Skip to main content

Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

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.

to
55
318
238
556
19
2
1,967
909
847
816
468
327
279
237
205
142
132
100
65
61
51
38
37
6
125
425
21
154
154
38
31
24
21
46
18
26
11
6
3
1
232
218
113
80
51
301
147
136
123
46
577
577
577
19
6
5
5
5
Style: Folk Art
Antique Fox Figural Cigar Cutter, silvered Metal 1930s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1930s or older silvered Metal Cigar Cutter. Very rare large size cigar cutter in the form of a fox. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. It has its all origin...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

19th Century Hand Carved Masonic Gavel
Located in London, GB
19th Century Hand Carved Masonic Gavel A rare example of a 19th Century hand carved masonic gavel. With some amazing detail across all this artifact. Inscribed LA at the top with ...
Category

1870s British Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Lavishly-Filled German Wooden Grocery Dollhouse Store Toy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful grocery shop room box, painted and stained wood with lithographed wall and floor papers, side stair case and upper gallery, some drawers on rear w...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Porcelain, Fabric, Wood

Antique 19th century carved hardwood rosary
Located in Bilzen, BE
A rosary complete made from hardwood in the 19th century each ball is decorated with turned cirkels and have a diameter between 1 and 1.5 cm The cross is 6.5 x 3.5 cm
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Silver Overlaid Polished Steel Cowboy Spurs by Eduardo Garcia circa 1980's
Located in Stamford, CT
Deluxe silver overlaid polished steel spurs by Eduardo Garcia, circa 1980's. Pair of Cowboy / Vaquero Ranch Spurs by Eduardo Garcia (1923-2009), signed E. Garcia. 2 1/2 x 7 1/4 x 5 in. (6.4 x 18.4 x 12.7 cm.) A fine and deluxe set of best quality polished steel spurs from Eduardo Garcia of California. These beautiful spurs are richly overlaid with sterling silver beautifully etched with the stylized form of a swan, the neck and head of the swan supporting the rowel. Sixteen point rowels with the silver rowel plate and jingle bobs make these fine spurs sing! Jingle bobs make a beautiful and rich sound when walking with these on your Lucchese boots...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver, Steel

Soldier on Horse Pull Toy Vintage Folk Art Ore Mountains, German, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This old hand carved wooden Soldier and horse on wooden wheels Toy, was made in the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) in Germany. It remains fully functional. Crafted in Germany during the ...
Category

1950s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Lot of Deer, Rabbit & Hunter Putz Toy Antique German Erzgebirge Christmas 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of 14 Putz stick-legged Deers, Bunny Rabbits, Fox and a Hunter. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas nativity scene or paradise yard garden...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

American Folk-Art Steam Ship Encased Diorama
Located in London, GB
American Folk-art Steam Ship Encased Diorama We share what we love, and we love this turn of the century hand crafted American folk-art encased steam ship model...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Lot of 34 Mercury Glass Christmas Ornaments, Vintage German, 1910s - 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare vintage and antique ornament collection. The size given in the dimensions section refers to the larger Santa Claus in red Coat seen in the first pic...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mercury Glass

Model gypsies caravan, handmade and painted, folk art, English circa 1900
Located in Central England, GB
This superb and ultra rare early folk art scale model of a gypsy or traveller’s caravan is over one hundred years old. It has been beautifully hand made and finely painted. It has gl...
Category

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wrought Iron

Marble Solitaire Game 10 inch Hardwood Board 35 mixed Stone Marbles, circa 1945
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very attractive complete game of Marble Solitaire with a hardwood circular board and 35 mixed stone marbles, probably French. The circular turned board is made of polished hardwood, with a good grain figure. The board has 32 equi-spaced holes with an additional one in the centre and a gallery to the outer perimeter. Three small circular pads have been attached to the base of the board to protect the surface it sits on. It comes complete with a full set of 35 (32 Plus 3 spare) handmade playing marbles of mixed stone, clay and agate and of different colours. Some of the clay marbles...
Category

20th Century French Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone

Set of 5 Handpainted Swedish Traditional Dala Horse Toys
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of 5 Handpainted Swedish Traditional Dala Horse Toys – Designed by Nils Olsson, Sweden, Circa 1960 Experience the timeless charm of Sweden with this set of five handpainted trad...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Set of Two Antique Black Forest Deer Antler Trophies, German, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of two antique Black Forest deer antler trophies on hand carved, black lacquered wooden plaques. They are from the 1890s or older. The size given in the dimensions section refe...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Antler, Wood

Lot of Eight Miniature Antique German Dollhouse Toys Accessories 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature set of 8 antique German Dollhouse Miniatures is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts al...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Pewter

Vintage Handmade Red and Mustard Backgammon Board, Folk Art Decor, Graphic Art
Located in Chicago, IL
Colorful and graphic hand-crafted vintage backgammon board for function or decor. Would make striking wall art in a primitive or folk art setting. Origin unknown. Does not fold. Made...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Wooden Hand Crafted Trench Folk Art Toy Castle Medieval Knight, German, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Offered is an absolutely stunning toy castle, it is a beautiful example of early 20th century trench folk art, German handmade craft. The architectural detailing in the crenellated t...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

