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.
Style: Folk Art
Color: Brown
19th C Original Painted Game Board
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C original painted game board. Nice original Salmon and black paint.
Category
19th Century North American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
19th Chinese Checkers Game Board with Original Paint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Chinese checkers game board with original paint form Pennsylvania. beautiful colors and patina.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Large French 19th Century Hand Carved Wooden Fragment of a Marionette
Located in Buisson, FR
Very nice handcarved fragment of a marionette.
France, circa 1850. Weathered, small losses and old repairs
Measurement include the wooden base.
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Textile, Wood
Moroccan Vintage Berber Tribal Ethnic Cuff
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Moroccan Berber tribal bracelet from the High Atlas of Morocco.
Handcrafted by Berber women using Moroccan silver nickel.
The...
Category
20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Jigger Doll
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century English Folk Art jigger doll
A wonderful example of a unique Folk Art handcrafted jigger doll we have lovingly ...
Category
1930s British Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Pine, Paint
19th Century Bocce Balls, France, Set of Three
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Late 19th to early 20th century bocce balls, France, set of three
boxwood, iron and brass nails.
The first ball has the letters PP in brass, the second ha...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Iron
Large Marble Solitaire Board Game with 33 Early Handmade Clay Marbles
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a complete board game of marble solitaire with a large turned maple board from the 20th century and handmade clay or stone marbles from the mi...
Category
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stone
Pair of Canadian Folk Art Carved Japanese Internment Camp Figures or Sculptures
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of Folk Art carved figures is believed to have been made by a Japanese immigrant to Canada either while or after being interned by the Canadian government during the Second World War. The male carved figure is hand painted in vibrant colors and the base reads: June 11, 1942" and "Ontario" underneath. The nude female carving...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Softwood
Lot of Four Vintage Steiff Animals, Squirrel Camel Hamster & Giraffe, 1960s
By Steiff
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This collection of stuffed animals includes 4 figures:
1) Miniature Steiff Squirrel (No button and flag, but cardboard label). About 3.75" high.
2) Steiff Hamster (parts of flag and...
Category
1960s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mohair
Moroccan Brass Decorative Collector Dagger
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Handcrafted Moroccan brass dagger, mixed metal, copper, nickel and enamel.
Moroccan Hand carved Khoumiya dagger, of typical shape with curved bla...
Category
Late 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Brass
Antique Catholic Virgin Mary Figure Glass Dome Monastery Work, Germany Altotting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An antique glass dome with Virgin Mary figure and some other wooden and glass parts. It has also a touch relic of Agnus Dei. Found at an estate sale...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Composition
19th Century POW Shoe Snuff Box
Located in London, GB
19th Century POW shoe snuff box
We are proud to offer a 19th century POW carved wooden snuff box, The toenails have likely been replaced over time. T...
Category
1880s Unknown Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
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
Two Deer Antler Mount Trophy on Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque from Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of two vintage Black Forest deer antler trophies on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaques. I think they are from the early 20th Century probably betw...
Category
20th Century Austrian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Antler, Wood
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Swedish Folk Wooden Dala Pig Toy, circa 1960
By Nils Olsson
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Handpainted Swedish wooden traditional Dala pig toy.
Designed by Nils Olsson in Sweden, circa 1960.
Materials:
Wood
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Late 19th Century Pennsylvania Miniature Walnut & Pine Paneled Chest of Drawers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Late 19th century miniature two-drawer chest of drawers.
With paneled sides and turned feet and knobs.
Cosisting of Walnut with a pine secondary and nail construction.
Fo...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Walnut, Pine
Rare Set of Four House, Teddy Bear and Fish Christmas Ornament Vintage, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set of four. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size alwa...
Category
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wire
Wood Carved American Folk Art Muscle Car
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Hand carved Folk Art American Muscle car. Wood carved with original paint surface.
Category
1950s Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Assorted Small Black Forest Roe Buck Mounts
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Assorted Small Black Forest Roe Buck Mounts, Early 20th Century
Sold individually.
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Antler, Wood
Late 19th Century Sailor's Knot Board
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Sailor's Folk Art Knot Board, circa 1880s, an intricate and elaborate array of approximately 41 bends, hitches, knots, splices, rigging and other fa...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Rope, Oak
19th c Giant Wooden Advertising Thermometer NY Life Insurance Co "NYLIC"
Located in Savannah, GA
Giant sized forty seven inches tall wooden thermometer made by the Hoehn Company Thermomter Makers, Chambers Street, NYC. constucted of hard wood with a rounded top and beveled edges, it adverrtises NYLIC-New York Life Insurance Co. wanting Bright Young Men- Permanent Pay. Measuring Blood Heat, Summer Heat,Tempe Rate, Freezing and Zero, the glass thermometer...
