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.
Red Clay Oak Leaf Plug‑In Ceramic Wall Sconce by Nani Goods
By Steven Lancaster, Nani Goods
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Inspired by the gentle curve and drifting motion of falling oak leaves, the Oak Leaf Wall Sconce introduces a quiet, sculptural poetry to any inte...
Clay, Stoneware
African Tribal Art Mask Parchment Wall Shade Sconces in Red
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Pair of African Tribal Art mask parchment wall shade sconces. These Art pieces could be used as large wall lamp shade. Iron frame covered with hide w...
Iron
Hand-Painted Ceramic Longhorn Skull Wall Sconce, Signed "Lady C, 94'"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ceramic longhorn skull wall sconce, signed "Lady C" and dated 1994. Finished in warm ivory with hand-painted details that give it the appearance of aged bone. The skull features a p...
Ceramic, Paint
Handcrafted Moroccan Tribal Art Wall Sconce, Hide & Iron, 1980s Design
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
African tribal art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan art pieces could be used as wall lamp s...
Iron
Vintage Parchment Tribal Art Wall Sconce North African
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan Art pieces could be used as wall lamp s...
Iron
Vintage Moroccan Painted Parchment & Iron Wall Sconce, Berber Folk Art, 1980s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A striking vintage Moroccan wall sconce or sculptural wall shade, handcrafted in Marrakech circa 1980 from hand-painted parchment hide stretched and stitched over a forged iron framework. The dramatic inverted triangular form gives the piece a strong architectural presence. Warm ochre and parchment tones are enlivened by hand-painted red geometric and linear motifs inspired by traditional Moroccan Berber decorative vocabulary. The aged surface, visible handwork and dark iron framework give the sconce an appealing artisanal character that works particularly well in Mediterranean, Moorish, Spanish Colonial, Moroccan, Tribal Modern and eclectic interiors. The parchment functions beautifully as a diffuser when the shade is positioned over an existing wall-mounted light source, producing a warm, atmospheric glow while emphasizing the hand-painted decoration. The open iron detail toward the lower point adds another sculptural element to the design. Please note that this piece is a decorative wall shade only and contains no electrical components. It is intended to be installed over an appropriate existing wall light fitting, or it may simply be displayed unlit as a piece of Moroccan folk art and architectural wall decoration. Its substantial 16-inch height gives it enough visual presence to use individually, while multiple examples can create a particularly effective installation along a hallway, staircase, entry, covered loggia or large feature wall. Additional related examples are available. Because each was individually handcrafted and hand-painted, variations in the painted motifs, coloration and surface are to be expected; they are similar rather than exact matches. Handcrafted in Marrakech, Morocco, circa 1980. Dimensions: 16 in. H × 11 in. W × 9 in. D. The piece retains an attractive vintage surface with variations, irregularities and wear consistent with its age and handmade construction. Object Type: Wall Sconce / Decorative Wall Light Shade Style: Folk Art / Moorish Place of Origin: Morocco Period: Late 20th Century Date of Manufacture: circa 1980 Materials: Parchment / Hide, Iron Techniques: Hand-Painted, Hand-Crafted, Hand-Stitched Color: Parchment, Ochre, Red, Dark Brown Condition: Good vintage condition; wear consistent with age and use. Handmade surface variations and patina throughout. Shade only; not wired for electricity. Moroccan parchment wall sconce, Moroccan hide wall light, Berber wall sconce, Moroccan folk art lighting, hand-painted Moroccan sconce, Marrakech wall light, Moroccan iron sconce, parchment wall shade, tribal wall light, Moorish wall sconce, Moroccan wall decor, Berber folk art, Spanish Colonial lighting, Mediterranean wall sconce, Moroccan decorative lighting, vintage Moroccan lighting...
Iron
$1,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
c1920's French Folk Art/ Carved Wood Figural Breton Couple Wall Sconces
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair 1920's French Folk Art Carved Wood Breton Figural Wall Sconces. I saw these and I thought that they would look good in a country setting.
Wood
Pair of Italian Grape Cluster Wrought Iron Candle Sconces
Located in San Francisco, CA
Oh, the romance of grape clusters and their attendant coiled tendrils with grape leaves—one of Nature’s great gifts—beautifully crafted from molten wrought iron. Evoking the charm of...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Guillerme et Chambron Wall Sconces Oak Wood & Ceramic French Folk Art 60
Located in Miami, FL
Very rare example of Guillerme et Chambron oak sconces with some ceramic Bobech by Danikowski 100 watts bulb max US wired , in working condition 2 pairs available. Priced by pair, Ha...
