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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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Item type: Antique and Vintage
Style: Folk Art
Early 20th Century Folk Art English Whirligig/Weathervane Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Folk Art English Whirligig/Weathervane Figure A quirky and charming example of an early 20th Century English folk art whirligig / Weathervane Figure. Stood on a r...
Category

1920s British Vintage Folk Art

Materials

Wood

19th C Original Painted Game Board
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C original painted game board. Nice original Salmon and black paint.
Category

19th Century North American Antique Folk Art

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Folk Art Door With Faux Marble Original Decorations
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An 18th century Swedish original painted Folk Art small door. The front side is all in original condition with working lock and original key (Request video). With faux marble paintin...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art

Materials

Pine

19th Chinese Checkers Game Board with Original Paint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Chinese checkers game board with original paint form Pennsylvania. beautiful colors and patina.
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Original Mexican Retablo "Exvotos" Oil on Tin
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1950.We offer this original exvoto. Votive paintings in Mexico go by several names in Spanish such as “ex voto,” “retablo” or “lámina,” which refer to their purpose, place oft...
Category

1950s Mexican Vintage Folk Art

Materials

Tin

Early 20th Century Folk Art French Weather-Vane Plane
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century Folk Art French weather-vane plane. For sale in this lot is an early 20th century handmade Folk Art French weather-vane plane. Th...
Category

1940s British Vintage Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Late 19th Century Carved Wooden Angel
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Impressive wood carved angel with amazing detail. Certainly the work of a master carver. Found among the entire contents of a Catholic Church in the Midwest which was said to have cl...
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art

Materials

Gesso, Wood, Paint

Exceptional Painted Bookcase with Gold Leaf Carvings
Located in Albignasego, IT
Exceptional bookcase painted in blue and red with gold leaf carvings. Two large side pillars, with richly carved scrolls, lacquered and gilded wi...
Category

1810s Italian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Fir

St. Julien Weather Vane Attributed to J.W. Fiske 19th Century Full Bodied Metal
Located in Stamford, CT
St. Julien with Sulky Molded Copper Weather Vane, attributed to J.W. Fiske, New York, last quarter 19th century, full-bodied molded sheet copper horse and driver vane with cast iron horse's head and driver's hands, sheet copper reins and seat, copper rod wheels, mounted on a ebony base. This has the original threading as seen in the last photo below. A very similar Attrib Fiske Weathervane...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art

Materials

Copper

1885 Kentucky Crazy Quilt
Located in Louisville, KY
This 1895 folk art crazy quilt out of Kentucky is an absolute work of art. The selection of bright and unique fabrics of that era are combined in random stained glass fashion. Stunni...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art

Materials

Fabric

Nepalese Sandalwood Buddha Tree, 20th Century
Located in Islamabad, PK
The sculpture, expertly carved from fragrant Nepalese sandalwood, stands as a testament to the rich tradition of wood carving in Nepal. The medium itself adds a sensory dimension to ...
Category

20th Century Nepalese Folk Art

Materials

Sandalwood

Large 20th C. Americana Folk Art Carousel with Painted Farm Animals
Located in Morristown, NJ
20th c., Large Folk Art carousel with animals on a rotating base.Made of wood and canvas construction, with leather and other accent materials unsigned. The animals depicted are a ho...
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

French, 19th Century Iron Shoemakers Shop Sign
Located in Buisson, FR
Original riveted sheet iron shoemakers shop sign. Unique find, France, circa 1800-1850. Traces of red paint visible. Weathered.
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art

Materials

Iron

French 19th Century Folk Art Leather Box
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful weathered Folk Art box made out of wood and covered with leather. Working lock and key. France, circa 1850 Weathered, small losses.
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art

Materials

Leather, Wood

Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson Folk Art Carved Oak Oval Cutting or Cheese Board
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This solid oak oval cutting board was made by the renowned English furniture maker Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson in his signature Arts & Crafts style. The cutting board has a raised han...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Folk Art

Materials

Oak

19th Century Sailor's Decorated Sea Chest, signed.
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Sailor's Sea Chest, Late 19th Century, a British sailor's sea chest made from tropic hardwood, possibly teak, of heavy, solid brass-bound construction with dove-tailed joints...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Folk Art

Materials

Hardwood

Vintage American Folk Art Copper Chess Board
Located in Chicago, IL
This enchanting mid-20th century American Folk Art chess board is a true testament to naive and outsider craftsmanship and creativity. Hand-crafted with meticulous care, the board fe...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art

Materials

Copper

Early 20th Century Carved and Painted Wood Whirligig
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Carved and painted wooden soldier whirligig. Early 20th century American. Soldier has a leather hat with wooden brim. Presented on simple custom museum...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Antique Folk Art Stitched Geometric Patchwork Quilt Blanket Gingham Check
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique hand stitched bedspread / blanket / coverlet / quilt featuring checkered geometric blocks of multicolored gingham, divided by white and...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art

Materials

Cotton

Antique Blue Chinese Pictorial Throw Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th century Chinese pictorial throw-size rug Measures: 2'8' x 5'.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Folk Art

