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
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
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
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 Light Blu Floral Painted Blanket Chest
Located in Albignasego, IT
Tyrolean (Northern Italy Alpine Region) light blue painted chest
Measurements: H. 81cm – L. 142cm – D. 59cm
Period: approximately 1780
Origin: Tyrol
Essence: Fir
Tyrolean chest ent...
Category
1780s Italian Antique Folk Art
Materials
Fir
17th century Jesus Christ Santos Sculpture
Located in Springfield, OR
For your consideration is this beautifully carved, painted and detailed Cristo depicting Jesus nailed on the cross. I had an expert take a look at it and he believes the Jesus figure...
Category
17th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wood
18th Century Folk Art Street Performance Figure
Located in London, GB
18th Century Folk Art Street Performance Figure.
An unusual and complete one-off piece of folk art, in the form of a hand carved begging figure. Recently uncovered from a personal ...
Category
1780s French Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wood
18th Century Serpent Door Knocker
Located in London, GB
18th Century Serpent Door Knocker
An unusual object in the form of a late 18th Century wrought iron door knocker in the shape of a serpent.
Dimensions in inches: H 16” x W 1.5” x...
Category
18th Century Unknown Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wrought Iron
Mid 18th Century Floral Painted Blanket Chest
Located in Albignasego, IT
Tyrolean painted chest
H. 81 – W. 147 – P. 69
Ancient Tyrolean chest, entirely built in fir wood. The surface has been decorated with a dark brown background color, semi-covering, ...
Category
Mid-18th Century Austrian Antique Folk Art
Materials
Fir
Early 18th Century Wedding Blanket Chest
Located in Albignasego, IT
Tyrolean wedding chest
Measurements: H.80 – L.156 – P.55
Period: early 18th century
Origin: Tyrol
Essence: Fir
Large Tyrolean chest, in fir wood, with shaped lowering.
The front is...
Category
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art
Materials
Fir
Wedding Chest From 1797
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A pine wedding chest from Central Europe, probably German, dated 1797. The Neoclassical style persisted in Europe until after the 1820s. This color scheme of terracotta red and earth...
Category
1790s German Antique Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Early antique Russian Travelling Icon in bronze, 18th Century or earlier
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is an early Russian orthodox travelling Icon, hand made of bronze, which we date to 18th Century or earlier.
The bronze icon is cast with a main rectangular slightly curved shape with a smaller rectangular tab section above. The reverse has a hanging spigot cast into the top tab section. This piece has a mix of colours within the bronze with the high points being worn and shiny from wear and use.
This antique bronze icon probably depicts Saint Nicholas as the central image with other figures ( children?) either side of the head, all within a border. There are other details on the icon including letters and numbers towards the top of the main rectangle. The tab section is also decorated.
The reverse also carries decoration but is quite worn.
Overall an early and very interesting Russian bronze Icon...
Category
18th Century Russian Antique Folk Art
Materials
Bronze
Collection of 5 Antique Wrought Iron Eel Forks
Located in Søborg, DK
A collection of 5 wrought iron eel forks from the 18th century.
Extremely decorative and each one unique.
Each one is a work of art.
Sizes vary from 37 cm to 42 cm.
Would look am...
Category
18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wrought Iron
Neapolitan Polychrome Terracotta Nativity Heads from the 1700s Set of Ten Figures
Located in Milan, IT
Neapolitan Nativity Scene Heads in Terracotta from the 1700s set of ten traditional Neapolitan nativity scene figurine heads, in polychrome terracotta from the 1700s, small collectio...
Category
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art
Materials
Pottery, Paper
Collection of 5 Antique Wrought Iron Eel Forks
Located in Søborg, DK
A collection of 5 wrought iron eel forks from the 18th century.
Extremely decorative and each one unique.
Each one is a work of art.
Sizes vary from 38 cm to 50 cm.
Would look am...
