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.
Convex Giltwood Sunburst Mirror, France circa 1950
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Charming French giltwood sunburst mirror dating from the mid-20th century, circa 1950. This highly decorative wall mirror features a classic radiating sunburst design, composed of al...
Giltwood, Mirror
Antique Mexican sunburst mirror Mexico, ca. 1960
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960. We offer this antique Mexican sunburst mirror, hand-carved from solid wood and finished with gold leaf. The piece features a dynamic, sculptural design with undulating ra...
Wood
Casa Devall Sunburst Wall Sculpture
By Casa Devall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sunburst wall sculpture with a hammered brass center and two layers of painted rods creating a sunburst effect. The artist hand signed the sculpture on the verso.
Brass
$580
H 1.38 in Dm 15.25 in
Beautiful Starburst Sunburst Gilded Resin Convex Mirror France, circa 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Decorative 20th-century starburst sunburst mirror featuring a convex mirror plate surrounded by radiating gilt resin rays. Inspired by the iconic French sunburst designs of the mid-c...
Mirror, Resin
Vintage 1960s Mexican Folk Art Papier-Mâché Sun Wall Sculpture
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Wonderful vintage Mexican papier-mâché sun wall sculpture dating to the 1960s. Handmade and hand-painted with beautiful golden yellow, ochre and warm brown tones. The expressive face...
Paper composite
Distressed Starburst Sunburst Gilded Resin Convex Mirror France, circa 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Decorative 20th-century starburst sunburst mirror featuring a convex mirror plate surrounded by radiating gilt resin rays. Inspired by the iconic French sunburst designs of the mid-c...
Mirror, Resin
Vintage Sunburst Wall Mirror
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage wall mirror features a geometric sunburst pattern making for a distinctive addition to the modern interior. Please confirm pickup location (Brooklyn or New Jersey) with...
Metal
$1,529
H 33 in W 21 in D 7 in
American Vintage Metal Wall Mirror Sculpture Raindrops by Curtis Jere ca' 1970
By Curtis Jeré
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A silver-chrome, vintage Mid-Century Modern American wall mirror, composed of polished circular metal discs and spheres. Designed by Curtis Jere, ca' 1970, United States. A mirror o...
Steel
Beautiful Sunburst Starburst Convex Mirror Composition, German, circa 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A cute sunburst or starburst mirror. Made of gilded composition or resin. It measures approximate: 14 1/4" in diameter, convex mirror itself is approximate 4 3/8" in diameter. It sta...
Composition
$2,627
H 1.97 in Dm 17.41 in
Renaissance Revival ‘Arnolfini’ Sunburst Convex Banker’s Mirror, Spain, c. 1950
Located in London, GB
A magnificent and very elegant black and gold mid century ‘Arnolfini’ style sunburst witch’s mirror in the Renaissance Revival style with a hand carved wood frame and circular gilt e...
Mirror, Wood, Pine, Giltwood
French Giltwood Sunburst Convex Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
French giltwood sunburst convex mirror. This stunning French carved gilt wood sunburst mirror has a warm aged patina and good scale. Beautiful aged convex mirror.
Giltwood, Mirror
$480
H 1.63 in Dm 15.38 in
Beautiful Starburst Sunburst Gilded Resin Convex Mirror France, circa 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Decorative 20th-century starburst sunburst mirror featuring a convex mirror plate surrounded by radiating gilt resin rays. Inspired by the iconic French sunburst designs of the mid-c...
Mirror, Resin
$1,859 / item
H 1.5 in Dm 18 in
Neoclassical Signed 1950s Brass Sunburst Mirrors, Convex Mirror Made in Belgium
Located in Miami, FL
Neoclassical 1950s signed convex brass mirrors from Belgium. Size of the convex mirror inside: 11.5 inches diameter. Looks stunning as a Group Wa...
Brass
Antique Hand-Carved Wooden Eagle Mirror with Crescent Glass
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Hand-Carved Wooden Eagle Mirror with Crescent Glass Item e8168 This decorative wall mirror features a finely hand-carved wooden eagle, captured in a dynamic pose with outstre...
Glass, Wood
Folk Art Wrought Iron Thorny Vine Framed Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
A remarkable late 20th century American Folk Art wrought-iron framed mirror with a twisted thorny motif. Perfect for any small spot you need a little ...
Wrought Iron
Folk Art Sunburst Mirror Early 19th Century
Located in Hastings, GB
A charming and very rare folk art sunburst mirror, French, dating the the early 1800's, it is formed out of lead which has been hammered and shaped, it has then been overpainted in g...
Lead