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.
4
517
to
51
353
116
517
517
517
674
517
105
95
64
21
15
14
10
7
6
4
4
2
1
1
77
567
1,293
117
378
517
191
44
30
66
81
64
81
54
65
24
22
257
130
108
61
60
246
183
111
54
43
20
7
4
2
2
Style: Folk Art
Period: Mid-20th Century
Antique Toy Steamroller C1940 Style of Buddy L
By Buddy L. 1
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Large Steamroller toy from the forties. In the style of Buddy L. Repainted and some hardware replaced. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Can be...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Steel
20thc Hand Carved Wood Mermaid Statue
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This hand carved wood sculpture of a mermaid is in fine condition.It is hand carved and unsigned.So fantastic the surface and carving.
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Jerusalem Polychrome Hand Painted Ceramic Plate
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage hand painted and handcrafted ceramic wall decorative plate with polychrome deer scene.
It has a beautifully hand painted scene with deers enjoying the outdoors , surrounded by flowers in blue and white, turquoise, light and dark green foliage.
An Islamic ceramic...
Category
Mid-20th Century Israeli Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Unusual Folk Art, Bespoke Billiard Themed Floor Lamp, 8-Ball, Modernist
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Folk Art, Bespoke Billiard Themed floor lamp.. 8-ball. Modernist, que sticks, Hand crafted, Shade measuring 16" in diameter.
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Mexican Vintage Tonala Pottery Hand Painted Bird
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery bird Folk Art.
Flora de la Cruz Acapulco Gro Mexico hand painted bird dove ceramic.
Warm earth tone polychrome colors with abstract desi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Rare Amish Bars Doll Quilt
By Amish Quilts
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1920-1930 s bars doll quilt with corner blocks in very good condition.Machine quilted pieced & quilted.Published on page 30 in "Amish Doll Quilts " by...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Cotton
Vintage Hand Painted British Motorcycle Shop Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Vintage graphic Motorcycles sales and service sign. Great hand-painted lettering. Wood with original paint surface. Found in the northeastern United States. Fun Americana with a Brit...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Tonala Folk Art Bird Mexican Hand Painted Colorful Pottery 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Tonala Folk Art Pottery Plate Hand Painted Flying Bird, Mexico, circa 1960's.
Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery bird Folk Art.
Flora de la Cruz ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Arabische Ebenholz Berber Figur "alter Mann" aus Djerba Tunesien 1950er Jahre
Located in Mainz, DE
Schöne alte Hartholzfigur in den 50er Jahren auf der Insel Djerba in Tunesien gefertigt. Die Figur zeigt einen traditionellen alten pfeiferauchenden Berber.
Die Figur ist aus Hartho...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tunisian Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Large Wooden Bowl, Probably African
Located in NANTES, FR
Beautiful large african bowl, made out of one piece, perfect to display magazines or towels in a bathroom. Great patina and condition.
Do not hesit...
Category
Mid-20th Century African Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Vintage Continental Terracotta Slipware Decorated Dish, Signed, 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage - Continental - clear glazed terracotta slipware baking dish - the terracotta ground decorated with a stylized flat fish in yellow slip - indistinc...
Category
Mid-20th Century Portuguese Folk Art
Materials
Terracotta
1940s Folk Art Modern Vintage PIG Castile Soap Sculpture Carving
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1940s Folk Art Modern Vintage PIG Castile soap sculpture carving presents with fractured leg.
2.75 w x 2.13 tall x 1.38 d
Preowned vintage condition unre...
Category
1940s Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Other
Vintage Cape Dorset Inuit Stone Carving of a Seal, Unsigned, Canada, C.1960's
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage Cape Dorset Inuit soapstone (also called Steatite) carving of a seal - featuring fine simplified carving and details accentuating the form of the a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art
Materials
Stone
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
Materials
Metal
Vtg Hand Stitched Quilt Geometric Folk Art Tulips King Queen Blanket Bedspread
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage hand stitched king sized quilt featuring gray-green, mauve and white floral cotton in blocks framing quartets of tulips on the front, a navy bl...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art
Materials
Cotton
2 Old Decorative Elements in Polychrome Carved Wood circa 1930 Unknown Origin
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
2 old decorative elements in polychrome carved wood circa 1930
unknown origin
price is for one
two are available.
