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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
Abstract Cubist Iron American Church Crucifix
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Vintage iron abstract cubist crucifix from American Church. Found in the midwest. Great detail. Quite heavy.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Religious Items

Materials

Iron

Set of Three Mesquite Wood Crosses Found in Zacatecas, circa 1900
Located in Guadalajra, Jal
Set of three mesquite wood crosses with colorful indigenous fabrics, quite rare, circa 1900.
Category

Mid-19th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art Religious Items

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Bezalel Jerusalem Shabbat Tray
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th century Bezalel Jerusalem wooden tray inlaid with Jerusalem stone and mother of pearl. The large tray is carved with the Seven Species on its...
Category

Early 20th Century Israeli Folk Art Religious Items

Materials

Marble

A Wooden Doll for a Religious Procession
Located in Washington, DC
A Wooden Doll for a Religious Procession.
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Religious Items

Materials

Wood

Indian Goddess Figurine Statue
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully authentic hand carved statue of an Indian deity goddess. Distressed paint finish.
Category

18th Century and Earlier Indian Antique Folk Art Religious Items

Materials

Paint

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.

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