Folk Art
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.
Mid-20th Century Slovenian Folk Art
Paint
Mid-20th Century Slovenian Folk Art
Paint
1940s American Vintage Folk Art
Wood
1920s British Vintage Folk Art
Paper
2010s Mexican Folk Art
Clay, Ceramic
Late 20th Century American Folk Art
Gold Leaf
Mid-20th Century Chinese Folk Art
Paint
Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art
Metal
Mid-20th Century Belgian Folk Art
Wood
1910s Mexican Vintage Folk Art
Wood
1930s American Vintage Folk Art
Metal
20th Century English Folk Art
Wood
Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art
Ceramic, Paint
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art
Pine
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Pine
1920s British Vintage Folk Art
Metal
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art
Wood, Fabric, Cotton
Late 20th Century Canadian Folk Art
Pine
Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art
Ceramic, Paint
1960s American Vintage Folk Art
Plywood, Paint
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art
Metal, Iron
Mid-19th Century English Antique Folk Art
Glass
Early 2000s American Folk Art
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Folk Art
Wood
Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art
Wood, Paper
1970s Vintage Folk Art
Paper
1940s Japanese Vintage Folk Art
Wood
Early 20th Century European Folk Art
Brass
Early 20th Century American Folk Art
Stone, Rock Crystal
2010s North American Folk Art
Ceramic
2010s Mexican Folk Art
Ceramic, Clay
1910s Unknown Vintage Folk Art
Wood
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art
Glass, Wood
2010s Mexican Folk Art
Clay, Ceramic
Early 19th Century Antique Folk Art
Pine
2010s Mexican Folk Art
Ceramic, Clay
1920s British Vintage Folk Art
Pine
Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art
Ceramic
1980s Mexican Vintage Folk Art
Glass, Paint, Paper
Early 20th Century English Folk Art
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Folk Art
Wood, Pine
Late 20th Century American Folk Art
Wood
Mid-20th Century African Folk Art
Hardwood
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Birch
1730s Italian Antique Folk Art
Oak
Mid-20th Century Folk Art
Wool
1920s French Vintage Folk Art
Zinc
1930s American Vintage Folk Art
Tin
1970s North American Vintage Folk Art
Resin
1960s Vintage Folk Art
Copper
2010s North American Folk Art
Ceramic
1970s Mexican Vintage Folk Art
Wood
1970s American Vintage Folk Art
Bamboo, Plaster
1850s Unknown Antique Folk Art
Paper
1930s American Vintage Folk Art
Wool
1940s Egyptian Vintage Folk Art
Lucite, Beads, Textile
Early 20th Century American Folk Art
Cast Stone
1930s American Vintage Folk Art
Masonite, Paint