Folk Art Religious Items
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
Huge 18th Century hand crafted gesso over pine all seeing eye starburst fragment
Located in London, GB
Huge 18th Century hand crafted gesso over pine all seeing eye starburst fragment
A rare and oversized example of an 18th Century hand carved gesso over pine “Eye of Providence” or ...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Pine
Peruvian Retablo from the Evelyn Ackerman Estate
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Peruvian retablo purchased from the Evelyn Ackerman estate. This colorful piece features two hinged doors with floral paintings. The interior showcases small ceramic figurines in wha...
Category
Mid-20th Century Peruvian Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood, Ceramic
Set of three Mexican Retablos "Exvotos"
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this Set of three Mexican Retablos "Exvotos". The three pieces are prints with a finish that makes them look old.
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Metal
Antique Religious Carved Polychrome Painted Devotional Icon Triptych Folk Art
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning rustic antique Christian carved wood devotional painting triptych, early 20th century or most likely much older, handmade religious folk art in Medieval / Middle Ages tast...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Metal
Tramp Art Crown of Thorns Standing Cross
Located in Savannah, GA
An American folk or tramp art crown of thorns standing cross, circa 1930s.
9 ¾ inches wide by 7 inches deep by 22 inches tall
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood
Beautiful Black Forest Frame Antique Folk Art with Jesus Child Picture, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A lovely picture frame made of hand carved wood, made in Germany with a picture of Jesus and a Child. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. It is not marked. A nice addition...
Category
1890s German Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Glass, Wood
19th Century Rare Black Madonna Figure
Located in London, GB
19th Century Rare Black Madonna Figure
A hand crafted and rare example of an early to mid-19th century black Madonna figure. Dressing in its original embroidered silk gown...
Category
1840s Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Terracotta
Antique Decorative Cross with Flower and Butterfly Motif - Early 20th Century
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A hand made ornate antique cross featuring intricate floral, butterfly, and leaf motifs. The design showcases a series of raised, textured flowers and leaves arranged symmetrically a...
Category
Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Metal
Reverse Glass Painting of Saint George and the Dragon
Located in Stamford, CT
Verre églomisé, or reverse glass painting with gilding of Saint George and the Dragon. St George shown riding his steed, slaying the dragon...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Glass
Large Vintage Hand Carved Bas Relief of AGNUS DEI Altar Piece.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Large Vintage Hand Carved Bas Relief of AGNUS DEI Altar Piece.
Large vintage Altar piece carving in low relief features the AGNUS DEI. This rare and meaningful piece from the first ...
Category
20th Century Unknown Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Pine
1941 Folk Art Patience Bottle Signed And Dated
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A symbolic Christian patience bottle with a cross flanked by miniature bells, the front with a ladder, tools, plants and rooster. The bottle contains a signed paper label, dated Octo...
Category
20th Century Argentine Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Other
Christianity Monastery Work Mother & Child in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition.
T...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Christianity Monastery Work Mother & Child in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic late 219th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition.
T...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Original Mexican Retablo "Exvotos" Oil on Tin
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this original Mexican ex voto of San Lazaro saint. Guanajuato México 1958.
Damos gracias a San Lazaro por el alivio de mis piernas.
Esperanza Rodriguez y Jesus Amezquita.
...
Category
1940s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Metal
18th Century Carved Wooden Representing Christ on the Cross Folk Art
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Latin American 1700s wooden crucifix. Carved face and body features. Beautiful patina. Jesus on the Cross Folk Art.
Category
Mid-18th Century Paraguayan Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood
Original Mexican Retablo "Exvotos" Oil on Tin
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this original Mexican ex voto. Made with oil painting signed by Figueroa.
Category
1950s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Metal
Original Mexican Retablo "Exvotos" Oil on Tin
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this original Mexican ex voto. Michoacán México 1958
J. Jesus Huaracha Orejel da gracias a dios nuestro señor que por intersección de San Nic...
Category
1950s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Metal
A Very Good 19th Century Hand Painted Mexican Retablo Dated 1884
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The naïve, hand painted vignette depicts a woman praying to the images of Saint Anthony holding The Christ Child, together with The Holy Mother, all shown hovering above a group of t...
Category
Late 19th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Tin
Religious Chalkware Diorama
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Amazing religious chalkware wall hanging found in a Catholic church in Philadelphia. The pictures describe it all. Wonderful detail and dimension.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Plaster
Early 19th Century Religious Folk Art Scene
Located in London, GB
Early 19th century religious folk art scene
We share what we love, and we love this early 19th century folk art hand carved example of a painted shepherd religious scene. Detailed on pine base with a cow, angel, house, and shepherd holding a walking stick. Naïve in construction yet a piece of religious art in our opinion. Likely to have been part of a religious display...
Category
1820s Spanish Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Pine
Original Mexican Retablo "Exvotos" Oil on Tin
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this original Mexican ex voto, due to the effects of time, the writing has been erased.
