Spanish Colonial Folk Art
SPANISH COLONIAL STYLE
After the conquest of Mexico in 1521 and the Philippines in 1565, Spain dictated a global culture. The colonization of territories in the Americas, Western Europe, Africa, Oceania and the Pacific imposed the values of Spain, including Catholicism, while the extraction of resources reinforced the empire’s wealth and power. Unlike many styles that came out of European colonialism, such as British Colonial, Spanish Colonial furniture and architecture frequently mixed local heritage with the artistic traditions of Spain.
Spanish Colonial furniture was informed by the shifting styles of Europe as well as Indigenous culture. There were Inca tapestries depicting Spanish coats of arms and Baroque chairs adorned with tropical flora. The butaca, a low easy chair popular in the Caribbean, was inspired by Rococo’s curving forms and the shape of precolonial seating. In New Mexico, Pueblo artisans carved chests with patterns reminiscent of Anasazi art.
Even within the homes of the wealthy, furniture was usually restricted to necessities like benches, desks, cupboards and chests. These were often ornately designed and especially important for storing prized goods like textiles. Spanish Colonial houses were built with adobe and clay and tended to be minimally decorated, so the style’s heavily carved wooden furniture pieces stood out against a home’s white stucco walls.
The Spanish Colonial period mostly came to an end after the territories achieved independence from Spain. However, its aesthetics continued to influence Southwestern style and Spanish Colonial Revival style after Spanish Colonial style was used extensively at San Diego’s 1915 Panama-California Exposition.
Find a collection of antique Spanish Colonial chairs, tables, bedroom furniture and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Style: Spanish Colonial
Mid-20th Century Man's Ceremonial (cofradía) Outfit, Chichicastenango, Guatemala
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Mid-20th century man's ceremonial (cofradía) outfit, Chichicastenango, Guatemala.
25" (63.5 cm) shoulder to hem by 59" (274 cm) across shoulders
It is rare to find a complete ceremonial cofradía outfit in such good condition. The blue zigzag embroidery at shoulders and cuffs is said to signify that the wearer was an astrologist or day-keeper of the ceremonial Maya calendar...
Category
Mid-20th Century Guatemalan Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Wool
18th/19th Century Spanish Colonial Carved Polychrome Wood Santo Altar Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
A most impressive antique Spanish Colonial hand carved polychromed wood Santo Catholic church altar figure. circa 1800
Hand-crafted in the late 18th / early 19th century, exceptionally executed intricate detailing, the large scale antique religious sculpture depicting the female Saint Teresa of Avila, polychrome painted gesso over finely sculpted wood, inset glass eyes, shown in Carmelite nun habit...
Category
Late 18th Century Antique Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Gesso, Wood, Paint
Antique Spanish Colonial Carved Ship Prow Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
Scarce Spanish Colonial era wooden boat prow. circa 1800
Born around the late 18th / early 19th century, this large sculptural hand-carved architectural salvaged ornamental ship element features a distinctive wave shape with curling volute, incised carving with decorative round medallion, and highly desirable heavily worn and weathered patina!
A superb example, museum quality, the artistic Folk Art work makes for a wonderful decorative object, intriguing cultural sculpture...
Category
Late 18th Century Antique Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Antique Spanish Colonial Majolica Pottery Water Vessel Pitcher
Located in New York, NY
Spanish Colonial majolica pottery water pitcher / vessel from the highlands of Guatemala. This piece has such character, with majolica glaze and traditional decorative design applied...
Category
19th Century Guatemalan Antique Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Pottery
Vintage Embroidered Wool Serape Blanket or Rug, Mexico, C.1970's
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage folk art serape blanket or area rug - large size - hand loomed with 100% wool weft on a cotton warp - raised/embroidered stitches over the length of the weaving add extra dim...
Category
Late 20th Century Mexican Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Talavera Mural Azulejo Tile Folk Contemporary Mexican Ceramic Blue White Mosaic
By Cesar
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This contemporary azulejo tile forms a mosaic perfect for kitchen decorations or any exterior space. Made with the Talavera technique. Artist, Cesar Torres portraits the colonial art of Mexico, but this time with a contemporary touch. This wall decoration can be arranged to fit specific spaces or simply hanged as a painting on the wall.