Oak
Handcrafted North African Art Wall Sconce in Red and Yellow
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan Art pieces could be used as wall lamp s...
Iron
Tatupeba Sconce Lamp BLACK in Natural Palm Fiber 'LARGE' - EU plug typ C
Located in BR
Prized as the best work of its category in the Novos Talentos Brasileiros (New Brazilian Talents) Award in 2020, the Tatubepa lamp is a piece with unique and valuable design. It was ...
Sheet Metal
Pair of Solid Brass Two-Light Wall Sconces, Vintage, Austria, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning pair of heavy brass wall sconces. Each consisting of a stylish Farmhouse style design. Each fixture requires two European E14 / 110 Volt candelabra bulbs, each bulb up to ...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Sculptural Wall Sconces – French Artist, 1980snches
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
An unique pair of 1980s French sculptural wall sconces, crafted from natural chestnut branches selected for their organic lines and expressive character. Partially stripped bark re...
Wood
A Large 6 Side Copper Wall Hanging Lantern
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Large 6 Side Copper Wall Hanging Lantern This is a Large Copper Wall Lantern it has 6 sides and a front opening door for access to the bulb it hangs in a metal wall bracket A Hand...
Copper
Vintage Moroccan Berber Hand-Painted Hide & Iron Wall Sconce Shade, Tribal Art
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Striking vintage Moroccan Berber wall sconce shade, handcrafted from stretched hide parchment over a sculptural iron framework and individually hand-painted with bold geometric motif...
Iron
Moroccan Folk Art Metal and Parchment Wall Shade Sconce
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Art pieces could...
Iron
Vintage Moroccan Berber Painted-Hide Wall Sconce Shade, Iron Frame, 1980s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A distinctive vintage Moroccan wall-light shade handcrafted in Marrakech circa 1980, this sculptural piece combines hand-painted hide parchment with expressive ironwork and North Afr...
Iron
Wall Sconce Tin Circular Single Arm Illustrated Furnituretreasury Wallacenutting
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Surviving pieces of vernacular lighting are extremely rare and it is hard to source convincing re-creations. These are copies of a period sconce illustrated in Furniture Treasury by ...
Tin
Tatupeba Sconce Lamp GOLDEN BROWN in Natural Palm Fiber 'LARGE' - EU plug typ C
Located in BR
Prized as the best work of its category in the Novos Talentos Brasileiros (New Brazilian Talents) Award in 2020, the Tatubepa lamp is a piece with unique and valuable design. It was ...
Sheet Metal
Pair of Handcrafted Ceramic Wall Lamp by`Delamorylabelleza´, Spain, 2022
Located in Madrid, ES
Handcrafted wall lamp designed and made by Spanish designers Carlos Jiménez, better known as ``Del Amor y la Belleza´´. Made of ceramic at low temperatures and illustrated with abstr...
Ceramic, Clay, Paint
Handcrafted Ceramic Wall Lamp by "Delamorylabelleza" for Ikb191, Spain, 2022
Located in Madrid, ES
Handcrafted wall lamp designed and made by Spanish designers Carlos Jiménez, better known as ``Del Amor y la Belleza´´. Made of ceramic at low temperatures and illustrated with abstr...
Ceramic, Paint
Handcrafted Ceramic Wall Lamp by´Delamorylabelleza´for IKB191, Spain, 2022
Located in Madrid, ES
Handcrafted wall lamp designed and made by Spanish designers Carlos Jiménez, better known as ``Del Amor y la Belleza´´. Made of ceramic at low temperatures and illustrated with abstr...
Ceramic, Paint, Clay
$3,515 / item
H 12.63 in W 7 in D 5.5 in
Series03 Wall Sconce, "Smoke" Patinated Sculpted Brass, Goatskin Parchment Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Sculpted solid brass in a "smoke" acid patinated finish, machined and mechanically fastened. Goatskin parchment shade with accordion-folded face and hand stitched edges. Hand-dyed br...
Brass
$3,381Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.24 in Dm 15.75 in
Midcentury Italian Brass Adjustable Wall Light, Parchment Shade, 1960s
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Midcentury italian brass adjustable wall light with original parchment lampshade. Good vintage condition. Little damages on the sha...
