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.
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Style: Folk Art
Vintage Brooke Bond Tea and Coffee Cast Iron Horse and Wagon with Driver
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Brooke Bond Tea and Coffee Cast Iron Horse and Wagon, Driver included.
Please look at all the pictures antique Cast iron coach, horse and wagon in good vintage condition, whe...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Early 20th C Game Board with Orig Painted Black and Red Squares
Located in Troy, MI
Found in England, this circa 1900 hand painted checker board with black and red squares and thin yellow and green outline at the outer border. Board is slightly bowed with age.
Category
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Ceramic Inkwell, Late 19th Century, Sweden
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Fantastic ceramic inkwell, with what seems to be a pottery oven in the midst of two naivistic lions. You lift of the top lid to place pens and lift up the two lions heads for ink. Co...
Category
1870s Swedish Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Small Danish Wooden Tobacco Jar, circa 1800-1825
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small Circular Danish wooden tobacco jar, circa 1800-1825
The jar has "TOBAK" and illustrations of two chalk pipes painted on one side of the jar...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Birch
Early 20th century barbers point of sale hair comb and brush
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century barbers point of sale hair comb and brush
We share what we love, and we love this rare example of an oversized point of sale barbers hair...
Category
1930s British Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic, Wood
Spelter Still Bank "Seated Cat with a Bow" German, circa 1920
Located in Incline Village, NV
The term "spelter" refers to a zinc/lead metal compound used to pour and make castings. Because of the thinness of the castings there is great detail to the subject matter of these banks. Spelter banks...
Category
1920s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Spelter
African Urembo Beaded Vintage Necklace Choker by the Maasai Tribe Kenya
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage African Urembo beaded necklace choker.
Handmade in Kenya by the maasai tribe.
Urembo means “beauty” and the handmade pattern and unique ...
Category
Late 20th Century Kenyan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Beads
Artificial Smoked Ham Country Kitchen Folk Art Decoration Vintage Belgium 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A vintage Belgium Decorative Item nice to display in your country style home or kitchen. Found at an Estate Sale in Brussels, Belgium.
Category
1950s Belgian Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic, Rubber
Artificial Pepperoni Sausage Country Kitchen Folk Art Decoration Vintage 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A vintage Belgium Decorative Item nice to display in your country style home or kitchen. Found at an Estate Sale in Brussels, Belgium.
Category
1950s Belgian Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic, Rubber
Artificial Smoked Ham Country Kitchen Folk Art Decoration Vintage Belgium 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A vintage Belgium Decorative Item nice to display in your country style home or kitchen. Found at an Estate Sale in Brussels, Belgium.
Category
1950s Belgian Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic, Rubber
"Woodie Wagon Brooklyn Taxi" Sculpture by Paul Jacobsen
By Paul Jacobsen
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Custom sculpture constructed of painted wood.
Paul Jacobsen used everyday objects, such as chairs, cars, airplanes, trains, motorcycles and puzzles, all built from scratch and turns...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Vintage African Urembo Beaded Necklace Choker Kenya
Located in North Hollywood, CA
African Urembo Beaded vintage necklace choker by the Maasai Tribe Kenya
Vintage African Urembo beaded necklace choker.
Handmade in Kenya by the ...
Category
Late 20th Century Kenyan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Beads
Vintage African Mandingo Tuareg Dagger Mali West Africa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage African Mandingo Tribal Tuareg Dagger Mali West Africa.Collectible Tuareg Knife from Mali circa 1950s.This collectible dagger was hand-crafted by...
Category
Mid-20th Century Malian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Johnny Hallyday's 50 Year Career The Official Book Collection French Edition
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Johnny Hallyday's 50-Year Career - The Official Book Collection. French Limited Edition.
The official collection celebrating Johnny Hallyday's 50-year career consists of twenty-three...
Category
Late 20th Century French Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Call of the Desert The Sahara Hardcover Book by Philippe Bourseiller
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Call of the Desert: The Sahara Hardcover Book.
Philippe Bourseiller
Harry N. Abrams, Nov 1, 2004 - Nature - 424 pages
Photographer Bourseiller embarked on the first truly comprehe...
