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.

6
519
18
1
to
48
315
204
538
538
538
1,792
949
846
796
538
449
304
243
203
191
155
154
84
67
56
50
45
40
9
134
376
19
141
131
35
25
16
25
40
17
20
12
5
3
1
236
196
100
55
47
250
162
138
91
41
23
9
7
6
4
Style: Folk Art
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

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

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paper

Rare Set of Three Santa Claus Mercury Glass Christmas Ornament Vintage, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set of three. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size always given for the tallest item...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wire

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paper

2 Miniature Picture Frames Erhard & Söhne Antique German Dollhouse Toy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare Set of two Pictures framed in Gold plated ormulu frames is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its beautiful intricate design, it is suitable for any room and adds a touch of elegance to your Dollhouse. You will get 2 Erhard and Söhne Frames and one framed pictures with a landscape to place it in your dollhouse. Made of high-quality gold-plated metal and handmade by skilled craftsmen, this original piece is a testament to the rich history of German toys. Whether you're a fan of entertainment or vintage items, this Erhard & Söhne dollhouse toy...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Gold Plate

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paper

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paper

West Germany Clip On Mercury Glass Wire Wrapped Bird on Nest Christmas Ornament
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
These are just sooo cute!! The mercury blown glass birds with long bristle tails, are sitting on spun cotton bedding, held into red mercury blown glass "ne...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wire

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paper

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paper

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paper

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

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

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, 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

Set of Two Mushrooms Scientific Models Europe , Germany 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage set of two different types of mushrooms, show Models which are native to middle Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools. Colorful...
Category

1960s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper, Wood

Stunning Large Santa Claus Belsnickle Candy Container German Christmas, Vintage
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This vintage Belsnickle Santa Claus candy container made of composition, cardboard and wood was made in the 20th century and is a charming addition ...
Category

20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

Rare Set of Three Santa Claus Mercury Glass Christmas Ornament Vintage, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set of three. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size always given for the tallest item...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wire

20th Century Erzgebirge German Noah’s Ark Putz Toy Set, Vintage Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
20th century Erzgebirge German Noah’s Ark. A wonderful example of a 20th century Erzgebirge German Noah’s Ark, With 36 assorted hand carved figures. Typically, children played with t...
Category

20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Monumental 19th Century Dutch Church Painted Wood Cross
Located in Forney, TX
A massive nearly 10 foot tall by 5.5 foot wide antique Dutch ecclesiastical wooden cross. Hand-crafted in the Netherlands in the 19th century, very large sculptural Celtic cross for...
Category

19th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Deer Antler Mount Trophy on Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque German Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An antique Black Forest deer antler trophy on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaque. We beliefe its from the Late 19th Century. A nice addition to your hunters loge, cabin, man cav...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Antler, Wood

Large German Folk Art Horse-Drawn Sleigh
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Large decorative german folk art horse-drawn sleigh from the late 19th century. Dimensions: 87 cm high / 34.25 inch high, 250 cm wide / 98.42 inch wide, 106 cm deep / 41.73 inch d...
Category

Late 19th Century German 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

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

Collection of Treen Kitchenalia, Butter Marker This is a great little Collectio
Located in Chillerton, 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

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

Antique Red Fox Skull Taxidermy, Germany ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Red Fox Skull Taxidermy, Germany ca. 1900s An antique taxidermied skull of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) mounted on an ebonized wooden turned ba...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bone, 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

Set of 2 Antique Miniature German Boule Biedermeier Dollhouse Chairs, 1860-1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature antique German wooden Boule set of Chairs with fine golden transfers, dated about 1860s to 1890s. Made by one of the famous German toy...
Category

1890s German Antique 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

18th Century Naples Italy nativity figure
Located in London, GB
18th Century Naples, Italy nativity figure A larger than normal late 18th Century Italian nativity figure. Hand carved articulated pine joint limbs,...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Pine

Two Deer Antler Mount Trophy on Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque German Folk Art
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. Measurement'...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Antler, Wood

Vtg Blown Glass Painted Peter Rabbit Easter Bunny Christmas Ornament Tree Topper
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
Such vintage sweetness!! I don't know if this is an early Peter Rabbit or Easter Bunny or just a Christmas ornament in the shape of a bunny but it is adorable!1 The ornament has been from clear glass into the bunny shape and is overpainted with the white & light brown fur, fun pink vest...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Blown Glass, Paint

Blown Glass Angel Caroler Gold Robe West Germany Christmas Ornament
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
What an incredibly cute angel caroler Christmas ornament made from blown glass with textured yellow pieces glued to the head for hair and gold textured pieces glued down the front an...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Blown Glass, Paint

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

Miniature Corner Shelf Erhard & Söhne Antique German Dollhouse Toy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature antique German corner shelf is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its beau...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Gold Plate