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 Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gesso, Wood

Rare Set of Twelve Toadstool Mushroom Christmas Ornaments Vintage, German, 1940s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set of twelve mushrooms. Each is made from thin mouth blown glass. This would be a great antique addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Found at an Es...
Category

1940s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wire

Antique 19th century pewter hourglass
Located in Bilzen, BE
A 19th century 4-column hourglass made entirely of pewter. Height 17.5 cm, base 10 x 10 cm.
Category

19th Century German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Pewter

20th Century Diorama Folk Art Three Mast Model Ship in a Bottle English, C 1930
Located in Central England, GB
A fine Diorama Folk Art Model ship in a bottle This skilfully made diorama of a three-mast early 19th century sailing ship at harbour with a raised landscape behind and cottages set...
Category

20th Century English Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass

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 Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

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 Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Ceramic

Antique European Carved Gilt And Polychrome Coat Of Arms Wall Plaque
Located in Nuernberg, DE
We are delighted to offer for sale this highly collectable hand carved coat of arms featuring a knightly crest. This is an exceptionally well made and decorative piece. It is a very...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Vintage Red Deer Antler Handle Cigar Cutter Germany 1960s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage cigar cutter with handmade red deer antler handle. One of a kind item. Highly collectable piece. Manufactured by a unknown Company in Germany. Manufactured in Germany in prob...
Category

1960s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

19th Century English Folk Art Encased Ship Diorama
Located in London, GB
19th Century Folk Art Encased Ship Diorama A delightful and highly decorated example of a late 19th century English folk art ships model diorama...
Category

19th Century British Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Wood

Picasso's Vollard Suite Book by Pablo Picasso
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Picasso's Vollard Suite Book by Pablo Picasso. Soft cover, Paperback "Picasso's most memorable etchings an extremely important as well as moving group of pictures." --"Art Review"...
Category

20th Century European Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Combination Board Game of Marble Solitaire and Tiddlywinks, circa 1925
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a complete combination board game of marble solitaire and tiddlywinks, dating to the early 20th century. This is a most unusual and very de...
Category

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

19th Century Ships Salt Beef Barrel, Oak and Brass Ships Storage Tub
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Ships Salt Beef Barrel, Oak and Brass Ships Storage Tub A survivor from the 18th Century, this excellent piece would have been used for sto...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Antler Handle Fixed Blade Knife with Leather Sheath Antique German Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A antique Knife from Solingen, Germany. Deer antler or stag handle with original sheath 3.13" blade, 6.75" Overall. Used in good condition with some sharpe...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

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 Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Shepherd & Wooly Sheep Putz Toy Set Antique German Christmas 1900s, original Box
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of eleven Putz stick-legged sheep with a shepherd boy and his dog. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas nativit...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

Petite Devil Krampus Hand Puppet Toy, Antique Vintage Germany
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is a wonderful depiction of Krampus or the devil puppet. The item is approximately 16 inches tall and has a fabric body to slip in with your hand. Height was measured from foot ...
Category

1930s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

Germany vintage Hausser Children's Tricycle 1950s / 60s - Old toy - Collectible
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Hausser Toy Company (also known from the Elastolin Figures) Germany blue red and beige children's tricycle, in iron, sheet metal and tubes - This tricycle has small rotating pedals o...
Category

1950s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Marble Solitaire Game Hardwood Board with 34 old Glass swirl Marbles, Circa 1930
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good Marble Solitaire game, having a very good hardwood board and a complete set of 34 glass swirl marbles, all dating to the first half of the 20th century. The circular ...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

"Organ Bank" with Cat and Dog, circa 1882, American
By Kyser & Rex Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
This American cast iron bank known as "Organ Bank" (Cat and Dog), was manufactured by Kyser & Rex Company, Frankford, Pennsylvania in 1882. It conforms exac...
Category

1880s American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Six Kobe Toys, Japanese, Meiji Period, circa 1895
By Kobe Toys
Located in Incline Village, NV
Kobe Toys are very mysterious and not much is known about them. They were created and hand made, strictly for tourists and foreigners (never exported) during ...
Category

1890s Japanese Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ebony

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 Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

One of a Kind Italian Pair Deco Modern Art Lamps with Cast Brass Carnival Masks
Located in New York, NY
1980s vintage Italian pair of very rare lamps, entirely handmade in cast polished brass, uniquely decorated with carnival masks in different sizes, each different from the other, rai...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Metal

19th Century Hand Written Persian Book
Located in London, GB
19th century oil on board of a Blacksmith Of rectangular form, the papier Mache and ebonised cover is finely painted, covered in flowers and a circular motif to the central section...
Category

