sticks
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of Folk Art jester masks that are original Venetian creations, entirely hand-drawn and handcrafted, circa 2000. Italian Artists have realized these pieces with respect of craf...
Category

20th Century Italian Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Gold, Brass, Metallic Thread

Antique Primitive Rustic Wooden Octagonal Sledge Hammer Carpenter Mallet
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique primitive / rustic hand crafted heavy wooden mallet with octagonal shaped head and rounded handle. Measures: 14".
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Tiller & Clowes Marionette Trick Skeleton Puppets Circus Fairground
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A wonderful piece of English Folk Art. A hand carved Tiller & Clowes trick skeleton marionette circa 1880 in age. The piece would of been used in ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

String, Pine

Mid-20th Century English Papier Mache Giraffe Puppet Head
Located in London, GB
Mid-20th Century English Papier Mache Giraffe Puppet Head A charming example of a mid-20th Century English Papier Mache giraffe puppet head. Made from layers of papier and hand p...
Category

1950s British Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Paper

Hand Painted Early Americana Folk Art Wall Mount Game Wheel
Located in Wallkill, NY
What a great addition this would make to your home Folk Art game wheel, measuring 31 in x 34.5 in height x 5 in deep.
Category

1920s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Hanging Mexican Wooden Cupid with Bow
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rosy-cheeked wooden cupid to bring love into your life. This is a unique, hand-carved, hand-painted wooden cupid with a wire suspension and removable wooden bow and arrow. At 2...
Category

20th Century Mexican Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

19th Century French Carousel Pig
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Fantastic 19th century carousel pig. Super whimsical carnival piece from a bygone era. Carved wood with cast iron curly tail and handle. Original layers o...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Iron

Early 20th Century, Circus Balancing Balls
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century circus balancing balls. We share what we love, and we love these rare early 20th century hand crafted wood and glass mirror English circus balancing balls. Each section is hand crafted using pins...
Category

1920s British Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Early Carnival Midway 7.5 Foot Tall Game Wheel Monterey with Gooseneck Light
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Fantastic giant carnival game wheel with applied scenic Monterey theme. All original surface paint. Chunky turned stand. Measures: 7 foot . Really unique gooseneck lamp for illuminat...
Category

1920s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

J. Hübner Carved Wood Carousel Horse, Early 20th Century, Germany
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique Carousel horse by J.Hübner. A hand-carved wooden carousel horse made by Atelier Hübner Germany - Josef Hübner - Joseph Hubner. This piece of Carnival Art - funfair roundabout horse - Merry-go-round Horse dates circa 1910 and has sulfide eyes, a real tale and stirrups. It's a European Springer Horse - Jumping Horse - Galopping Horse on a metal base. During his life, already more then 110 years !! it does have some old restorations and old repainting but that gives this antique horse the charm of his history: making people and children happy and offer them a ride. Antique carved horses - Antique German Carousel Horses - Hübner horses...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Metal

Set of Ceramic Carnival Animal Figures from Mexico, Circa 1980´s and 1990´s
Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Set of 3 ceramic carnival animal figures from Morelos, Mexico. These colorful figures were hand crafted and hand painted using paint glaze. The lively pieces were prominent in the 19...
Category

1990s Mexican Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Herschell Spillman Cast Iron Vintage Carousel Heads
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Fantastic set of three Herschell Spillman carousel rounding board heads. Cast iron faces with wood board backs. All in original park paint. Each face/bo...
Category

1910s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Iron

19th Century Folk Art Carved Polychrome Scotsman Carousel Kilt Figure
Located in New York, NY
19th century Scotsman (Highlander) Carousel large carved and painted standing figure wearing kilt with plume hat on large round base.
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Circa 1950s French Childs Carnival/Circus Prop Chair
Located in San Francisco, CA
A wonderful whimsical circa 1950s French Childs Carnival and/or Circus prop chair. Carved parts, feet, hands and head with big blue eyes and top it off a ...
Category

1930s French Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique Early Gambling Folk Art Gaming Device, Holtz
Located in Forney, TX
An exceptionally scarce antique American Folk Art gambling triple stacked wooden arrow spindle spinning wheel gaming device from the late 19th / early 20th century. Believed to be a prototype or for a similar lesser known model of the important, very rare and unusual T. F. HOLTZ made "Three Arrow Trade Stimulator" circa 1896, (displayed in the American Antique Museum, reference L2016.2501.010) Theodore Holtz of San Francisco and early slot machine pioneer Charles Fey's partner in 1894, forming their first partnership as Holtz and Fey Electric Works. For this particular game, upon depositing your nickel and pressing the lever, three arrows will spin on the front dial and if all three stop on the same marker you win. Trade stimulators were countertop or freestanding amusement gaming machines widely used to encourage shoppers to indulge in a game of chance. They became popular in American saloon bar...
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Metal, Iron