Brass
Unavailable|$899 / set
H 10 in W 5 in D 4.75 in
Pair of Antique Art Deco Salvaged Slip Shade Wall Sconces
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of wall sconces were made are unsigned, but presumed to have originated from the United States and date to approximately 1920 and done in the period Art Deco style. The bac...
Metal
$3,200
H 25.75 in W 7 in D 5.5 in
African Tribal Statue Osseyba or Reliquary Figure Kota Mohongwe Peoples Art
Located in Miami, FL
A fantastically hand-crafted piece by the Kota (or Bakota) tribe who are located in the northeastern region of Gabon. This figure, which is a Mahongwe reliquary figure as exhibited with its truncated almond-shaped face, is made of wound copper, hammered brass and wood. Reliquary figures were used as guardians to protect the revered bones of venerated family ancestors and leaders and ward off unwanted spirits. These figures are meant to embody intense powers and were also commonly used in communal rites and ritual performances. This particular piece came from an American collector who traveled the African continent and collected African artifacts for over 50 years. This piece has a beautiful, organically aged patina acquired naturally over time and use. It is mounted on a custom wooden display stand. We believe it dates back to the early to mid-1900s but could be older. We are listing as 20th century because we did not have it appraised. This African Tribal Statue Osseyba or Reliquary Figure Kota (Bakota) Mohongwe Peoples decorative art would clearly stand out as part of a collection or by itself in any setting. Truly unique, eye-catching and engaging. Dimensions on stand: 25 3/4" High, 7" Wide, 5 1/2" Deep Kota Reliquary...
Brass, Copper
$1,350 / item
H 27 in W 6 in D 6 in
Modern Iron and Black Leather Grace Articulating Wall Sconce - Plug In
By Lostine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Celebrated for its striking composition and versatility, the Grace Articulating Wall Sconce is a true hallmark of ingenuity in lighting design. As handsome as it is useful, this plug...
Brass, Steel
Brutalist Handmade Ceramic Sconce, Pita Sconce by Streicher Goods
By Ethan Streicher, Streicher Goods
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Pita Sconce is a medium-sized brutalist-inspired table wall down-lit sconce, perfect for bedside, hallways, or accent lighting in larger living spaces, created by Streicher Goods...
Ceramic, Acrylic
$1,350 / item
H 27 in W 6 in D 6 in
Modern Iron and Tan Leather Grace Articulating Wall Sconce - Plug In
By Lostine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Celebrated for its striking composition and versatility, the Grace Articulating Wall Sconce is a true hallmark of ingenuity in lighting design. As handsome as it is useful, this plug...
Brass, Steel
Tribal Plank Art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique tribal plank art with metal base. The piece features a 5.5' tall wooden plank with a colored ornate fish design. Great conversation piece for any space.
Metal
$360Sale Price|20% Off
H 10 in W 12 in D 0.5 in
Early 20th Century Afghani Leather Bag with Tribal Folk Art Design
Located in Wainscott, NY
Early 20th century leather Afghani bag.
Leather
Wall sconce, vintage 1980s Pink Scandinavian Ikea wall light
$3,135 / item
H 7 in W 6 in D 8.125 in
Series02 Large Sconce, Dark Patinated Brass, Stitched Goatskin Parchment Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined dark patinated brass, hand-stitched goatskin parchment shade. All material finishes are living finishes: they will change and patina for the better with time and use. ...
Brass
$2,870 / item
H 6 in W 5 in D 6.625 in
Series02 Small Sconce, Polished Unlacquered Brass, Goatskin Parchment Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Solid machined polished unlacquered brass, hand-stitched goatskin parchment shade. All material finishes are living finishes: they will change...
Brass
Parchment Directional Sconces, Made in Italy
Located in Culver City, CA
Made in Italy Parchment shades on patinated brass arm. 8"w x 14”d x 13”h *Please Note: This fixture is made in Italy, and comes newly wired (eu wiring). It is not UL Listed. Stand...
Brass
$3,275 / item
H 12.63 in W 7 in D 5.5 in
Series03 Wall Sconce, Polished Unlacquered Brass, Goatskin Parchment Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Sculpted solid brass in a polished unlacquered finish, machined and mechanically fastened. Goatskin parchment shade with accordion-folded face...