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Antique Tall Copper Storage Chest
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An authentic and all original condition copper Repoussé food storage chest. Tin lined with repousse palmettes on the hinged lid. Brass top handle and lock plate. Originally acquired from a large collection of Nautical items...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Copper
Hand Carved Mexican Folk Art Archangel, circa 1940-1970 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
About
Hand carved, painted Mexican wooden folk art archangel on custom stand.
Creator Unknown. Mexico.
Date of manufacture circa 1940-1970.
Materials and techniques paint, w...
Category
Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Paint
Three Chamois Antler Mount Trophy on Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of three antique Austrian Alps Chamois antler trophies on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaques. I think they are from the 1890s or older. Tallest is approximate 10" high, 6...
Category
1890s Austrian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Antler, Wood
19th Century Diorama of Sailing Ship ‘Eleanor’
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century diorama of the sailing ship ‘Eleanor’ in original glazed case.
Painted antique shadowbox diorama of a three-masthead clipper ship alo...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Wood
Decorative Scandinavian Antique Leather-Bound Books
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 8 tall and larger size decorative Swedish leather-bound books from the 1950s. This set consist of 3 plus 5 books describing Swedish town in Swedish.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
Folk Art Scratch Built Boat, Early 20th C
Located in London, GB
Scandinavian folk art boat of 2 rigged masts - completely scratch built from pine and teak wood. Original paint finish. Handmade and dating from the earl...
Category
Early 20th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Antique Ceramic Majolica Josef Strnact Wall Plate with Landscape, Austria, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This beautiful wall decoration plate is a nice addition to your Wall. It is marked at the back. A nice addition to your toleware room or Hollywood regency interior.
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
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
Vintage Painted Wood Folk Art Showroom Trade Sign
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
American Folk Art trade sign with hand-carved "Showroom" letters and an arrow. The letters and backboard are in original paint, egg-white and petroleum green. The sign has recently b...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Pine
Antique Ceramic Majolica Josef Strnact Wall Plate with Landscape, Austria, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This beautiful wall decoration plate is a nice addition to your Wall. It is marked at the back. A nice addition to your toleware room or Hollywood regency interior.
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Tall Giant Harrods Shop Display Teddy Bear This Is a Very Rare Piece
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
5ft tall giant Harrods shop display teddy bear.
This is a very rare piece, he is one of a very few, probably only 5 that were made for Harrods shop display, he is known as James, ...
Category
Early 2000s Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Faux Fur
Vintage Russian Samovar Doll Teapot Cosy, Teapot Cover
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage Russian samovar doll teapot cosy or samovar teapot cover.
This large sized handmade doll has a molded fabric head with painted eyes, red lips and a large green dress with lots of flowers and lace finish. She's holding a bouquet of flowers in her hand and wears a typical hat.
Under her dress or skirt you see the quilted cover to place over the teapot to keep warm.
Total height of the doll is 21,65 inch or 55 cm - diameter cover is +/- 9,45 inch or 24 cm
This large teapot cosy doll for samovar is in good but used condition so has some spots of the tea on the dress and traces of use on the face.
Could still be used to keep water or tea warm and is also a beautiful large vintage doll to display between other vintage and antique dolls.
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fabric
Cigars Store / Trade Folk Art Wooden Carved Sign. c 1900
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
American Folk art wooden "CIGARS" sign from the 1920's.
Great old Store Trade sign. Wood cut to cigar shape. Lettered in Gold Paint.
In good conditions, it was a in doors sign. Perfect for any cigar smoker.
Cigars History:
A cigar is basically dried tobacco leaves that are rolled and wrapped by other tobacco leaves in order to give you a full tobacco smoking experience.
Cigars are becoming more popular all around the world recently because they are exposed to a pop culture where a lot of famous people like Michael Jordan and Arnold Schwarzenegger smoke them.
In order to understand why cigars have become very well-known, we need to take a good look at their history and where they came from. That way, we can truly understand this pop phenomenon. Here is a brief history of cigars.