Category
18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wrought Iron
Collection of 5 Antique Wrought Iron Eel Forks
Located in Søborg, DK
A collection of 5 wrought iron eel forks from the 18th century.
Extremely decorative and each one unique.
Each one is a work of art.
Sizes vary from 52 cm to 37 cm.
Would look am...
Category
18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wrought Iron
18th Century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
18th century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure, a hand carved and painted fruitwood figure for a Christmas Crèche or Krippe. Excellent and delicate details to the head and hands. The half figure stands on a dowel set into platform base, dressed in original fine linen robe...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art
Materials
Linen, Fruitwood
18th Century Oak Chest with Wrought Iron
Located in Albignasego, IT
Chest-Coffer in Oak
H.47 cm – L.71 cm – D.45 cm
Antique chest-chest in oak wood. The lid has the classic "donkey's back" shape; wrought iron elements that served as reinforcement t...
Category
1730s Italian Antique Folk Art
Materials
Oak
1800's Swedish Mortar made of solid Öland limestone.
Located in Boden, SE
Mortars made of Öland limestone in the 1800's was used by many in Sweden.
They was known for its durability and ability to withstand wear over time.
In good vintage and charmy condit...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Stone
18th Century Swedish Combination Furniture Table and Chair, 1794
Located in Balen, BE
Wonderful combination furniture table and chair. Combination furniture was originally made to be used in small spaces. This original example could be used as a beautiful center piece coffee table...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Pine
Grain Painted Blanket Chest American
Located in Hudson, NY
Painted blanket chest with bracketed feet and beautiful saw tooth apron. Top with molded edge and stepped cleats. An absolute delight, this festive 18th century jewel...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Folk Art
Materials
Pine, Paint
18thc Hand Carved Rooster Sculpture on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine folk art 18thc hand carved rooster ,sculpture sits on a board /stand.This fine sculpture has a wonderful red wash painted surface & several shrinkage cracks from natural ag...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Midsummer Night
Located in Greenwich, CT
An 18th century folk-art painting on board in wonderful colors including dusty blues and oranges, depicting finely attired characters in period costumes in a bacchanalian outdoor fes...
Category
1790s Italian Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Weathervane, Iron with Stone Foot, 17th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Large iron weathervane from the 17th Century with long flagpole and hand-hewn sandstone block as a stand.
Category
17th Century German Antique Folk Art
Materials
Sandstone, Iron
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
18th Century Primitive Folk Art Baroque Era Unique Pine Cabinet Chimney Cupboard
Located in Zagreb, HR
Stunning sculptural piece of furniture, a rustic wabi sabi folk art primitive cabinet, "chimney cupboard", from the 18th century.
One of a kind antique rustic piece with loads of...
Category
18th Century European Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wrought Iron
Set of Three Big Swedish Root Baskets
Located in Farsta, SE
A set of three big swedish root baskets.
Made out of pine roots and spruce, circa 1750-1890
Biggest basket:
height: 22,5 cm
diameter: 48 cm
Mediu...
Category
Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Pine
18th Century Swedish Folk Art antique rustic Trunk /Chest
Located in Boden, SE
18th Century Swedish antique rustique Chest from Boden Norrbotten, Northern Sweden.
The chest has untouched original paint.
The trunk was dated 1799 to celebrate a birthday ,and the ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Pine
18th or 19th Century French Ship Chandler's Trade Sign
Located in Nantucket, MA
18th or 19th century French ship chandler's trade sign, circa 1800, an oval pine double sided sign built with large dove-tails, advertising Cooperage and...
Category
1790s French Antique Folk Art
Materials
Pine
Antique Wrought Iron Eel Fork Mounted on to Basalt Rock
Located in Søborg, DK
A wrought iron eel fork from the 18th century.
Extremely decorative and very sinister in appearance.
Who ever made this made an extra effort to not just m...