Brass
$3,515 / item
H 12.63 in W 7 in D 5.5 in
Series03 Wall Sconce, Dark Patinated Brass, Goatskin Parchment Shade
Located in Ozone Park, NY
Sculpted solid brass in a dark patinated finish, machined and mechanically fastened. Goatskin parchment shade with accordion-folded face and h...
Brass
Dark Brown Clay Oak Leaf Plug‑In Ceramic Wall Sconce by Nani Goods
By Steven Lancaster, Nani Goods
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Inspired by the gentle curve and drifting motion of falling oak leaves, the Oak Leaf Wall Sconce introduces a quiet, sculptural poetry to any inte...
Clay, Stoneware
Sold
H 15.36 in W 8.27 in D 5.12 in
Pair French, Late 18th, Early 19th Century Iron Wall Candleholders/ Sconces
Located in Buisson, FR
Unique pair of folk art iron wall candleholders with beautiful hearts. France circa 1780-1840 Weathered and old repairs H:39cm W:21cm D:13cm
Iron
Sol Ceramic Wall Light by Nani Goods, Contemporary Ceramic Wall Sconce
By Steven Lancaster, Nani Goods
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Inspired by the natural shade of a traditional palapa, this sculptural wall sconce merges earthy, rough-hewn textures with minimal contemporary design. Each sconce is hand-built from...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Raffia
A Pair of Folk Art Dog Wall Lights
Located in London, GB
A pair of early twentieth century Folk Art tole wall lights with painted dogs in running motion across the arms. Mounted on brass rectangular wall brackets. Please note: Lampshades...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 14 in W 10.5 in D 4 in
Pair of Florentine Flower and Leaf Two-Light Wall Light Sconce Vintage, Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This pair of floral Florentine Style sconce is decorated with flowers and metal leaves. It is hand painted probably Florence, Italy. Each fixture requires two European E14 / 110 volt...
Metal
Early 20th Century English Fairground Ride Illuminated Lights
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century English Fairground Ride Illuminated Lights A highly decorative matched pair of illuminated plywood hand painted English fairground lights. It’s likely these ...
Plywood
Sold
H 11.82 in W 41.74 in D 3.94 in
Insegna luminosa tridimensionale in alluminio e vetro acrilico, Italia, anni '60
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
Insegna pubblicitaria BAR originale anni '60, provenienta da locale aperitivi di Riccione e risalente a mezzo secolo del '900. I caratteri sono tridimensionali con corpo in lamiera e...
Metal, Aluminum
Sold
H 14 in W 5.5 in D 6.25 in
19th Century Pair Spanish Hand Forged Iron Wall Sconces, Electrified Wall Lights
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Pair of hand forged iron black painted wall sconces, Spain, late 19th century. These wall sconces had beed electrified at a later time with candle sleeves and parchment hand-painted...
Iron
Pair of Decorative Ceramic Sconces
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Incredible pair of ceramic sconces that can be plugged in or hardwired. Delicate hanging ceramic discs create beautiful shadows when the sconces are ill...
Ceramic
Pair of folk art sheet metal wall lamps, 1950s.
Located in Lisboa, PT
Pair of folk art sheet metal wall sconces painted with blue yellow orange and white. Switzerland, 1950s.
Canvas
Early 20th Century English Metal Fairground Crown Light
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century English Metal Fairground Crown Light A unique example of an early 20th Century metal scratch-built fairground light in the shape of a c...
Metal
Sconce Wall Freestanding Portable Tin Mirror Cresting
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Extremely rare survival of a vernacular tin wall sconce Unusually incorporating mirror plate which was an expensive material suggesting this was made for an affluent customer The m...
Metal
Wall Sconce Tin Diamond Single Arm Wallace Nutting Collection
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Surviving pieces of vernacular lighting are extremely rare and it is hard to source convincing re-creations. These are copies of a period sconce from the Wallace Nutting Collection a...
Tin
Large 1920s Folk Art Light Up Christmas Star
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large 1920s Folk Art Light Up Christmas Star.. Charming indoor / outdoor Christmas decoration.. Retains original electric.. wiring..
Metal
Early 19th Century American Hammered Brass Wall Sconces
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Charming pair of hammered brass 19th century wall sconces having a folk art feel with hearts at the top and octagonal sections with circles and oval decoration. Fully electrified wit...
Brass