Skip to main content

Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

FOLK ART STYLE

Folk art is a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Antique, new and vintage folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, duck decoys, portraiture and paintings, carnival art and quilts.

Quilts are a quintessential part of American folk art but their roots are international, with quilting dating back to Ancient Egypt. The practice spread to Europe and was especially prominent in the Middle Ages, with one of the oldest surviving examples being the Tristan quilt made in Sicily in the 14th century. They were made as bedcovers and clothing, including as a layer for knights to wear beneath their armor. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.

Elsewhere, the vast range of work associated with Mexican folk art includes masks made by Mexican craftspeople for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater.

Works in the folk art tradition are valuable because of the skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story.

During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.

Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of antique, new and vintage folk art on 1stDibs.

to
43
312
240
552
19
2
2,027
897
860
815
471
342
278
242
210
145
125
99
61
60
48
41
39
9
120
423
21
155
152
40
32
25
21
45
17
26
11
6
3
1
233
218
113
77
47
300
147
138
123
36
573
573
573
19
6
5
5
5
Style: Folk Art
Very Long Racing Scull or Oar from Eton College Windsor
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Very Long Racing Scull or Oar from Eton College Windsor This is a fine quality extra long oar from Eton College, the spoon or blade has blue chevrons ...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ash

M.I. Hummel The Golden Anniversary Album Hardcover 1st Ed. 1984
By Carl Maria Hummel
Located in North Hollywood, CA
M.I. Hummel: The Golden Anniversary Album Hardcover – January 1, 1984. by Eric W. Ehrmann (Author), Robert L. Miller (Author), M.I. Hummel (Illustrator) 1st ed...
Category

Late 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Santa Fe Art. Ellis, Simone, Published by Crescent Books., New York., 1993 Large
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Santa Fe Art. Ellis, Simone. Published by Crescent Books., New York., 1993. Large hardcover book. Illustrated in black, white and color. Important refer...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Vintage Bavarian Traditional Costume Jewelry Brooch with Hunting Pendants
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Bavarian Traditional Costume Jewelry Brooch with Hunting Pendants An old Bavarian traditional costume pin. A beautiful piece of his...
Category

1950s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Silver

Blown Glass Snowman w/ Top Hat Christmas Tree Ornament
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is just the cutest little guy made of blown glass covered in a sugary snow like finish and wearing a plastic top hat with a star on top. He has rhinestones glued to his face for...
Category

20th Century Unknown Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass

Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Masterpieces at the Musee d'Orsay Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Masterpieces at the Musee d'Orsay by Anne Distel, Genieve Lacambre, Sylvie Gache-Patin, et al. Musee d'Orsay Impressionist and Post-Impressioni...
Category

Late 20th Century Indian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

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

Antique Indian Carved Wood Folk Art Walking Stick
Located in London, GB
Antique Indian carved wood folk art walking stick Indian, Late 19th Century Height 82cm, diameter 6cm Handcrafted in late 19th century India, this remarkable folk art walking s...
Category

Late 19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Set of Five Embossed Candleholders Clips Angels Antique German Christmas 1890
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas candleholder clip set off five. Each is made from thin sheet metal, this would be a great antique addition for your Christmas or feather tree. These are out of the p...
Category

1890s German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sheet Metal, Wire

Collection of (3) American Eskimo Children's Toys Two of Which are Identified
Located in Chicago, IL
Collection of (3) Native American Eskimo Toys. The kayaker in the middle is signed, "Andre Boucher", who was flat-plane woodcarver – trained at Sa...
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fur, Hide, Cotton, Wood

The World of Bruegel by Timothy Foote Hardcover Art Book in Sleeve
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The World of Bruegel, By Timothy Foote hardcover book Slipcase. The World of Bruegel: 1525-1569. The work of the Flemish artist discussed in a blend of biography and art criticism wi...
Category

20th Century Belgian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Le Polnabook Michel Polnareff French Edition Hardcover Book in Sleeve
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Le Polnabook Michel Polnareff French Edition Hardcover in Sleeve. "Le Polnabook" is authored by the French singer-songwriter Michel Polnareff. This book is a compilation of photograp...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Sculptural Antique Folk Freestanding Wooden Drum with Leather Drumhead
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique wooden drum with leather drumhead. Sculptural and freestanding, this antique Indonesian wooden drum is a striking piece that effortlessly combines form and function. Toppe...
Category