Category
Early 2000s African Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
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
Femmes, Women by Colette Gouvion Large Hardcover Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Femmes Hardcover large heavy book – 21 Oct. 2003
Women by Colette Gouvion
French edition French Text:
All over the world, women are fighting. For their rights, their freedom, thei...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Elvis Presley Commemorative Mechanical Bank "Cleveland Rock and Roll" circa 2006
By Reynolds Toys
Located in Incline Village, NV
Made to commemorate the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame located in Cleveland, Ohio, this cast aluminum mechanical bank depicts Elvis Presley in full gala attire, typical of Elvis, with wh...
Category
Early 2000s American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Staffordshire Pearlware Long Case Clock
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire Pottery pearlware model which features a long case clock, stood on a marbleised base. Decorated 'in the round' - decoration to front and ...
Category
1820s English Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Pottery
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
Antique French Marionette
Located in Houston, TX
We found this wonderful 19th century French Marionette in Rouen France. The puppet, and its art form, have been a mainstay of French cultural life f...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fabric, Wood
West Germany Blown Glass Brown Dog Christmas Ornament
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
What an adorable reddish brown shiny dog ornament. He is standing on his hind legs and is so cute, I just want to scratch his belly. There is white overpaint on his droopy ears, nos...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Blown Glass
Blown Glass Blue Baby Shoe/Boot Christmas Ornament w/ White Glitter Paint
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This little blown glass Christmas ornament baby boot is as sweet as can be! It is in good condition and would make a fabulous gift for a baby's f...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Blown Glass, Paint
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Antique Folk Art Carved Wooden Sculpture of the 'Old Grand Dad' Whiskey Logo
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique Folk Art carved wooden sculpture is initialed on the base, but the artist is unknown. It is presumed this carving was done in the United States in 1945 in a Folk Art sty...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Hardwood
A painted model of a famous English medieval house built from matchsticks C1910
Located in Central England, GB
This superb highly detailed English folk art model dates to the early 20th century and depicts a complicated half timbered and thatched famous Hereford property entitled “The Old Hou...
Category
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Other
The Fabric of Moroccan Life Book by Ivo Grammet and Niloo Imami Paydar
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Fabric of Moroccan Life Book by Ivo Grammet and Niloo Imami Paydar.
By Indianapolis Museum of Art.
For centuries, the people of Morocco have been producing magnificent embroide...
Category
20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Early 20th Century Oak Ships Wheel A wonderful and decorative piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Early 20th Century Oak Ships Wheel
A wonderful and decorative piece, made in solid oak with turned spindles radiating out from the drum and highlighter with brass work
The Wheel is ...
Category
1910s Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Oak
Rarities in American Cut-Glass
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Rarities in American cut-glass.
Index, black & white and color photographs. Book in very nice condition, head and tail of spine lightly bumped, light bump on top edge cover, light foxing inside front and rear covers, light insect depredation on open edges. Dust jacket has light foxing, chips and tiny tears to edges, rubs on back cover. First edition copy inscribed by author on first page, "Enjoy the Fine (five?) xxxxx (can't read it) pictured in the book. Herb Wiener." An exhibit of over 475 of the rarest pieces of cut glass ever to be manufactured in the United States.
Wiener, Herb; Freda Lipkowitz
Published by The Collectors House...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Young Americans New American Art in the Saatchi Collection
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Young Americans: New American Art in the Saatchi Collection
Book by Jeffrey Deitch
Published to accompany exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery, London; 2...
Category
Late 20th Century English Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
Beaded Ndebele Initiation Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
Vintage Leather Medicine Ball
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Vintage heavy leather medicine ball. Great worn chocolate brown leather patina. Hand-painted team info or weight numbers on side.