Antique Ex voto Male Figure, Infant, Infant Jesus, Silver Italy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique and large ex voto in the shape of a male figure, in silver, from the 1890s to the 1900s, Italy. Perfect vintage condition, there are no breakages or signs of repairs. Beautif...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver, Sheet Metal

19th Century South America "Slave" shrine
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Solid wood, with original patina from the time. Made by slaves, during the dark slavery times, to worship and pray. Dimensions: 18,70 inches W x 33,26 inches H x 10,62 inches D. ...
Category

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

Materials

Cedar

Antique Miniature German Boule Biedermeier Dollhouse Bed Room Furniture 1860-90s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature antique German wooden Boule Bedroom Furniture set with fine golden transfers, dated about 1860s to 1890s. Made by one of the famous German toy companies. A very lovely Furniture set for antique dolls and for dollhouses. Measurements given in dimensions section refers to the bed. The small Vanity desk...
Category

1890s German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Miniature Bimini Glass Antique German Hand-blown Decanter Set for Dollhouse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature antique German Bimini decanter set is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its b...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass

Antique Real Skull of a Badger, Germany ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Real Skull of a Badger, Germany ca. 1900s An antique taxidermied skull of the badger (Meles meles) mounted on an ebonized wooden turned base. ...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bone, Wood

Handmade Rajasthani Kathputli Dancing Puppet Couple Jaipur India 1950s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Large pair of vintage 1950s string marionettes, these magnificent Rajasthani Kathputli puppets came from the vibrant state of Rajasthan in northwestern India. Meticulously handcrafte...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Textile, Silk, Wood

1920s Ludwig & Ludwig Hand Painted Bass Drum / lamp, Folk Art
Located in Buffalo, NY
Wonderful 1920s Ludwig & Ludwig Bass Drum / lamp, Folk Art,, Hand painted Art Deco woman figure,,spider web and spider.Collectable drum and an amazing piece of art,,
Category

1920s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Four Deer Antler Mount Trophy Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque German Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of four vintage Black Forest deer antler trophies on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaques. All dated between 1906 - 1915. Measurement's given in dimensions section refers t...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Antler, Wood

(4) Early Vintage All Original Toy Cars. Porsche, Limo, Lehman Sedan, Race Car
Located in Incline Village, NV
All four toys cars are being sold for one price; as a lot. Please see descriptions below. Videos available on request (they display operation). 1) Early Vintage Chein Company All Tin Toy Wind-Up Limousine, American, Circa 1930 This is one of the earlier, New York City based, J. Chein Company, tin toy pieces. They started doing lithography in 1930. This toy wind-up sedan was made circa 1930 and is brightly lithographed and painted in red and yellow, with grey and red balloon wheels. All tin, this car is quite scarce and well proportioned and stream lined with a visor over the windshield, a fancy checkered, red and yellow running board, and three cut out windows to each side of the car; very luxurious and cool looking. Markings consist of "N.J.-44"; the word "Stop" in a logo of some kind; and Chein logo attesting to "Made in U.S.A." manufacture. (see image). Also "marked" and of note are the tires "Chein Balloon Cord" "U.S.A." and "33 x 6 00.6 Ply" Car is from my own collection and is in very good and all original condition with no touch-up paint or repaint, and no restoration of any kind; fabulous colors and presence. The car works fine; see video for operation of the limousine (on request).. Dimensions: 7 1/4" long x 3 1/2" wide x 3" high 2) Rare 911 Porsche Friction Tin Toy by Bandai Toy Co. Made in Japan Circa 1960's Offered here is a whitish/cream colored friction tin toy 911 Porsche circa 1960's, marked at the bottom; "Porsche" in addition to the Bandai Toy Company logo embossed, along with "Made in Japan" designation being noted. The Bandai Toy Company is a post war toy company established in Taito, Japan circa 1950 and is still conducting business today, albeit, it has shifted from toy manufacturing to video toy accessories. This is a very rare toy and is coveted by collectors of both toys and fast cars. Except for the odd and minor scratch here and there, the toy is in very nice, all original condition with absolutely no restoration or touch up to the paint or mechanism (see images). The action and friction functionality works well (see video on request). Motor and engine mechanics and nomenclature are colorfully displayed through the plastic rear trunk window (see image); while the colorful interior can be seen through the side window. Car is all tin, with rubber tires and plastic windows. Dimensions: 10 1/4" long x 4" wide x 3 1/4" high. Note that this toy doesn't become available very often and the few that have turned up in recent years , don't work. 3) Vintage Free Wheeling Green Lithographed All Tin Racing Car. French, Circa 1930 Circa 1930's free wheeling green lithographed all tin racing car, with attached pressed steel driver; it is probably of French manufacturer (the only time I have seen for sale was from a French toy dealer). This scarce toy has markings resembling early racing cars with the streamlined style graphics in yellow and green; standard grill; exhaust four manifolds to each side, and a spare tire attached to the rear; looks like an early Le Mans type car with the spare (see images). Other markings include the number "3:" on each side; "510 x 1" on the rear tire"; and probably the makers mark and logo, which I can't identify, on the top right behind the driver (see images). Not being a wind-up or a friction toy, this racing car was pushed across the floor by hand or/and used as an accessory in a toy train layout setup. The car is in excellent and all original condition (remarkable for a nearly 100 year old floor toy), with no dents, no touch-up paint and absolutely no restoration.. Provenance: From my own collection of toys and banks, having been purchased 33 years ago in 1990. Dimensions: 8 1/4" long x 2 1/2" wide x 2 1/2" high 4) Lehman Auto "Ito" Sedan, Germany, circa 1913 This hand-painted German tin toy was manufactured by the "Lehman Toy Company" in Brandenburg, Germany beginning in 1913. It was made for a number of years after that, enjoying about a 20 year run. Entitled "Ito" it operates by winding up the attached key wind mechanism, placing it on the floor, and watching it go. The car is in very good all original condition with no repairs and no repaint. It runs well. There are a number of markings on the car including "Lehman" with the corresponding logo and the number 679 on the rear. The side of the has the patent information "Pat'd 12 May 1903; 13 Sept. 1904; and U.S.A. 2 Dec. 1913". Hand-painted nicely in red and black with black and gold trim; the hand-painted driver is in blue with flesh tones to the face. Dimensions: 7" long x 3" wide x 3 1/2" high. Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys and banks; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Original Mexican Retablo "Exvotos" Oil on Tin
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this original Mexican ex voto. Michoacán México 1958 J. Jesus Huaracha Orejel da gracias a dios nuestro señor que por intersección de San Nic...
Category