The Talavera is not just a simple painted ceramic: its exquisite decoration is the product of a delicate process of alchemy that translates into fine enamels. In Puebla, Mexico few people still produce using Talavera with the ancestral techniques.
One of those few is Cesar Torres, Don Cesar learned his art in the workshop of the Uriarte family, an excellent workshop where his grandfather worked. In his creations he uses the black and white mud that is obtained from the nearby hills of Loreto and Guadalupe, and colors of mineral origin that he creates in his workshop with recipes from his grandfather.
All the pieces are modeled in a traditional way and go through a production process that usually takes from one to two months, between drying, burning, and painting.
Being surrounded by a living tradition, Cesar Torres Jr., learned from his father since childhood. Architect by profession, Cesar Jr. has come to revolutionize and modernize with new designs and ideas of the current world, nevertheless always respecting the tradition of the processes and materials that make Talavera a Creole art...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Majolica
Talavera Decorative Lavabo Sink Folk Art Mexican Ceramic Blue White
By Cesar
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Elegant white and blue sink lavabo made with the Talavera technique. Artist, Cesar Torres portraits the colonial art of Mexico.
The Talavera is not just a simple painted ceramic: its exquisite decoration is the product of a delicate process of alchemy that translates into fine enamels. In Puebla, Mexico few people still produce using Talavera with the ancestral techniques.
One of those few is Cesar Torres, Don Cesar...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Majolica
Talavera Decorative Lavabo Sink Folk Art Mexican Ceramic Spanish Colonial
By Cesar
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Elegant surrealist sink lavabo made with the Talavera technique. Artist, Cesar Torres portraits the colonial art of Mexico. The Spanish colonial style sink is a perfect piece to bring personality and light to bathrooms and restrooms. Its warm colors bring light to the piece, creating a cozy effect in the atmosphere where it is placed.
The Talavera is not just a simple painted ceramic: its exquisite decoration is the product of a delicate process of alchemy that translates into fine enamels. In Puebla, Mexico few people still produce using Talavera with the ancestral techniques.One of those few is Cesar Torres, Don Cesar...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Majolica
Talavera Jar Decorative Vase Folk Art Vessel Mexican Ceramic Blue White
By Cesar
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Elegant white and blue jar made with the authentic Talavera technique. Master artisan, Cesar Torres portraits the colonial art of Mexico.
The Talavera is not just a simple painted ceramic: its exquisite decoration is the product of a delicate process of alchemy that translates into fine enamels. In Puebla, Mexico few people still produce using Talavera with the ancestral techniques.
One of those few is Cesar Torres, Don Cesar...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Majolica
18th Century Spanish Colonial Carved Wood and Iron Stirrups
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of late 18th early 19th century South American carved wooden stirrups. Known as estribos, each are carved from a solid block of wood. Decorated with wonderful carvings of horse heads and grape vines, these are truly charming pieces. With wrought iron stirrup rings and the original leather straps. Rich chocolate patina that only comes from age and use. Worn by Chilean huasos, highly skilled horsemen akin to America's cowboys.
Prized by collectors of horse memorabilia...
Category
1790s Chilean Antique Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Authentic Talavera Decorative Plate Folk Art Vessel Mexican Ceramic Blue White
By Cesar
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Elegant white and blue plate made with the Talavera technique. Artist, Cesar Torres portraits the colonial art of Mexico.
The Talavera is not just a simple painted ceramic: its exquisite decoration is the product of a delicate process of alchemy that translates into fine enamels. In Puebla, Mexico few people still produce using Talavera with the ancestral techniques.
One of those few is Cesar Torres, Don Cesar learned his art in the workshop of the Uriarte family, an excellent workshop where his grandfather worked. In his creations he uses the black and white mud that is obtained from the nearby hills of Loreto and Guadalupe, and colors of mineral origin that he creates in his workshop with recipes from his grandfather.
All the pieces are modeled in a traditional way and go through a production process that usually takes from one to two months, between drying, burning, and painting.