Antique American Dapple Jumper Track Carousel Horse, Charles W Dare Attributed
Located in Forney, TX
An antique American track machine carousel horse attributed to legendary carver Charles W. Dare Company, now mounted as a rocking horse. Hand-crafted in the early 20th century, circa 1920, born during the Golden Age of carousels in America (circa 1860-1930), exceptionally executed hand carved design with rich detailing, and warm polychrome painted white and gray dapple, featuring inset glass eyes, natural horsehair tail, saddle with carved cantle, blue painted saddle blanket and bridle, rising on a later blue and red painted wooden rocker base Stand, marked with letter "D" underneath in grey paint, most likely indicative of Dare, metal mounting plate marked AA PAT APLD FOR Carved in a galloping or jumper position, this whimsical yet Primitive country-fair style equine exhibits all the hallmarks of Dare’s design, such as the forward-facing ears, the perfectly combed asymmetrical mane with a wind-blown effect, the tail made of realistic hair, and the distinctive “bird” saddle, which was carved separately and attached. Among carousel antiques...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

Americana Folk-Art Carved and Paint Decorated Wood Carousel Horse
Located in New York, NY
Americana Folk-Art carved and paint decorated wood childs carousel horse: Mounted on metal pole base Measures: 13" x 43" x 62".
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

19th Century Early Carousel Duck Figure Carnival Ride
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce, one of a kind, and recently acquired from a museum, European free-standing flat style early carousel duck (or bird) from the mid to late 19th century. This extremely rare a...
Category

Mid-19th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

Rare to Find Folk Art Jaguar Mask Found in Zitlala, Guerrero, Mid-20th Century
Located in Guadalajra, Jal
This style of Tigre (Mexican colloquial for Jaguar) mask is from Zitlala, Guerrero, they are used on the feast day of the Holy Cross on May 3rd, 4th, and 5th. As part of the activit...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Leather

Motor Bike Carousel Galloper or Fair Ground Ride
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Motor Bike Carousel Galloper or fair ground ride An original fair ground ride, the paint is getting a bit worn now, our ride has iron brackets to fix it ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Composition

African Hand-Made Wooden and Hide Tribal Drum, 1900s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and beautiful handmade drum in painted wood and hide produced i Africa in the early 1900s / 20th century. In good vintage and original condition. Very decorative and genuine.
Category

Early 20th Century Kenyan Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Hide, Rope, Wood

Dentzel Carved Ostrich Carousel Animal
By Dentzel Carousel Company
Located in West Chester, PA
Carved ostrich carousel animal. Made by Dentzel Carousel Company in Philadelphia., circa 1890-1900. Considered one of the hardest animals to carve bec...
Category

1890s American Antique Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Vintage Magician Magic Suitcase Hand Painted Folk Art
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Fantastic Magician's suitcase. Hand painted and lettered. Vintage Folk Art rabbit trick and card paintings. Great bookshelf display.
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Fabric, Canvas

Charming Pair of Vintage Metal Carnival Ladies
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A matching pair of silver metal female figures in a striking pose with hair caught in the wind. Probably carnival art. Makes unexpectedly charming wall art with a folk art feel. They...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Metal

1920s Bulbous Folk Art Painted Spanish Lamp and Shade
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
1920s Bulbous Folk Art painted Spanish lamp and shade This an attractive painted lamp, the lamp has a hand carved bulbous Fair Ground Twisted column which is painted in Gold, Green and Red, the paint has now aged in colour and developed a charming aged finish, the lamp has its own oversized lamp...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Late 19th Century English Folk Art Jig Doll
Located in London, GB
Late 19th century English Folk Art Jig Doll We are proud to offer a late 19th century hand carved, painted Folk Art English jigger doll example. Jig dolls are traditional wooden or tin-plate 'toys' for adults or children. They are dolls with loose limbs that step dance...
Category

1890s English Antique Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Folk Art carnival art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art carnival art 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 carnival art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art carnival art made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original carnival art, popular names associated with this style include Dentzel Carousel Company, French Game & Novelty Company, Johnny Meah, and S. Fox & Co.. 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 carnival art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $75 and tops out at $49,500 while the average work can sell for $2,188.

Recently Viewed

View All