Origin of Cigars
The exact origin of cigars is not entirely known but historians believe that cigars were first invented by the ancient Mayans.
The ancient Mayans would collect tobacco leaves and wrap them up in a plantain leave in order to smoke it. An ancient Mayan pot...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Puppet Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century English folk art puppet figure
We share what we love, and we love this early 20th century articulated folk art puppet figure. Made from hand carved pin, The base (handle) moves up and down to animate the puppets head. Arms are moved with the sticks. Original linen clothes...
Category
1920s European Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Pine
3 Masted Sailing Ship in a Bottle
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
3 masted sailing ship in a bottle
Detailed model ship diorama within a spirit bottle dates to circa 1920.
It portrays a three masted fully r...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Art Glass
Quirky Stick Stand, made with a WW1 Propellor
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Quirky Stick Stand, made with a WW1 Propellor
This an attractive piece of early nostalgic memorabilia, the propeller is made in wood and originates from an early aeroplane, it is silver at the tip, it stands on a teak plinth...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bentwood
Large English 18th Century Queen Anne Period Wooden Mortar And Pestle
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large English 18th Century Queen Anne Period Wooden Mortar And Pestle
Category
Late 18th Century British Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Scratch Built Church Model
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century scratch built Church model
We share what we love, and we love this scratch-built pine model of a church. Hand carved detail with gla...
Category
Early 1900s British Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Pine
1930s Austrian Horse Toy
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Beautiful 1930s Austrian horse toy. Wonderful patina.
Category
1920s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bentwood
Six Kobe Toys, Japanese, Meiji Period, circa 1900
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 during the Meiji period in Japan, which covered the years 1868...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ebony
Very Long Racing Scull or Oar from Eton College Windsor
Located in Chillerton, 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
Moorish Style, Style Mauresque French Edition Hardcover Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Moorish style, style Mauresque – 1995
French Edition by Miles Danby (Author), Nordine Haddad (Translator)
Presenting images of the architecture and decorative arts of the Islamic w...
Category
20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
19th C Checkerboard Game Board
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C original painted checkerboard game board.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
19th Century Antique Ships Chandler Shop Advertising Sign
Located in Peabody, MA
A relic from Boston’s mercantile history and the seafaring trade. This 19th century shop sign displays a fairly detailed replica of a navigator’s octant (or sextant) and the proprietor’s name and street number...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Antique German Folk Art Spun Cotton Wool Santa Claus Ornament Doll Figurine
Located in Dayton, OH
Large antique German spun cotton wool Santa Claus Christmas ornament doll with hand painted composition face.
Measure: 9".
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic, Wool, Cotton
Original Painted Game Board, Signed and Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original painted game board - signed and Dated 1935.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wool, Paint
Carved Wood Polychrome Virgin Mary Statue
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite and compelling wood statue of the Virgin Mary with polychrome paint finish. Well executed, and finely carved we believe it's 19th C Continental, or possibly US in origin. U...
Category
19th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century English Folk Art Figure
We share what we love, and we love this early 20th Century example of an English doubl...
Category
1920s European Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Pine
Late 19th Century Hand Carved And Painted Wooden Carousel Horse Head
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Hand-carved and painted massive wooden horse head, late 19th century, probably from a small carousel or children's toy. Very nice patina through peeling paint and wear.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Pewter
19th C Original Painted Checkerboard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C Original painted checkerboard.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Paint
Original Pottery Sculpture Head Planter, General Charles De Gaulle
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Original Pottery sculpture head planter, general Charles De Gaulle Political Memorabilia.
This original, one-of-a-kind pottery sculpture head is a...
Category
1950s French Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Clay
Set of 2 Hand Painted Inspirational Rowing Oars or Paddles Priced Individually
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of 2 hand painted inspirational rowing oars or paddles. Priced individually. Each in a rustic painted design having inspirational writings.
Only two left: "BISTRO" & "OUTDOOR"
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
19th Century Romanian Polychrome Wooden Rocking Horse
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming 19th century Romanian hand carved wooden rocking horse. Featuring a colorful polychrome finish on a base decorated with a floral m...
Category
19th Century Romanian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Whaler Made Bone and Ebonized Wood Round Lidded Box, circa 1850
Located in Stamford, CT
Whaler made antique bone and ebonized wood round box, circa 1850. With pierced bone medallion and delicately carved bone spiral decorative supports on the...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bone, Wood
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.
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