Being surrounded by a living tradition, Cesar Torres Jr., learned from his father since childhood. Architect by profession, Cesar Jr. has come to revolutionize and modernize with new designs and ideas of the current world, nevertheless always respecting the tradition of the processes and materials that make Talavera a Creole art...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Clay, Ceramic, Majolica
Spanish Colonial Gilt Wood Reliquary or Table Box
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is an outstanding example of a late 18th/early 19th century Spanish Colonial Reliquary or table box. The emerald green combined with th...
Category
Late 18th Century Mexican Antique Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Gold Leaf
Authentic Talavera Decorative Vase Folk Art Vessel Mexican Ceramic Blue White
By Cesar
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Elegant white and blue vase made with the Talavera technique. Artist, Cesar Torres portraits the colonial art of Mexico.
The Talavera is not just a simple painted ceramic: its exquisite decoration is the product of a delicate process of alchemy that translates into fine enamels. In Puebla, Mexico few people still produce using Talavera with the ancestral techniques.
One of those few is Cesar Torres, Don Cesar learned his art in the workshop of the Uriarte family, an excellent workshop where his grandfather worked. In his creations he uses the black and white mud that is obtained from the nearby hills of Loreto and Guadalupe, and colors of mineral origin that he creates in his workshop with recipes from his grandfather.
All the pieces are modeled in a traditional way and go through a production process that usually takes from one to two months, between drying, burning, and painting.
Being surrounded by a living tradition, Cesar Torres Jr., learned from his father since childhood. Architect by profession, Cesar Jr. has come to revolutionize and modernize with new designs and ideas of the current world, nevertheless always respecting the tradition of the processes and materials that make Talavera a Creole art...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Majolica
South American Cowhide & Leather Trunk
Located in Queens, NY
South American Colonial (Peruvian 19th Cent) cowhide and leather floor trunk (Bataca) with a geometric strap design.
Category
19th Century Peruvian Antique Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Cowhide, Leather
Authentic Talavera Decorative Vase Folk Art Vessel Mexican Ceramic Blue White
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Elegant white and blue vessel made with the Talavera technique. Artist, Cesar Torres portraits the colonial art of Mexico.
The Talavera is not just a simple painted ceramic: its exquisite decoration is the product of a delicate process of alchemy that translates into fine enamels. In Puebla, Mexico few people still produce using Talavera with the ancestral techniques.
One of those few is Cesar Torres, Don Cesar learned his art in the workshop of the Uriarte family, an excellent workshop where his grandfather worked. In his creations he uses the black and white mud that is obtained from the nearby hills of Loreto and Guadalupe, and colors of mineral origin that he creates in his workshop with recipes from his grandfather.
All the pieces are modeled in a traditional way and go through a production process that usually takes from one to two months, between drying, burning, and painting.
Being surrounded by a living tradition, Cesar Torres Jr., learned from his father since childhood. Architect by profession, Cesar Jr. has come to revolutionize and modernize with new designs and ideas of the current world, nevertheless always respecting the tradition of the processes and materials that make Talavera a Creole art...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Clay, Ceramic, Majolica
Santa Rita Retablo
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This late 19th century Mexican Folk Art devotional painting depicts St. Rita of Casia, the patron saint of lost and improbable causes.
Wishing to join an Augustinian convent ...
Category
19th Century Mexican Antique Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Tin
19th Century wood Santos of a boy/child with glass eyes and articulated arms.
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This charming piece has been in my collection for over 40 years. The articulated arms and glass eyes contribute to its charm and personality. I have always felt it signified a sense ...
Category
Late 19th Century Mexican Antique Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Fabric, Glass, Wood, Paint
Talavera Jar Decorative Vase Folk Art Vessel Mexican Ceramic Black White Modern
By Cesar
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Elegant black and white jar made with the authentic Talavera technique. Master artisan, Cesar Torres portraits the colonial art of Mexico while cre...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Majolica
Spanish Colonial, Painted Wooden Crucifix of Christ on a Stylized Tree
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This carved wooden crucifix of Christ on a stylized tree form, is Guatemalan or Mexican, likely created in the late 1800s by a naive artist of the peri...