1950s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Set of 4 snuff bottles, glass, mid-century, tobacco, Bavarian forest, Germany
Located in Wien, AT
Set of four glass snuff bottles, very rare from the 1960s/70s, made of one of the glassworks - probably Joska Kristall, in the Bohemian Forest, Germany. These are collection items t...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Blown Glass

Antique Real Skull of a Duck, Germany ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Real Skull of a Duck, Germany ca. 1900s An antique taxidermied skull of the duck (Anas platyrhynchos domestica) mounted on an ebonized wooden ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Bone

Miniature Flower Stand Basket Erhard & Söhne Antique German Dollhouse Toy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature antique German Flower Stand Basket is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its beautiful intricate design, it is suitable for any room and adds a touch of elegance to your Dollhouse. The set includes also a bouquet of flowers and the stand, all in very good condition. Made of high-quality gold-plated metal and handmade by skilled craftsmen, this original piece is a testament to the rich history of German toys. Whether you're a fan of entertainment or vintage items, this Erhard & Söhne dollhouse toy...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Gold Plate

Original 1960s Hand Painted Hippie Hardhat Bay Area Artifact
Located in Oakland, CA
Original 1960s hand painted Hippie hardhat, embellished with Peace Signs, Flowers and the words Peace, Love and Hi. Painted with green, silver, white and pale blue. The brim has cont...
Category

1960s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

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

Rare Set of Three Grape Christmas Ornament Vintage, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set of three. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size alw...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wire

Chess Set with Crusader and Saracen Figures An interesting slant on the game
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Chess Set with Crusader and Saracen Figures An interesting slant on the game of chess, these large figures are made in a stone and resin compound, they have been hand painted and ar...
Category

Early 2000s Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Resin

Vintage Tin Wind-up Toy "Doughboy" by J.Chein Company. American Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
Of American manufacture, by the J. Chein Toy Company in New York City; this early 1930's vintage tin toy depicts a World War I "Doughboy" or American infantryman wearing his back pack and green "fatigues", and when wound up and released on the floor, he walks along (more like waddles along) in a "happy go lucky" manner ------works great! (see attached video). The toy is in excellent and completely all original condition with no restoration and no touch up paint. The lithography and paint is bright and shows little wear except for a couple of superficial scratches on the back (see images). Dimensions: 6" high x 2 3/4" wide x 2 3/4" deep. Provenance: From a recently acquired prominent collection of vintage tin...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

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

San Francisco Trolley Toy Friction Car. Japan, circa 1950s
Located in Incline Village, NV
San Francisco trolley toy Friction cable car; made of all tin; important to note because this was the first of it's kind having been made in the 1950s. They were all tin (no plastic); 7 1/4" long (not shorter); green (not red or multi-clored); "Bay and Taylor St" placard; #504" and most importantly the figures are actual FIGURES made of formed pressed steel and then hand painted and lithographed. Cheaper later models were simply lithographed into the flat sheet steel. Also, my example works (see video). It is a friction toy...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

1970 Norman Rockwell: Artist and Illustrator Oversized Heavy Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Norman Rockwell: Artist and Illustrator BY NORMAN ROCKWELL. Buechner, Thomas S. Published by New York, Harry N. Abrahams, 1970. Large heavy oversized hardcover coffee table book. Fir...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

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