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Folk 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.

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Style: Folk Art
Color:  Silver
Vintage Latin American Folk Art Serving Spatula
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Handmade vintage folk art Bolivian serving spatula. Embodying the rich cultural heritage of Latin American folk art, the serving utensil is in excellent condition and ready to be used. By seamlessly merging beauty, practicality, and history, this engraved spatula elevates the dining experience by infusing it with both aesthetics and cultural significance. The engraving details on this vintage spatula...
Category

20th Century Bolivian Folk Art

Materials

Silver, Nickel

Set of 2 Latin American Antique Folk Art Tea Spoons
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Handmade antique folk art tea spoons. Featuring beautiful motifs inspired by the indigenous worldview and spirituality, these vintage folk art spoons embody Latin America’s rich cultural heritage. The engraving details on the tea spoons are superb, showcasing intricate patterns and designs that are characteristic of Bolivian folklore art. By seamlessly merging beauty, practicality, and history, these engraved...
Category

20th Century Bolivian Folk Art

Materials

Silver, Nickel

Vintage Moroccan Berber Ethnic Bracelet
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Moroccan Berber tribal bracelet Moroccan tribal bracelet, cuff from the high atlas of Morocco. Handcrafted by Berber women using Moroc...
Category

20th Century Moroccan Folk Art

Materials

Metal, Silver, Enamel

Traditional Silver Torque Necklace Chocker from Rajasthan India
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Traditional torque or Hansuli silvered necklace choker from Lambadi or Banjara and Sugali People, Andhra Pradesh, India.t India, circa 1940. Fabulous vi...
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Moroccan Berber Tribal Ethnic Bracelet
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Moroccan Berber tribal bracelet. Moroccan tribal bracelets from the High Atlas of Morocco. Handcrafted by Berber women using Moroccan silver nickel. The ethnic Nomadic and Bedouin jewelry...
Category

20th Century Moroccan Folk Art

Materials

Metal, Silver

African Tuareg Silver Pewter Tea Pot from Mauritania
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage African Tuareg Tea pot Mauritania Mid-20th century Tuareg teapot from Mauritania, Africa, Western Sahara. Handcrafted of pewter, copper and brass...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mauritanian Folk Art

Materials

Brass, Copper, Pewter

Hand Made Folk Art Sterling Necklace and Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modern and Architectural Sterling Necklace and Earrings - hand-made and trending, this piece, along with their earrings have the effortless and artistic flavor of Architect, Frank Ge...
Category

20th Century Folk Art

Materials

Sterling Silver

Moroccan Berber Silver Bracelet with Green and Orange Enamel
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A 1920s handcrafted Ethnic bracelet by Berber women of Morocco. Women wear this kind of bracelet and silver jewelry for special ceremonies and wedding. Silver, but not of the standa...
Category

Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Sterling Silver 3 Pieces, Peruvian Serving Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handmade Peruvian three-piece sterling silver dipper and spatula and ladle. These are handmade and unmarked from the artist or maker. Measurements from left to right: Small spoon...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art

Materials

Silver

Scottish Brass and Nickel Silver Horse Hobble, Bide A Blink, Circa 1830
Located in Hollywood, SC
Scottish brass and nickel silver horse hobble with an eagle heads horse shoe handle and resting on the faithful servant creature Bide a Blink. Signature...
Category

1830s Scottish Antique Folk Art

Materials

Brass, Iron, Nickel

Related Items
19th Century Brass Pendant on Yellow Multi-Strand Beaded Necklace, Naga, India
Located in Point Richmond, CA
19th century brass pendant on yellow multi-strand beaded necklace, Naga, India A graceful necklace of small yellow glass trade beads bead...
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art

Materials

Brass

Mid-20th Century Silver Repoussé Bracelet, China
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Early to mid-20th century silver repoussé bracelet, China A beautifully made silver repoussé bracelet from China, with the Shòu symbol for long life...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Folk Art

Materials

Silver

Antique Akha Hill Tribe Silver Cuff Bracelet, 517grams
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
An exceptionally large Akha Tribe woven silver bracelet with spiral design. This Tribal bracelet encompasses tradition Hill tribe silversmithing techniques ...
Category

Early 20th Century Thai Folk Art

Materials

Silver

Antique Akha Hill Tribe Silver Cuff Bracelet, 517grams
Antique Akha Hill Tribe Silver Cuff Bracelet, 517grams
Free Shipping
H 2.96 in W 3.75 in D 1.97 in
Danish Vintage Teak Serving Trays 1960s Set of 4
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish vintage teak serving trays 1960s set of 4. Danish Mid-Century Modern teak trays. This set consists of: A large oval tray by Silva, ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Folk Art

Materials

Teak, Glass

20th Century Design Stoneware Ceramic Tea Pot by Montreau Lohoof 1970 La Borne
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Montreau Lohoof Realised in La Borne circa 1970 Original large stoneware ceramic tea pot Signed under the base : ML Original good conditions Measures: height 11 cm L...
Category

20th Century French Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Moorish Brass and Copper Tea Pot on Kettle
Located in Plainview, NY
This Mid-Century Moorish teapot on kettle is made or red copper and brass and stands is a true thing of beauty by standing on a beautifully carved Kettle / pedestal. Handcrafted by ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Folk Art

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Antique English Georgian Brass Candle stick holders decorative interior décor
Located in London, GB
Antique English Georgian Brass Candle stick holders A elegant English Georgian small size with waisted detail Nice aged patina very good cond...
Category

