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
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
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
19th Century African Bronze Sculpture From Vienna Tobacco Museum
Located in Copenhagen, K
Rare bronze sculpture of native African smoking a large pipe
Provenance: Vienna Tobbacco Museum. This scultpure is pictured in the Kinsky Vienna auction catalog as # 467 or 468.
Category
19th Century Belizean Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
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
Vintage Persian Bakhtiari Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Bakhtiari pictorial rug from the mid-20th century.
Measures: 3' 10" x 6' 8"
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wool
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
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
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
Five Mechanical Bank Trade Cards in Frame, circa 1880s
By J. & E. Steven's Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
Five mechanical bank trade cards are displayed in two separate frames. In one frame are three polychrome trade cards, which the salesmen typically carrie...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
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
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
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
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
19th Century Miniature Chest of Drawers in Original Paint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century miniature chest of drawers in original paint.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Petite Bone Carving of an Indian Soldier
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th century figurine is hand-carved of bone to depict an Indian soldier holding a musket rifle. Modeled after Sowar cavalrymen who served under the British East India Com...
Category
20th Century Indian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bone, Paint
A Large Edwardian Rocking Horse A handsome galloper
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Large Edwardian Rocking Horse
A handsome galloper, he has the classic open mouthed expression, glass eyes and an arched neck, his bridle is a bit moth eaten
Our fine animal has a ...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Pine
Brando's Smile His Life Thought and Work Hardcover Book by Susan L. Mizruchi
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Brando's Smile His Life Thought and Work Hardcover Book by Susan L. Mizruchi.A groundbreaking work that reveals how Marlon Brando shaped his legacy in art and life.When people think ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Lacquered iron rocket, France early 20th century
Located in Firenze, IT
Lacquered iron rocket
France early 20th century
Probably part of an old amusement park attraction.
wooden stand included
37 cm
Conditions: good overall conditions, a bit of rus...
Category
1930s French Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Great Escapes Asia Hardcover Table Book by Taschen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Great Escapes Asia Hardcover Table Book by Taschen Publishing.
Asia promises multisensory marvels. Whether it’s a scorching hot curry, the vivid sounds of a local market, or an exper...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Jim Rose Legacy Collection - One Door Shaker Inspired Steel Cupboard-Miniature
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite miniature chest of drawers is inspired by Shaker furniture. Made from welded steel with a natural rust patina and vintage nail heads for the pull, this tall cabinet is fully functioning with a hinged door and latch. Inside are three shelves. Despite it's small size, it makes quite an impression!
Jim Rose Legacy...
Category
Early 2000s American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Midcentury Masai Shield, Kenya/Tanzania
Located in Schagen, NL
Masai Shield hand painted with pigments on (Cow)hide. This stunning elliptical graphic shield was probably owned by a warrior herder as younger warriors w...
Category
Mid-20th Century Kenyan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Hide
Large Vintage Boat Model
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive handmade boat or cruiser model, expertly crafted in mahogany with brass hardware and attention to detail, retaining her original motor and named Mayflower. Presented on a ...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Mortar or Grinder
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Charming 19th century folk art boat-shaped mortar or grinder, perfect for the coffee today ;) ca 1830 Sweden.
Category
19th Century European Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Large Folky Handmade Caboose-Form Toy Box
Located in New York, NY
Charming handmade toy storage box. The roof opens to revel space for toy, or whatever you'd like to store. Minor wood elements missing ( one step platform ).
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plywood
Two Silver Nomadic Kuchi Headgear
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Handcrafted in Kashmir by the nomadic Kuchi tribe of Central Asia. The large silver triangular-shaped pendant is a traditional motif in Kashmir. The upper portion has the traditional...
Category
Early 20th Century Afghan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Collection of Three Norwegian Folk Art Boxes
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pleasing assortment of three Norwegian folk decorated pantry boxes in original paint, two in salmon orange with stylized foliate designs, the third in deep...
Category
19th Century Norwegian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Large Danish 19th Century Drum
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large original painted 19th Century drum with one original stick.
Category
19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Crusty Ramshackle Sanatorium/Institutional Model
Located in Seattle, WA
freaky, spooky yet whimsical carved and painted model of a late 19th century/turn of the century institutional building, possibly a sanitorium. Painted windows and carved chimneys w...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
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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