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.
Vintage Punch Cut Lantern
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This magnificent vintage lantern is a striking example of Moorish architectural design, featuring an intricate punch-cut geometric pattern that captures the essence of Moroccan craft...
Iron
Fiesta Lantern By Nani Goods, Ceramic Raffia Pendant
By Steven Lancaster, Nani Goods
Located in South Pasadena, CA
The Fiesta Lantern Pendant Light is inspired by the vibrant spirit of Fiesta in San Antonio, Texas, celebrating cultural diversity through the interplay of rough and smooth textures ...
Brass
Antique Hand Carved Folk Art Pendant Light w. Accordion Playing 'Madchen' on Top
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and beautifully handcrafted Arts & Crafts light fixture for black forest enthousiasts. If you are looking for unique antiques that tell something about life in different parts ...
Rope, Wood, Oak
“Watneys” Pub Lantern, Hanging Iron Lantern A Great looking piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
“Watneys” Pub Lantern, Hanging Iron Lantern A Great looking piece, the lantern is larger than life, it would once have been hung outside of a Pub The Lamp is fully working, the side...
Iron
Pietro Chiesa Style Italian Lantern Pendant
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Hanover, MA
1940's Italian pendant lantern in the style of Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. Elegantly scrolled brass terminating in two scallop edged tulip form aluminum socket cups in original ...
Brass, Aluminum
Hand Carved Wooden and Yellow Glass One-Light Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
This exquisite, hand-carved wooden lantern features yellow glass and originates from Belgium, circa the 1960s. Its masterful details include intricately carved acanthus leaves and fo...
Brass
American Wrought Iron and Gilt Monumental Hanging Lantern, Circa 1830
Located in Charleston, SC
American wrought iron and gilt three-light hanging lantern with six-paneled glass sides, decorative gilt acanthus and floral medallions, adorned with upper and lower scrolled spikes ...
$1,840 / item
H 7 in Dm 9 in
Borrego Banded Pendant, Modern Kitchen Island Light, Hand Blown - Made to Order
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
Born from a love of color, these striking pieces draw inspiration from the rich hues and undulating topography of Southern California. Alternating layers of opaque and transparent co...
Brass, Nickel
Iron Ship's Lantern
Located in Norwell, MA
Iron ship's lantern by Davey of London. With maker's badge that reads "Davey's Patent Windproof Ship Lamp". Fresnel lens. Sturdy cage. Hoisti...
German Art Deco Glass and Brass Ceiling pendant Light 1900
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful Art Deco matte glass and brass pendant light. Germany, 1910 Lamp sockets: 1 E27 (US E26). Height of body: 35 cm
Brass
Iron and Glass Lantern Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Simple and elegant iron and glass pendants. Glass globe shaped as an octagon with inlaid iron with in clear glass. Oil rub bronze hardware. Newly re-wired. One available.
Large Rattan Pendant Hanging Light / Lantern, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
A cool handcrafted rattan large ceiling pendant hanging light with chinoiserie accents, Spain, 1960s. This large lantern has an eye-catching design featuring a semi-spherical rattan ...
Wicker, Rattan, Paper
$4,539 / set
H 27.5 in Dm 12 in
Pair Scandinavian Art Deco Theater Pendants Brass Hand-blown Opaline, 1920-1930
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A pair of wonderful and rare ball pendants from the transition period from Art Nouveau to Art Deco, Scandinavia, 1920-1930. Hand-blown opaline glas sphere globes with beautifuly elab...
Brass, Chrome
Scandinavian Art Deco Theater Pendant Brass Hand-blown Opaline 1920-1930
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Wonderful and rare ball pendant from the transition period from Art Nouveau to Art Deco, Scandinavia, 1920-1930. Hand-blown opaline glas sphere globe with beautifuly elaborate brass ...
Brass
Lucci Small Orb Pendant Light, Hand Blown Glass - Made to Order
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
Quenching a piece of molten crystal by submerging it in water creates an effect that looks like something only nature could produce. The cracked outer layer emits a unique pattern of...
Brass, Nickel
Anna Karlin Large Lantern Pendant
By Anna Karlin
Located in New York, NY
The large lantern pendant presents a finely balanced form with a hand-finished antique brass patina accompanied by a frosted glass diffuser. The ...
Steel
Greek island terracotta atmospheric pierced hanging lantern Hydra 1993
Located in London, GB
Discovered in an artisan studio on the island of Hydra off the Saronic Islands in Greece in 1993. This handcrafted artisan piece of terracotta pottery, creates a wonderful sheltere...
Terracotta
Antique Swedish Folk Art Hand-Crafted Iron Lantern
Located in Kramfors, SE
Unusual iron lantern from Sweden made during the mid 1800s. The lantern is folk art and has a cut-out pattern that’s been made by hand. This type of lantern is known as ”spiklykta”. ...
Iron
French, 19th Century Metal Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Very rare small folk art lantern, France, circa 1850-1900. Beautiful weathered.
Iron
French, 19th Century Metal Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Very rare small folk art lantern, France, circa 1850-1900. Made from a part of a glass Evian water bottle and iron. Beautiful weathered.
Iron
French 18th Century Iron Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful and rare iron lantern with a glass window, France, 18th century. Weathered.
Iron
French 19th Century Wooden Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful and rare wooden lantern with nice old glass, France, 19th century. Weathered and antique repair.
Wood
French 18th Century Iron Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful and rare iron lantern with two glass windows, France, 18th century. Weathered.
Iron
French 18th Century Iron Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful and rare iron lantern with a glass window, France, 18th century. Weathered.
Iron
French 18th Century Metal Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful and rare metal lantern, France, 18th century. Weathered.
Iron
French 18th Century Iron Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful and rare iron lantern with a glass windows. This lantern still has its original 18th century green glass, France, 18th century. Weathered.
Iron
French 19th Century Metal Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful and rare metal lantern, France, 19th century. Weathered.
Iron
French 18th Century Iron Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful and rare iron lantern with a glass window, France, 18th century. Weathered.
Iron