19th Century English Antique Folk Art

Materials

Brass

Three-Legged Tribal Stool Attributed to the Oromo from Ethiopia, Africa
Located in Miami, FL
A three-legged African stool or seat carved from a single piece of wood, attributable to the Oromo people in or around the city of Jimma in Ethiopia. This stool was as a utilitarian ...
Category

20th Century Ethiopian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

African Fulani Currency Bracelet, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Characterized by its open shape capped with geometric ends, this bracelet is but one form of the many types of body adornments favored the Fulani people of West Africa. The thick des...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerien Folk Art

Materials

Brass

African Fulani Currency Bracelet, c. 1900
African Fulani Currency Bracelet, c. 1900
H 3.5 in W 3.75 in D 1.25 in
4 Antique Baroque Reticulated Sterling Silver 925 Souvenir Tea Spoons 75g 6"
Located in Dayton, OH
"Lot of four antique sterling silver souvenir tea spoons – The Montezuma, Las Vegas Hot Springs by Alvin Sterling, Whiting Manufacturing Imperial Queen pattern (introduced 1893) with monogram, Wisconsin Dells, Hornets Nest by Lunt Silversmiths, and Granford engraved Georgian pattern (first produced 1898) by Towle Silversmiths. ""The Alvin Corporation was founded by Wm. H. Jamoneau in 1886 as Alvin Mfg Co in Irvington, New Jersey. The firm changed to Alvin-Beiderhase Co (c. 1893) under the management of Wm. H. Jamoneau, Henry H. Leibe and George B. Beiderhase moving in 1895 to Sag Harbour, Long Island. In 1897 Alvin-Beiderhase Co, maker of Official World Fair souvenir spoons for 1893-94 Chicago Columbian Exposition, was purchased by Joseph Fahys & Co (watch-case manufacturer) operating as a branch until 1910. In 1919 the name changed to Alvin Silver Co until 1928 when assets, dies and patterns were purchased by Gorham Corporation operating in Providence plant as a separated division of Gorham under the name of Alvin Corporation."" ""Whiting Manufacturing Co traces its origin to the firm Tifft & Whiting formed in 1840 by Albert C. Tifft and William Dean Whiting. After the retirement of Tifft the firm changed to Whiting & Gooding (& Co) in 1853, Whiting Fessenden & Cowan (1858), Tifft Whiting & Co (1859, re-entering of Tifft), Whiting Cowan & Bowen (1864) until its forming as Whiting Manufacturing Co in 1866. The factory, located in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, was destroyed by a fire in 1875. What was salvaged by the ruins was acquired by F, Jones and the production transferred to New York combining its manufacturing operations and offices into one building at 692-694 Broadway at Fourth Street. The company was purchased by Gorham in 1924 and the production transferred to Providence, Rhode Island. Whiting had relatively small production output but produced exceptional handmade silverware in relatively small quantities. The Company's most famous and important designer was Charles Osborne. In the 1880's he worked for Tiffany for a period of time before returning to Whiting. His designs are some of the most important of the American aesthetic movement. From 1905 to 1924 the firm marked its production with date symbols. Whiting was absorbed by Gorham in 1926."" ""Lunt Silversmiths began its activity and was incorporated in Greenfield, MA in 1902 as Rogers, Lunt & Bowlen Company. The firm succeeded to A. F. Towle & Son Co purchasing its tools, machinery, trademarks and good-will. The business was managed by George E. Rogers (1849-1915, President and major investor), George Colby Lunt (Treasurer and General Manager) and William Caldwell Bowlen (1868-1934, Vice President and supervisor of manufacturing until his retirement in 1929). George C. Lunt and William C. Bowlen were both qualified members of the staff of the defunct Towle's factory. The company would become a celebrated domestic designer and producer of flatware, hollowware, and giftware for generations to come remaining in Lunt family hands for more than 100 years, making it the oldest continuously operating family-owned silver company in the United States. On April 4, 1912 the RLB trademark obtained the U.S. federal registration under the serial number of 71062653. In 1935 Rogers, Lunt & Bowlen Company's name was shortened to Lunt Silversmiths. In 1957 Lunt Silversmiths acquired King Silver Co and its subsidiary Richard Dimes Company of South Boston, Ma. Lunt Silversmiths had in its inventory a wide array of flatware patterns as Alexandra, American Directoire, American Victorian, Belle...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Ethnic Himalayan Tibetan Turquoise Coral Necklace
Located in London, GB
Vintage Ethnic Himalayan Turquoise Coral Necklace A beautiful necklace of large Tibetan Turquoise beads interspersed with natural red coral beads with silver clasp Period 2nd half ...
Category

20th Century Tibetan Folk Art

Materials

Coral, Silver

Vintage Pal Kepenyes Bronze/Brass Necklace, 20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Vintage Pal Kepenyes bronze/brass necklace, 20th century. This Hungarian born artist worked in Mexico for decades, known for free-form sculptural jewelry...
Category

20th Century Mexican Folk Art

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Previously Available Items
19th Century Mixed Metals Handmade Gem Stone Jewelry Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine handmade box of silver and brass is very finely detail workmanship. The tumble stones or polished gem stones of a mix of jade, tiger eye and many others. The condition is v...
Category

1890s American Antique Folk Art

Materials

Silver Plate

Folk Art folk art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage folk 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 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 folk art, popular names associated with this style include Berber Tribes of Morocco, Mosche Bianche, Jim Rose, and Nils Olsson. 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 folk art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $35 and tops out at $49,500 while the average work can sell for $1,387.

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