Category
1920s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Collection of Three Black Vintage Leather Medicine Balls
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Great vintage collection of three black leather medicine balls. Excellent warm vintage patina. Traces of white painted team letters and numbers.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Marble
American Legion Baseball and Basketball Folk Art Paintings
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Pair of baseball and basketball paintings found in a Midwestern American Legion hall. These were proudly displayed behind the legion hall bar. Grea...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Collection of Treen Kitchenalia, Butter Marker This is a great little Collectio
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Collection of Treen Kitchenalia, Butter Marker
This is a great little Collection of Treen Kitchenalia, a Butter Marker, this has a naive cow carving, a lemon squeezer and a turned sycamore egg cup
A good set for the collector, a bit of historical wood worm on the butter Stamp...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sycamore
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Christmas Elf with Beer Barrel Money Bank
Located in Copenhagen, K
Fantastic elf or "Nisse" as it is called in Danish, with a beer barrel. The "Nisse" used to live in every farmhouse and you had to threat him nicely and ma...
Category
1870s Danish Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Earthenware
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
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Popeye rare cloth rag doll, 1950s
Located in Firenze, IT
Popeye rare cloth rag doll
USA 1950s
Cloth, sponge, plastic pipe
H 100 cm - 56 x 30 cm
Conditions: overall good conditions consistent with age and use
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fabric
Large Antler Table Clock, Centerpiece And Smoke Stand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large antler table clock, centerpiece and smoke stand.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Antler
Rare Pewter Vesta Case, As a Bull Dog’s Head
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Rare Pewter Vesta Case, As a Bull Dog’s Head
A very detailed and attractive piece, Match Holder Striker in the form of a Bull Dog’s Head, the vesta has a top store for matches and ...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Pewter
Folk Art Steamship of Large-Scale
Located in Buchanan, MI
Charming Folk Art steamship of impressive scale.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Broadway Musical Martin Gottfried Large Hardcover Book 1980
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Broadway Musical Martin Gottfried 1980 hardcover book.Large heavy book.
A colorful tribute to the great Broadway shows of our time.
Profusely illustrated in color. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
Title Broadway Musicals Author Gottfried, Martin
Format/Binding Hardcover
Binding Hardcover
Publisher Harry N. Abrams
Place Of Publication NY
Date Published 1980 2nd printing.
395 illustrations, 112 in full color.
Great oversized heavy coffee table art book.
A true treasure of a book. This is a very large book, and not just width wise. It is very tall too. There are many pictures, a lot of them in color. They have some of the rarest flops featured toward the back of the book, and the classics are all here too. Some high points are the run-through of how they make (made) "Annie" run every night. There is also a synopsis of "Hello Dolly" which helpful since I have only seen the movie. There is a flaw though, and it is not insignificant. The author does not separate fact from opinion. Example: "Sweeney Todd...
Category
Late 20th Century North American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Johnny La Vie en Rock French Edition Paper Back Johnny Hallyday French Rock Star
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Johnny - La vie en Rock French Edition Paperback.
Even those under twenty know him: Johnny Hallyday has become, over the years, a monument of French rock. Born into the entertainment...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Danish 19th Century Faience Money Bank In The Shape Of A Clogs
Located in Copenhagen, K
Danish 19th Century Faience Money Bank In The Shape Of A Clogs
Category
Late 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Earthenware
Wooden Patinated Folk Art Jack Sculpture Bookend
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This game-inspired large jack sculpture complements end tables, bookcases, and even kitchen tables. Nicely patinated wood gives a rustic, cozy fee...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Quirky Stick Stand, made with a WW1 Propellor
Located in Godshill, 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 University Chart “Physical Map of Africa” by Bacon
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large university chart “Physical Map of Africa” by Bacon
W&A K Johnston’s Charts of Physical Maps By G W Bacon,
This is colorful Physical map of North America, it is large lithograph set...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Linen
19th Century Painted Dress Model or Doll
Located in Troy, NY
Beautiful example of a dress model with a sweet, expressive face. The slightly distressed paint adds to its charm.
Our pieces are left in lived-in condition, pending our custom cons...
Category
19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Collection of 19th Century Cloth Animal Toys
Located in Stockton, NJ
A collection of thirteen mid-19th century Amish stuffed cloth toys. Featuring various cattle, elephant, zebra, camel, ducks, and ducks. Excellent decorative piece. Largest measures 6...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fabric
19th Century French Wig Stand by Louis Danjard
Located in New York, NY
This Surreal-looking object was made as a wig stand in mid-19th century France by Louis Danjard. It was probably in the legendary Folk Art collection of the important American sculpt...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paint
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.