Category
18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wrought Iron
18th Century Blanket Chest Blue and Red Painted
Located in Albignasego, IT
Ancient Tyrolean painted chest.
Measures: H. 70, L. 174, P. 63
Antique painted chest.
On the front it has two mirrors with geometric decor...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art
Materials
Fir
18th Century Original Red Painted Trestle Table from New England
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This very folky and all original red painted and wood pegged 18thc trestle table with a worn painted plank top.The base contains rose head nails and early peg base.The shoe feet. are...
Category
18th Century American Antique Folk Art
Materials
Pine
18th Century Original Red Painted Hutch Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fantastic all original red painted lift top table with shoe feet and early rose head nails. All original hardware and construction. Take notice to the very narrow seat base. Such a great sweet size. This fantastic folky shaped table is strong and sturdy.This original scrub top table...
Category
18th Century American Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Swedish Stump Chair
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Stump Chair
Made out of a single log of pine tree, made between in year 1680-1730.
Metal ribbon and nails added in late 1800 century.
Category
1690s Swedish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Pine
Antique Wrought Iron Eel Fork Mounted on to a Basalt Rock
Located in Søborg, DK
A wrought iron eel fork from the 18th century.
Extremely decorative and a functional piece of art.
Who ever made this made an extra effort to not just make ...
Category
18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wrought Iron
Exceptional 1750 Red and Blu Painted Blanket Chest, Central Europe
Located in Albignasego, IT
Small Antique painted blancket chest
Measures: H. 31cm - L. 72cm - P. 45cm
Rare small chest in painted fir wood.
The decorations are geometric, of an intense blue color, with ...
Category
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art
Materials
Fir
18th Century Swedish Folk Art Root Wood Bowl
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Fine organic late 18th century Swedish / Scandinavian folk art root wood bowl in it's original finish, great patination and an skilfully executed brass repair. Ca 1790.
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wood
18th Century Wooden Cross, Guanajuato, Mexico
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Wooden cross
Guanajuato, Mexico
Wood, paint
22 x 13 inches, (56 cm x 33 cm)
18th century
A wonderful old wooden cross with a painted crucified Christ figure, an angel, possibly Mary Magdelene...
Category
18th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art
Materials
Paint, Wood
Small Round Swedish Original Painted Folk Art Box Dated 1792
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A small Swedish 18th century Folk Art box with original paint.
The box is most likely used to keep jewelry and other precious items. Box is carved with inscription "ANNO 1792 DEN 27...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wood
18th Century Wrought Iron Table Game Hanger
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Unusual 18th century wrought Iron table standing game hanger. Ca 1790 Sweden.
Category
18th Century European Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wrought Iron
18th Century Copper and Iron Estate Made Weather Vane
Located in Hastings, GB
An incredible large estate made weather vane on a later base. Beautifully worn and with a wonderful patina, the vane features honest later repairs in copper to the centre, dating to ...
Category
1790s English Antique Folk Art
Materials
Copper, Iron
18th Century Swedish Wooden Bowl with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
A genuine 18th Century Swedish Folk Art Wooden bowl with lovely patina & original color from Burtrask Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden .
An antique and unique organic wooden bowl.
W...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Pine
18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Iron Stick
Located in Boden, SE
An old antique swedish 18th century iron candlestick .
Very charming and solid.
The candlestick is called "Stumpastake" in swedish.
These were good when you wanted to take advanta...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Dutch Folk Art Trade Sign
Located in Greenwich, CT
An 18th century trade sign from a Dutch West Indies shipping merchant. The carved and polychromed sign depicts a winged-foot mercury surrounded by ga...
Category
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wood
18th Century Swedish Antique Iron Stick with Base of Wood
Located in Boden, SE
An old antique Swedish 18th century iron candlestick with the foot made of wood.
Very charming & solid.
This candlestick is called "stumpastake" in Sweden.
These were good when yo...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Iron
18th Century Swedish Treen Goblet
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Unusually large and rare 18th century Swedish turned wooden treen goblet in it's original finish.