Materials

Wool

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

Materials

Canvas

Zabihi Collection Red Dragon Vintage Tibetan Rug
Located in New York, NY
A colorful one-of-a-kind Tibetan rug from the 3rd quarter of the 20th century with a dragon motif on red ground Measures: 3' x 5'7''.
Category

Late 20th Century Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Primitive carved sandstone
Located in Miami, FL
Archaïque polished probably ritual stone ring from Central America or Caraïbe island . Face carved and polished sandstone or granite.
Category

15th Century and Earlier Unknown Antique Folk Art

Materials

Sandstone

American Folk Art Ship Painting, 1927
Located in Savannah, GA
A folk art ship oil on board, painted by Mrs. E.O. Ricks (Bettie Tully Ricks, 1879-1959) of Alabama in 1927. 27 ¾ by 15 ¾ inches
Category

1920s American Vintage Folk Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

Set of Three Circa Circa 1910 Shooting Targets
Located in Hudson, NY
Set a three circa nineteen ten american target practice items. A chicken, a goose and a pig, are the designs of these 3 whimsical and fantastic targets. Possibly part of a larger car...
Category

1910s American Vintage Folk Art

Materials

Iron

Folk Art Portrait Painting "Young Girl In a Red Dress", American, Circa 1825
Located in Incline Village, NV
Lovely full length portrait of a young girl in this folk art painting; oil on canvas mounted on board. She is posing wearing an attractive and colorful red dress while holding a flor...
Category

1820s American Antique Folk Art

Materials

Canvas

Whimsical Carousel Pig Carnival Ride Mexican Attrib Higareda Brothers
By Higareda Brothers
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and whimsical vintage Mexican carnival amusement ride carousel pig attributed to the Higareda workshop. This ultra charming carousel pig carving was made in a smaller scale f...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Decorated Sea Chest
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Decorated Sea Chest, having a hinged lid with breadboard edges, above a dovetailed case with applied molding around base, the original wooden beckets with relief carved ...
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Italian Folk Art Fish Sculpture from 18th/19th Century Fragments Found Objects
Located in Forney, TX
A fabulous large Italian folk art fish sculpture. Hand-crafted in the 21st century using found 18th and 19th century architectural fragments and decorative antique / vintage elements...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Shell, Driftwood, Giltwood, Reclaimed Wood

NOËL GUAY - Vintage Folk Art Pine Pig Sculpture - Canada - Late 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
ATELIER NOËL GUAY - Vintage pine sculpture of a pig - featuring a well modelled form with an intricately chiseled coat, large drooping ears and closely cropped tail - unvarnished fin...
Category

Late 20th Century Canadian Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Antique 19th Century Copper Rooster Weathervane
Located in Houston, TX
This 19th-century American rooster weathervane boasts intricate craftsmanship, with brass finish over copper, a testament to the era's skilled artisans. Standing proudly atop its dir...
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art

Materials

Copper

Large Figurative African Mangbetu Anthropomorphic Vessel / Jar
Located in Studio City, CA
This is a fantastic piece likely made by the Mangetu tribe of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is finely detailed and quite large and hefty. These pieces were originally made...
Category

20th Century Congolese Folk Art

Materials

Terracotta

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Jigger Doll
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century English Folk Art jigger doll A wonderful example of a unique Folk Art handcrafted jigger doll we have lovingly ...
Category

1930s British Vintage Folk Art

Materials

Pine, Paint

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

Materials

Wood

Antique Wingender Pottery New Jersey Blue Decorated Stoneware Pottery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Bristol glazed stoneware pitcher. By the Wingender Pottery of Haddonfield, NJ. Of ovoid form with a narrow footed base, an incised & dated inscription and floral (tu...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art

Materials

Stoneware

Antique Erik Molin Swiss Carved Birch Old Man Nutcracker Figurine w Fish Tail 8"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Erik Molin (Swedish 1855-1933) hand carved birch nut cracker (Nötknäckare). Depicts an elderly man with moustache and monacle / eyepatch, wearing a double breasted coat and ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art

Materials

Birch

'King Kong' by American Outsider Artist B.D. Floyd
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
'King Kong' by American Outsider Artist B.D. Floyd  American, late 20th century Oil on Artist Board 21 inches by 24 inches high Framed 28 inches by 32 inches high "King Kong" by Ame...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art

Materials

Wood

A Charming Folk Art Decoy Duck
Located in London, GB
England, circa 1900 An English folk art wooden decoy duck, with original paintwork in red umber and charcoal grey. Height 15.00cm Width 35.00cm Depth 15.00cm
Category

Early 20th Century English Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Moroccan Vintage Berber Tribal Ethnic Cuff
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Moroccan Berber tribal bracelet from the High Atlas of Morocco. Handcrafted by Berber women using Moroccan silver nickel. The...
Category

20th Century Moroccan Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Swedish Folk Art 19th-Century Bentwood Box in Pine
Located in Örebro, SE
This is a Swedish wooden box, so-called svepask, from the second half of the 19th century. This type of vessel was used when the daily provisions were carried out to the fields or to...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art