Category
1930s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Metal
Amazing Arma Christi, circa 1850
Located in London, GB
Amazing Arma Christi, circa 1850
We are proud to offer an amazing museum quality circa 1850 Arma Christi. Likely German or Austrian in origin, an excepti...
Category
1850s German Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood
18th Century Carved Wooden Angel
Located in Houston, TX
Carved wooden angel from Private Chapel in Provence. Wonderful detail in Angel's hair and draped dress. Figure is mounted on an iron stand.
Category
18th Century French Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Iron
Betzalel Hand-Made Silver Filigree Spice Box
Located in New York, NY
This is a meticulously handcrafted silver filigree spice box, created in the Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts tradition, a hallmark of early 20th-century Jewish artistic expression ...
Category
Early 20th Century Israeli Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Silver
Antique Asian Bronze Chariot with Dragon Head Pulled by Horses
By Rajhastani
Located in North Hollywood, CA
From the Ramakien a Thai Ramayana.
A scene from Ramakian or Ramayan, the Indian epic Lakshman riding in a chariot along with Rama and Sita sitting in the back.
After his victory over Ravana, Sri Rama prepares to leave for Ayodhya, Rama now told Vibheeshan that there was just one more day...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Bronze
Vintage St. Therese Chalkware Bust
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Large St. Therese chalkware bust found on the east coast of the United States. Great early paint surface with the right amount of ware and age. Depicts ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Composition
19th Century Mexican Folk Art Carved Wood Church Sculpture
Located in San Francisco, CA
An extraordinary one of a kind Mexican folk art carving of a church.
Carved from a soft wood, possibly cactus, and having a beautifully aged patina.
Everything thing about this pie...
Category
19th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood
Antique Ottoman Inkwell Qalamdan and Pen Case in Brass, Turkey
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique Turkish Brass Pencil Case Qalamdan and Inkwell From The Ottoman Empire
The interior of the brass case is divided into compartments to ho...
Category
Mid-19th Century Turkish Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Brass
Vintage Large Wood Logs Cross with Metal and Glass decorations
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage Large Wood Logs Cross with Metal and Glass decorations. $975
This large cross is made of a beautiful pair of dark wood logs, then extensively decorated with metal elements ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Metal
Antique Large Folk Art Handcrafted Wooden Fretwork Crucifix or Cross and Stand
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This extremely detailed and ornately handcrafted wooden Folk Art Crucifix is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Eastern Europe, possibly Aus...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Softwood
Wood Fretwork House Altar with Accessories Black Forest Folk Art 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century fretwork hand crafted House Altar with a lot of Christianity miniatures and accessories. A wonderful decorative appeal!...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Pewter
Christianity Monastery Work Wax Jesus Child in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition.
T...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Antique Asian Hindu Bronze Temple Toy Camel on Wheels
By Rajhastani
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Inspired by a scene from Ramakian or Ramayan, the Indian epic Rama and Sita.
Antique Indian Temple Toy bronze camel on wheels.
Antique hindu bronze temple camel with rider statue toy on wheels.
Commonly known as "Temple Toys...
Category
Late 19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Bronze
19th Century South America "Slave" shrine
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Solid wood, with original patina from the time.
Made by slaves, during the dark slavery times, to worship and pray.
Dimensions: 18,70 inches W x 33,26 inches H x 10,62 inches D.
...
Category
Mid-19th Century Brazilian Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Cedar
Christianity Monastery Work Framed Wall Decoration Antique German 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century framed wall decoration with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition.
This is a truly fine antique old piece. Great Item in your home. As seen there are imperfections to the brass on the top, also at little color loose to the little accessories and flowers. This is old-age and gives the piece in total a great antique look. These are often displayed with wax Jesus...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Monumental 19th Century Dutch Church Painted Wood Cross
Located in Forney, TX
A massive nearly 10 foot tall by 5.5 foot wide antique Dutch ecclesiastical wooden cross.
Hand-crafted in the Netherlands in the 19th century, very large sculptural Celtic cross for...
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Iron
Christianity Monastery Work Virgin Mary in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition.
T...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
19th Century Spanish Colonial Religious Folk Art Santo Altar Figure
Located in Forney, TX
An antique Spanish Colonial period hand carved and painted santo church altar figure. Born in Mexico in the first half of the 19th century, the religious...
Category
19th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood, Paint
Our Lady of Guadalupe Carved Wood Hanging Wall Sculpture or Plaque
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A hand-carved Virgin of Guadalupe Wood Plaque. This beautifully crafted wooden hanging plaque features the iconic image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Carved with intricate detail, it c...
Category
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood
Rare Italian Hand Carved Folk Art Santos Doll, circa 1840
Located in London, GB
We are proud to offer a mid-19th century hand carved figure of a Santos doll. The figure is made using pine wood and section constructed with pinned wooden...