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wood
18th Century Swedish Folk Art Tray / Serving Bowl with Original Paint Dated 1782
Located in Boden, SE
18th Century Swedish Folk Art tray / serving bowl from Borlänge Dalarna, Northern Sweden
A fantastically early tray dated 1782.
It also has cut marks on the u...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Pine
Decorated Dutch Antique Copper Bowl / Pot with Lid, 18th Century, Dated 1750
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Antique copper bowl with lid, 18th century
Beautiful and richly decorated antique copper pot with lid with a very attractive decorated dec...
Category
18th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art
Materials
Copper, Metal
Swedish 18th Century Original Blue Folk Art Painted Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish 18th century original painted decorative Folk Art box, with original lock and key.
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Pine
Rare and Vibrant Painted Blanket Chest
Located in West Chester, PA
A rare and bright blanket chest in brilliant reds contrasted with blacks. The decoration is nicely painted with urns and flowers flanked by pillars and hearts on the corners. There i...
Category
1780s American Antique Folk Art
Materials
Pine
18th Century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
18th century French or Italian Santo Nativity figure, a hand carved and painted fruitwood figure for a Christmas Creche or Krippe. Excellent and delicate details to the head and hands. The half figure stands on a dowel set into platform base, dressed in original fine linen robe...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art
Materials
Linen, Fruitwood
18th Century Swedish Wooden Bowl
Located in Boden, SE
18th Century Swedish wooden bowl with nice patina from Northern Sweden.
You can see the use of time.
The bowl has ownershipmarking below.
Drycra...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Pine
18th Century French Hammered Copper Jug or Pitcher with Iron Loop Handle
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is an interesting 18th century, French, hammered copper jug or pitcher with an iron loop handle.
The jug or pitcher is all hand made with a hammered ...
Category
18th Century French Antique Folk Art
Materials
Copper, Iron
Scandinavian 18th Century Folk Art Hat Or Wick Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Danish wooden hat or wig box of wood with original painting.
Category
Mid-18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Mid-18th Century Carved Wardrobe
Located in Albignasego, IT
Antique Tyrolean (Northern Italy) carved wardrobe, mid-18th century
Measures: H. 187cm, L. 156cm, P. 60cm
Wardrobe with two doors and two drawers, notched, in fir wood. The front is slightly convex, a typical process in the area of?? Origin of this wardrobe. The whole surface is embellished with carvings with baroque cartouche...
Category
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art
Materials
Fir
18th Century Swedish Folk Art Bentvwood Box with Original Paint Dated 1789
Located in Boden, SE
18th Century Swedish Folk Art bentwood box from Harnesand Angermanland, Northern Sweden.
A fantastic Swedish Folk Art Bentvwood Box with Original Paint & floral painting.
Dated 178...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Pine
Swedish Gustavian Dowry Chest with Exceptional Interior Painting, Dated 1782
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional Swedish Gustavian dowry chest with original paint on the interior and exterior. The interior painting depicts a marriage scene and...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Iron
18th Century Naive Landscape
Located in Montreal, QC
An 18th century naive landscape, in the middle ground is a neoclassical structure and round tower, the forerground with an extensive landscape depictin...
Category
Late 18th Century Unknown Antique Folk Art
Materials
Paint
Scandinavian Woven Folk Art Wedding Tapestry with Flowers and Horses, 1760
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Scandinavian woven Folk Art wedding wall decoration tapestry, 1760
Dated 1760 and monogrammed OHW/HPS.
The tapestry is decorated mostly in red and yellow colors, with flowers and...
Category
18th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art
Materials
Wool
18th Century Swedish Decorated Mangle Board
Located in Kramfors, SE
Folk art mangle board from northern Sweden. This is a typical proposal gift to the would-be bride from the groom. If he had the skill the groom would make...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Materials
Pine
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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