Category
1930s European Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Beech
Vintage Gouda Pottery Jug with Stopper, Hand Painted, Holland, 20th Century
By Gouda Vase
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage Gouda folk art pottery jug or decanter with stopper - hand painted stylized floral decoration to the front and back - clear high gloss glaze with...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic
Set of 5 Swedish Folk Wooden Dala Horse Toys, circa 1960
By Nils Olsson
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of 5 handpainted Swedish wooden traditional Dala horse toy.
Designed by Nils Olsson in Sweden, circa 1960.
Materials:
Wood
In original condition, with minor wear consistent wit...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Post Social Folk Art Student Work from West Balkan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Post social student work. Farm house full of hand made animals and all is hand made.
Category
1960s Balkan Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Plaster, Plywood
Mexican Hand Painted Colorful Tonala Pottery Ducks Set of Three
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery birds Folk Art with brass decoration in the style of Sergio Bustamante.
Vintage Mexican ceramic and brass hand painted Tonala pottery duc...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Rare to Find Folk Art Jaguar Mask Found in Zitlala, Guerrero, Mid-20th Century
By G. None
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
Materials
Leather
Folk Art Carved Panel of Two Brothers Titled: "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother"
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage folk art carved panel is signed in several places by an unknown artist, and presumed to have originated from North America, likely Canada, but possibly the United States...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art
Materials
Oak
Mexican Vintage Tonala Pottery Hand Painted Green Duck
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Mexican ceramic duck form Tonala Pottery.
Beautiful vintage Mexican hand made and hand painted TONALA Art pottery.
Vintage Collectible Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery bird Folk Art.
El Palomar...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
8 Old Fairground Art Panels circa 1930
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
8 old fairground art panels circa 1930
probably panels of an old carousel.
These panels are slightly curved from origin and the base is in pine.
Ther...
Category
1930s French Vintage Folk Art
Materials
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. M...
Category
1950s British Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Paper
Folk Art Sculpture of the Head of a Seal, South America, 1930´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Folk Art sculpture of the head of a seal. South America 1930´s.
The head is mounted over a brass base, as a way to exhibit it.
The head has several crack as you can see on the pict...
Category
Mid-20th Century Argentine Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
Tall Floor Standing Brier Ash Tray, by Philippe Fulon
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Tall floor standing brier ash tray, by Philippe Fulon.
A good Atisanal piece made in brier with turned base and ash tray holder, the ash tray comes ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Vintage "Your Father's Moustache" Wooden Pub Sign
Located in South Bend, IN
A fantastic vintage "Your Father's Moustache" three-piece wooden hanging pub restaurant sign.
Mid-20th century.
Measures: 44.5"W x 1"D x 23"H.
Good original vintage condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Mid Century Hand Painted Double Sided Pub Sign C1950
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Double sided pub sign from the United Kingdom. Hand Painted and in excellent condition. Rough hewn wood well constructed with a heavy duty frame ...
Category
1950s British Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Vintage Mata Ortiz Style Mexican Pottery Set
By Mata Ortiz
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Mexican Mata Ortiz style small clay studio pottery set.
Mata Ortiz pottery style with black, red and green geometric designs on red clay.
The set comprise of a covered vess...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art
Materials
Pottery
Vintage Mexican Tonala Pottery Hand Painted Bird
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery bird Folk Art.
Flora de la Cruz Acapulco Gro Mexico hand painted bird dove ceramic.
Warm earth tone polych...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Antique Ghanian Ashanti Style Stool with Leopard Carved, Africa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Carved Antique African Leopard Ashanti Style Stool.
Early 20th Century Ghanaian Ashanti style leopard stool.