Category
1840s Italian Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Pine
Midcentury African Hand Carved Wood Sculpture of Maria with Child
By Par Makengo
Located in Antwerp, BE
Midcentury African wood sculpture wonderfully hand carved depiction of the Virgin Mary with Child, with great detailing and beautiful face sig...
Category
Mid-20th Century Congolese Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood
Antique Ex voto Male Figure, Infant, Infant Jesus, Silver Italy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique and large ex voto in the shape of a male figure, in silver, from the 1890s to the 1900s, Italy.
Perfect vintage condition, there are no breakages or signs of repairs.
Beautiful face expression and a wonderful patina of time.
At the top there is an eyelet to pass a ribbon or to hang the object directly on the wall.
A cute petite religious Ex Voto...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Silver, Sheet Metal
Folk Art Franconia House Altar with Accessories Early 20th Century Wood Carved
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century hand crafted and hand painted House Altar with a lot of Christianity miniatures and accessories. A wonderful decorative...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Pewter
Exceptionally rare cross, tramp art, 1900, Schwarzwald / Austria
Located in Wien, AT
Exceptionally rare cross, made in tramp art style, in Austria or in Schwarzwald, Germany, around 1890 / 1900.
The cross has a typically Latin shape and stands on a semicircular bas...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood
Christianity Monastery Work Arch Angel in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition.
T...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
18th Century Flemish Wood Carved Nativity Angels
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Superb pair of nativity angels. Wood carved with layers of original paint and gesso. Found in a church attic in Belgium. Fantastic craftsmanship and emo...
Category
18th Century Belgian Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Gesso, Wood
19th Century Napoleonic Prisoner of War Folk Art Corpus
Located in London, GB
19th century Napoleonic Prisoner of War Folk art Corpus
A rare and unusual example of a 19th Century hand crafted Napoleonic folk art prisoner of war corpus Christi. Later added ...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Bone
Christianity Monastery Work Mother & Child in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition.
T...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Christianity Monastery Work Mary & Jesus in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition.
T...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
19th Century Original Mexican Retablo "Exvoto" Oil on Tin
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Dated 1870, we offer this 19th century original Mexican retablo "Exvoto" oil on tin, due to the effects of time, the writing has been erased but we can read the nex:
“Le aconteció esta desgracia al niño Monico Rico el día 26 de Diciembre de 1870 que lo tumbo un caballo le quebró una pierna
“This misfortune happened to the child Monico Rico on December 26, 1870, when a horse knocked him down and broke his leg
Votive paintings...
Category
1870s Mexican Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Metal
Framed Mary and Jesus Child Wax Miniature Portrait, Brass and Glass Italy, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A lovely sentimental christianity portrait of Mary holding the Jesus Child. Framed in a beautiful brass or ormolu frame, circa 1930s or older. Portrait made of Wax.
A very pretty pi...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Italian Hand Carved Italian Folk-Art Figure of Christ
Located in London, GB
Early 19th century hand carved Italian Folk-art Figure of Christ
For sale in this LOT is a wonderful early 19th century religious Italian church artifact...
Category
1850s Italian Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood
Early-Mid 20th Century Chinese Framed Silver Buddhist Scepter of Authority
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Early-mid 20th century Chinese framed Buddhist scepter of authority. Low grade silver shows degrading before it was framed. Filled with bats & a pair of 5-toed dragons surrounding a ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Silver
Antique Christmas Tree Village Train Surround Painted Wooden Fence Gate
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This lovely, vintage Victorian style Christmas tree surround fencing will create an old fashioned quaint decoration or display. There are four sides that each measure 40 inches to 42...
Category
Early 20th Century North American Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood, Paint
Bavarian Votiv Tablet early 19th century
Located in Wien, AT
Bavarian Votiv Tablet early 19th century.
Jesus on the cross and poor souls in purgatory Oil in wood, early 19th century.
Very nice original condition with...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood
The Jews In America by David Cohen Coffee Table Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Jews In America by David Cohen, hardcover coffee table book.
Introduction by Chaim Potok.
Photographic essay.
From editor’s note: "To capture on film a cross section of the ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Paper
19th Original Mexican Oil on Canvas of San Juan Nepomuceno
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this 19th original Mexican oil on canvas of San Juan Nepomuceno.
About John of Nepomuk:
Is the saint of Bohemia (Czech Republic) who...
Category
Late 19th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Canvas
Bavarian Votiv Tablet 19th century
Located in Wien, AT
Bavarian Votiv Tablet 19th century.
Jesus at the scourge pillar, Oil on wood, dated 1840.
Very nice original condition.
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood
Folk Art religious items for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art religious items for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage religious items created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, folk art, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art religious items made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original religious items, popular names associated with this style include Rajhastani, and Par Makengo. 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 religious items differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $135 and tops out at $45,000 while the average work can sell for $1,556.