Category
Late 19th Century Central American Antique Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Vintage Talavera Hand Painted Ceramic Rooster, Unsigned, Mexico, C. 1980's
Located in Chatham, ON
Large vintage Talavera hand painted studio ceramic Rooster - featuring a typical brightly colored multi pattern design - unsigned - Mexico - circa 1980's.
Excellent/mint vintage c...
Category
Late 20th Century Mexican Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Terracotta
Guatemalan Carved Wood Altar Figure of Angel (Gabriel), 18th century
Located in Austin, TX
Symbolism and craftsmanship aside, this Guatemalan Carved Wood Altar Figure of the Angel Gabriel from the 18th century holds within it an immense...
Category
18th Century Guatemalan Antique Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Colonial Wrought Iron Cross
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Colonial Wrought Iron Cross.
Category
Early 1800s Mexican Antique Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Fray Antonio de San Pedro by Manuel de Arellano, XVII Century
By Manuel de Arellano
Located in Mexico, DF
XVII century Mexican Painting by Arellano. "EL BENERABLE SIERVO D DIOS Fray Antonio de S. Pedro de la Sagrada Religion N. S. de la Merced"
Signed: Arellano fecit
Category
17th Century North American Antique Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Canvas
Pair of Large Scale Italian Figural Candlesticks, Polychromed and Gilded
Located in Dallas, TX
a large scale pair of Italian polychromed, carved and gilded figural candlesticks in the form of angels, Italy. 18th century
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Giltwood
Typical Spanish kitchen Container Fired Red Clay Ceramic Early 20th Century
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
Pitcher with a Spanish ceramic handle. Early 20th century
Typical Spanish fired clay jug
It is made of fired clay, molded by hand and glazed on the ...
Category
Early 20th Century European Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Clay
Small Antique Spanish Colonial Chest, Late 1700’s
By NONO
Located in Guadalajra, Jal
Small Antique Spanish Colonial Chest, Late 1700’s
Small colonial chest made of mesquite wood with remnants of paint. Assembled with dovetail joints and featuring impressive wrought i...
Category
Late 18th Century Mexican Antique Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Late 19th Century Spanish Colonial Carved Santos with Glass Eyes
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Late 19th century hand-carved Santos with inset glass eyes and original gesso paint surface. On custom museum display stand. Base measures 6" x 6".
Category
Late 19th Century Central American Antique Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Gesso, Wood
Late 19th Century Carved Spanish Colonial Christ Nino Santo with Glass Eyes
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Late 19th century carved baby Jesus Santos with glass eyes and custom display stand. Handmade with carved wood and gesso. Glass inset eyes. Left and r...
Category
19th Century South American Antique Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Gesso, Wood
Talavera Handcrafted Spanish Wall Tiles Set of 8
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Spanish Talavera ceramic hand painted tiles, handcrafted and kiln fired set of eight tiles.
Hand made Spanish Talavera wall tiles.
Size each: 6" x6"
Materials: Talavera, ceramic, clay hand-painted, clay, Spanish Mexican...
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
18th Century Spanish Colonial Archangel in carved sabino wood.
By NONO
Located in Guadalajra, Jal
A lovely and rare Spanish Colonial Statue of an Archangel in carved sabino wood, XVIII Century
Origin: Central Mexico
Period: XVIII Century
Height: 33cm
Length: 12cm
Width: 8cm
Category
Mid-18th Century Mexican Antique Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Christ with the apostles by Andres Lopez
By Andres Lopez
Located in Mexico, DF
Oil on copper. Christ feet been washed by the apostles by Andres Lopez.
***this painting does not belong to the Mexican heritage***
Category
Mid-18th Century North American Antique Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Copper
Mine Landscape by H. F. Arriola, dated 1880
Located in Mexico, DF
A mine Landscape, probably Mexico, by the woman painter H. F. Arriola
**This painting does not belong to the Mexican heritage**
Category
1880s North American Antique Spanish Colonial Folk Art
Materials
Canvas
Spanish Colonial folk art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Spanish Colonial 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, more furniture and collectibles, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Spanish Colonial folk art made in a specific country, there are North America, Mexico, 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 Cesar, Manuel de Arellano, Andres Lopez, and Talavera de la Reyna. 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 $13 and tops out at $28,000 while the average work can sell for $1,500.