Animal leopard stool hand-carved wood from ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ghanaian Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Elmer Crowell Quarter Sized Canada Goose Decoy, circa 1930s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Quarter Sized Canada Goose Decoy, by J.Elmer Crowell, East Harwich, MA (1862 - 1952), circa 1928 - 1943, a hand carved and painted diminutive Can...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Cedar
Original Pottery Sculpture Head Planter, General Charles De Gaulle
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Original Pottery sculpture head planter, general Charles De Gaulle Political Memorabilia.
This original, one-of-a-kind pottery sculpture head is a...
Category
1950s French Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Clay
Collection of Worldwide Traveler's Hand Carved Folk Art Masks
Located in Atlanta, GA
Collection of worldwide traveler's hand carved folk art masks, circa 1940s - 1970s, possibly earlier. We purchased the estate of an Atlanta Coca Cola executive, who traveled the worl...
Category
1950s Balinese Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Jeri Summers Folk Art Sculptures, Set of 3
Located in Saint Paul, MN
Naive in nature, this set of 3 figures by Ohio artist Jeri Summers is reminiscent of tribal sculptures that decorate Parisian interiors. Each sculpture is...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art
Materials
Concrete, Metal
Mexican Tonala Pottery Hand Painted Bird Folk Art
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery bird Folk Art.
Flora de la Cruz Acapulco Gro Mexico hand painted bird dove ceramic.
Warm earth tone polych...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art
Materials
Pottery, Ceramic
Vintage Brazilian Hand-Carved Ironwood Sculpture of Whale and a Shark
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Brazilian hand carved Ironwood sculpture of a whale and a shark.
Hand carved Brazilian sculpture hand crafted in amazing detail from one of...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Era Signed West Coast Cedar Haida Indigenous Canadian Totem Pole
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This hand-carved cedar totem is signed by an unknown artist and presumed to have originated from Canada and dating to approximately 1960 and done in the West Coast Indigenous Haida s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art
Materials
Cedar
Rare & Hand Painted Near Antique Folk Art Metal Salmon Sign from Fish Monger's
Located in Lisse, NL
Large size and all hand-crafted metal salmon sign.
This vintage salmon sign is another one of our recent great finds. The former owner told us how he, about three decades ago, had purchased this unique antique in France. Over the years we have seen and sold all kinds of antiques, but this was only the second time that we had the opportunity to purchase a vintage (or near-antique) fish sign and we were immediately thrilled. Not only because of the extraordinary size, but also because of the rarity, the details and the marvelous colors. This kind of workmanship you simply don't find anymore in this day and age. We have searched the worldwide web and you simply cannot find these sculptural signs anywhere. The aging has made this salmon even more beautiful and realistic, because the crazing of the paint makes it look like you can see its scales. This handcrafted, folk-art-like antique looks like it is made of zinc, but we think it is thick tin. This large salmon will look great in a fish monger's, but it can also be the perfect decoration in the office of a salmon farm, in a fisherman's lodge, in a mancave or in a fishing (gear) shop. It was originally made to hang, either in an open space or up against the wall (as shown in our photos) but with one or two brackets this work of art could also be displayed on a very large desk...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Vintage Signed Quebec Folk Art Carved Burlwood Wall Sculpture of a Bearded Man
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This folk art wall sculpture is signed by Noel Guay a Quebec wood carver of Canada and dates to approximately 1960 and done in the Quebec folk art styl...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art
Materials
Pine
Folk Art Tree Branch Tabletop Easel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tabletop easel composed of tree branches nailed together (ca. Mid-20th century, USA).
Wonderful American Folk Art craft in the Adirondack / Rustic styl...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Hand Carved Folk Art Chairs by Joseph Deveau, Circa 1950s
Located in Peabody, MA
Pair of folk art hand carved chairs with footstool by Joseph Deveau (1901-1999), made by the artist for himself and his wife.
Deveau crafted his furniture each evening over sever...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Pine
1930’s Enamel And Neon Braumeister Beer Sign
Located in Chicago, IL
1930’s enamel and neon sign Milwaukee’s Choicest Braumeister Beer Sign. New transformer and new wiring. Please note that it will be additional fee for shipping crate.