Materials

Bentwood, Pine

Blue Floral Painted Chest dated 1848
Located in Albignasego, IT
Blue Painted Chest dated 1848 Measurements: Height 63 cm – Width 129 cm – Depth 65 cm Period: 1848 Origin: Tyrol Essence: Fir Description: Tyrolean painted chest entirely painted i...
Category

1840s Italian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Fir

Carved Wooden Milliners Head, Vintage Austria, circa 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Adorable unique wood carved head. Austria, 1920s or older. Ideal decoration item, used in the displaying and making of hats. Hand carved from wood. Nice display piece in any room. Fo...
Category

1920s Austrian Vintage Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Early Folk Art American Two Sided Framed Military Drawing with Map
Located in Savannah, GA
This unusual set of drawings in a double sided frame came out of an old New England Estate in a Beacon Hill, Boston home. From what we have gathered, they are hand-colored drawings o...
Category

Late 18th Century American Antique Folk Art

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Late 18th Century Blu Painted Blanket Chest
Located in Albignasego, IT
Alpine (European Mountain Region) painted chest Measurements: H. 65 cm – W. 150 cm – D. 75 cm Period: approximately 1770 Origin: Tyrol Essence: Fir Tyrolean chest decorated with wo...
Category

1770s Italian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Fir

C1940 Hand Crafted Wooden French Folk Art Airplane with Moving Parts
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous hand crafted Art Deco styled airplane with the French colors on its tail. All there except for the tails wheel. Otherwise in excellent antique condition with minimal wear. ...
Category

1940s French Vintage Folk Art

Materials

Plastic, Hardwood, Paint

Antique Monalisa handmade painted replica.
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Painted during 1972 and 1976. We offer this Antique Monalisa handmade painted replica signed by Lourdes Cúe.
Category

1970s Mexican Vintage Folk Art

Materials

Linen

New England Quilt Oak Leaf Pattern Circa 1900
Located in Hudson, NY
Striking and beautiful New England quilt with oakleaf pattern. Investor investive condition with a highly modernist design pattern. Found in Maine, this quilt made from pumpkin orang...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art

Materials

Cotton

Arma Christi Calvary, France 19th Century
Located in PARIS, FR
Superb and rare Arma Christi calvary, popular work, France end of the 19th century. Beautifully executed work. Fair condition. Several small misses and ancient restaurations. Seen ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art

Materials

Wood

Vintage Swiss Made Comtoise Pocket Watch with Hunters Motives
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Swiss Made Comtoise Pocket Watch with Hunters Motives A very nice vintage pocket watch manufactured by ARSA (Auguste Reymond S. A.), Switzerland. The case is made of metal a...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Wrought iron candlestick or cellar rat, Normandy, France, early 20th century.
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Wrought iron candlestick or cellar rat, Normandy, France, early 20th century. Worn but in good and complete condition. Superb piece of folk art.
Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art

Materials

Steel

A wooden lantern mold France 1950
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
This wooden lantern mold, originating from a former paper lantern manufacturing facility, is a superb decorative piece, boasting a highly graphic design. It consists of seven detacha...
Category

1950s French Vintage Folk Art

Materials

Wood

A wood catchall mid-20th century French folk art
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A remarkable catchall, emblematic of mid-20th century French folk art, stands out for its ingenious use of half a fruit tree trunk, likely from a cherry tree. This particular trunk s...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Folk Art

Materials

Fruitwood

19th Century New England Folk Art Schooner Weathervane
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century New England Folk Art Schooner Weathervane, circa 1890, having a carved and painted wooden hull with bowsprit, spars and deck house; wooden masts with wire standing rigging; iron anchors; sheet metal main sail, American flag, and flat-cut sailor manning the helm. The schooner has great lines and style - very graceful sheer, nicely shaped clipper bow, that whimsical sailor at helm...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art

Materials

Metal

A rare 19th century folk art diorama of two sailing vessels racing at sea.
Located in Central England, GB
This most attractive mid 19th century folk art cased diorama shows a view at sea with a large three mast English ship being chased in a racing situation by a smaller and faster singl...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Folk Art

Materials

Other

Mid-Century Prison Art Box from Cigarette Packs
Located in Forney, TX
A rare vintage prison art box, mid-20th century, colorful round folk art box with removable lid, handmade from a large tin can and cigarette packs. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art

Materials

Tin

Folk Art Sculpture of Shore Bird
Located in Houston, TX
The Folk Art Sculpture of the shore bird is a radiant manifestation of creativity and imagination, blending elements of nature with artistic expression. Crafted as a composite heron,...
Category

20th Century Folk Art

Materials

Composition, Metal

Traditional 19th century painted kitchen rack
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Traditional 19th century painted kitchen rack circa 1880. Beautiful piece of rustic european woodenware from hungary. This piece when fixed to the wall was originally used for stor...
Category

Late 19th Century Hungarian Antique Folk Art

Materials

Pine, Paint

Large Oil Paint on Masonite Surrealist Abstract Painting signed Adolphus "66
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large 54" x 54" Oil on Masonite Surrealist Abstract Painting signed Adolphus "66... Amazing use of colors.. space,, Modernism,, abstraction,, surreal. Show-stopper for sure,, Statem...
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Folk Art

Materials

Masonite, Paint

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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