1850s Unknown Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Traditional Wooden Artist Mannequin Model Doll Vintage Italy, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A handmade wooden Artist mannequin model - all joints move as they should. Found on a Estate sale in Verona, Italy. Shows some wear - but looks beautiful on display! Some scratches a...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Wooly Sheep Pull Putz Toy Antique German Christmas 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German Putz stick-legged sheep on a wooden platform with metal wheels. It is a genuine antique German Christmas toy. As it is old, it show the e...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

Antique Black Forest Brienz Wood Carved Dog Walking Stick Cane, 1890s, Germany
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful hand carved dog head walking stick cane. Manufactured in the Black Forest or Brienz Area at the end of the 19th century. Wonderfully expressive representation of a bulldog ...
Category

1890s German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Wood

Early 19th Century Danish Articulated Artist’s Mannequin
Located in Kastrup, DK
Beautifully crafted, large articulated artist’s mannequin made from pine wood, dating from the early 19th century. It features jointed limbs and remains in its original condition, w...
Category

Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Pine

The Technique of Landscape Painting Hardcover by Frederic Taubes 1966
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Technique of Landscape Painting Hardcover Book by Frederic Taubes 1966. FIRST PRINTING 175 pages. Profusely illustrated with color and black and white captioned photos and drawin...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Rare Set of Six Mercury Glass & Cotton Christmas Ornament Vintage, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set from Germany or Austria. Each is made from mouth blown glass, one of pressed cotton, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. ...
Category

1910s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wire

Traditional Wooden Artist Mannequin Model Doll Vintage Italy, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A handmade wooden Artist mannequin model - all joints move as they should. Found on a Estate sale in Verona, Italy. Shows some wear - but looks beautiful on display! Some scratches a...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Early 20th Century Toy Noah's Ark, German
Located in Incline Village, NV
Toy Noah’s Arks for children to play with were very popular in the late 19th and early 20th century, and Germany was very prolific in their production. This particular ark is all ori...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

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 Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Set of 8 Antique Christmas Putz Houses, , Christmas Decorations
By Leo Putz
Located in Buffalo, NY
8 Antique Christmas Putz Houses Here we have from the local estate of the original owner a VERY Rare group of 8 Large Putz Houses in their original b...
Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Very Long Racing Scull or Oar from Eton College Windsor
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Very Long Racing Scull or Oar from Eton College Windsor This is a fine quality extra long oar from Eton College, the spoon or blade has blue chevrons ...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ash

Moroccan Khoumya Tribal Dagger, 20th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Moroccan Khoumya Tribal hand -crafted and hand-carved dagger with brass scabbard and a chiseled wooden grip. Hand made by Moroccan artisans and is one-of-a-kind. Good condition wit...
Category

20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Steel

Complete Book of Traditional Aran Knitting by Shelagh Hollingworth 1982
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Complete book of traditional Aran knitting Book by Shelagh Hollingworth. Collects patterns for knitting shirts, sweaters, jackets, coats, and other clothes in the style of the Aran Islands...
Category

20th Century English Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

American Three Masted Clipper Ship in Bottle on Original Wood Stand, Circa 1880
Located in Charleston, SC
American three masted clipper ship in bottle with cloth rigging in full sail on a painted sea, flanked by a sea side town with evergreen trees, a pain...
Category

1880s American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paint

Handmade Miniature Travelling Chess Set Game walnut Inlaid box, circa 1920
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good quality handmade Miniature or travelling wood chess set game of 32 pieces in its own inlaid hardwood box, which we date to the early 20th century, circa 1920. This piece is all handmade. The chess set is complete with 32 wood pieces having pegged bases. The jointed box is handmade of hardwood, possibly walnut with line inlays of a lighter wood to the top and the base. The lid is a good fit to the base and the box has brass hinges and a brass fastener to keep the lid securely closed. The inside of the lid has a fabric pad to keep the chess pieces in position when the lid is closed. Overall a quality handmade, complete, travelling chess set...
Category

Early 20th Century British Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Antique Black Forest Brienz Wood Carved Dog Walking Stick, 1890s, Austria Vienna
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful hand carved dog head walking stick cane. Manufactured in the Black Forest or Brienz Area at the end of the 19th century. Wonderfully expressive representation of a bulldog ...
Category

1890s Austrian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Wood

Large Devil or Krampus Marionette by a Master Puppet Maker, Antique Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is a wonderful depiction of Krampus or the devil puppet. The item is approximately 32 inches tall and has a skeleton, arms and legs made of wood. Height was measured from foot t...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition, Metal, Brass

Stunning Santa Claus Belsnickel Candy Container, Antique German Christmas 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This antique Santa Claus candy container made of Paper mache, composition, cardboard, felting, goose feather tree and a bunny fur beard was made in...
Category

1910s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

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 Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Folk Art collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage collectibles and curiosities 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 collectibles and curiosities made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original collectibles and curiosities, popular names associated with this style include Berber Tribes of Morocco, J. Chein & Co., Louis Marx and Company, and Nils Olsson. 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 collectibles and curiosities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $29 and tops out at $45,000 while the average work can sell for $652.

Recently Viewed

View All