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Enamel
Hand-Made Wooden Bowling Balls, 1960s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand made wooden bowling balls with thumb and finger grips carved out of the wood. Slightly varying size and patina for each ball as well as some being painted blue while others are ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Used Artists Pallet an Interesting Decorative Piece
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Used Artists Pallet an Interesting decorative piece
The Pallet is made in hard wood and is showing signs of its previous use but plenty of room for ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art
Materials
Fruitwood
Traditional Ethnic Woven Ajat Basket Borneo Indonesia
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Handmade ethnic aged Borneo Ajat basket made from natural Rattan. Motifs of Burung Kenyalang / Hornbill Bird.
Traditional ethnic Borneo woven natural organic fiber rattan basket
A ...
Category
1950s Indonesian Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood
Three Hand Carved Folk Art Canes / Sticks by Joseph Deveau, Circa 1950s
Located in Peabody, MA
A pair of folk art hand carved canes or walking sticks and a small stick by Joseph Deveau (1901-1999). Deveau lived most of his life in Essex, MA., bu...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Pine
Vintage Sculpture of an American Eagle Carved in Seri Ironwood
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Sculpture of an American Eagle Carved in Seri Ironwood.
Vintage hand carved Ironwood Southwestern seri sculpture of an Eagle.
Dimensions: 5.5" x 3.5". circa 1970.
Ironwood hand carved eagle or falcon...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk 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
Materials
Wood, Paint
Mid-Century Quebec Folk Art Carved & Polychrome Pahined Robed Clergyman & Child
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This hand-carved wooden sculpture is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Quebic Canada and date to approximately 1950 and done in the period Folk Art style. The sculpture ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art
Materials
Pine
Antique Set of Mexican Papier-Mâché Masks 2
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960. We offer this antique set of 5 Mexican papier-mâché masks 100% handmade and paited with anilina (natural pigments).
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Paper
Large Mid-Century Era Watercolor Painting of President Dwight & Mrs. Eisenhower
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large and well executed original watercolor painting on masonite board is signed by a Jim Barclay, presumably from the United States, dating to 1964 and done in a period folk art style. The painting depicts President and Mrs. Dwight Eisenhower...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art
Materials
Masonite, Paint
Pair of Trench Art Candlesticks
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful and thought provoking pair of early 20th century American Trench Art candlesticks made from the spent brass casings of naval artillery shells.
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Brass
Quirky Offbeat Vintage Male Shop Mannequin
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Quirky offbeat vintage male shop mannequin
A Striking Vintage Mannequin with a Gold Head and Hands, he is made in fibreglass with articulated arms
T...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art
Materials
Fiberglass
Lindstrom's Gold Star Marble Game Board, Dated 1934
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This mariner compass marble game board is in amazing condition and is all completely original. It has the original label on the reverse and was manufactured in Bridgeport, Conn. and ...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Giant Hand-Made Wooden Bowling Balls, 1960s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand made wooden bowling balls with thumb and finger grips carved out of the wood. 12" in diameter. Heavy and substantial. Slightly varying size and patina for each ball giving them ...
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Mid-20th Century Clay Pot Found in Guerrero, Southern Mexico De Guerrero
By G. None
Located in Guadalajra, Jal
The pichancha or Tlalchiquihuite is a clay pot with small holes, which is used to wash the nixtamal. This utensil allows you to strain the nejayote (the lime water in which the corn ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art
Materials
Clay
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Gee Quilts
Gees Bend Quilt
Gees Bend Quilters
Folk Art Snake
Victory Flag
Folk Romania
American Folk Art Cast Iron
Antique Carousel
Antique Carousels
Indian Arrow
Marketplace Antique Furniture
Carved Puppets
Victorian Antlers
Antique Native American Beads
Memory Folk Art
Native American Beadwork
North Star Antique
Antique Civil War Era