19th Century Indonesian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Wood

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

1910s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wire

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

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

Tobacco/Snuff Box In Carved Boxwood, 18th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
Carved boxwood snuffbox Very beautiful old patina. Finely carved with religious scene Period 18th century. 5 x 9.3 cm, height 2.7 cm
Category

18th Century French Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Boxwood

19th Century Bronze Pipe
Located in Copenhagen, K
Fantastic bronze pipe from the Vienna tobacco museum’s collection, from Belgian Congo.
Category

19th Century Congolese Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Emile Deyrolle 19th Century Plaster, Wire and Wood Didactic Germination Models
Located in Buffalo, NY
Les Fils D'Emile Deyrolle, Paris. Extremely rare set of five 19th century French painted plaster, wire and wood Didactic models depicting progression, Anatomie Vegetalf, beautifully ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wire

19th C Original Painted Checkerboard Game Board
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C original painted checkerboard game board. Board has great Grungy paint. Great Pitina.
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Meerschaum Pipe Bowl with Silver Mountings by Klinkosch
By J. C. Klinkosch
Located in London, GB
Meerschaum pipe bowl with silver mountings by Klinkosch Austro-Hungarian, Late 19th Century Height 19cm, width 21cm, depth 9cm Emerging from the annals of late 19th-century Austro-H...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Wooden Wind-Up Double Decker Bus
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charming painted wooden wind-up patinated white / red double-decker bus. Raw wood peeks through the original paint to make for a pleasing texture and patina. A compliment to bookshel...
Category

20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

1950's Aurora Toys Ring A Bell Carnival Style Toy
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An iron carnival style toy with wooden bead and original paper litho with pounds of pressure. Made by Aurora Toy Sales, Aurora, Illinois. A good hit will ring the bell. Dimensions: ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Antique Ottoman Inkwell Qalamdan and Pen Case in Brass, Turkey
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique Turkish Brass Pencil Case Qalamdan and Inkwell From The Ottoman Empire The interior of the brass case is divided into compartments to ho...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Shigaraki the Potters' Valley 1st Edition 1979 Japan Hardcover Book by Louise Al
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Shigaraki the potters valley 1st Edition 1979 Japan. by Louise Allison Cort. This is a study of one of the most influential ceramic traditions to emerge from Japan. It details the site of Shigaraki, its valuable wares and the potters who produced them, from their beginnings in the 10th century, to the present day. The farmer-potters of Shigaraki, a rural valley outside the ancient capital...
Category

Late 20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

National Geographic The Photo Ark The Quest to Document the World's Animals
Located in North Hollywood, CA
National Geographic The Photo Ark: One Man's Quest to Document the World's Animals. Animal Ark: Celebrating our Wild World in Poetry and Pictures (National Geographic Kids) Hardcover – February 14, 2017 Synopsis: The lush and unique photography in this book represents National Geographic's Photo Ark, a major initiative and lifelong project by photographer Joel Sartore to make portraits of the world's animals—especially those that are endangered. His powerful message, conveyed with humor, compassion, and art: to know these animals is to save them. Animal Ark: Celebrating our Wild World in Poetry and Pictures (National Geographic Kids) Hardcover – February 14, 2017 by Kwame Alexander (Author), Mary Rand Hess (Author), Deanna Nikaido Sartore is circling the globe, visiting zoos and wildlife rescue centers to create studio portraits of 12,000 species, with an emphasis on those facing extinction. With a goal of photographing every animal in captivity in the world, he has photographed more than 6,000 already and now, thanks to a multi-year partnership with National Geographic, he may reach his goal. This book showcases his animal portraits: from tiny to mammoth, from the Florida grasshopper sparrow to the greater one-horned rhinoceros. Paired with the eloquent prose of veteran wildlife writer Douglas Chadwick, and an inspiring foreword from Harrison Ford, this book presents a thought-provoking argument for saving all the species of our planet. About the Author: JOEL SARTORE is a photographer, speaker, author, teacher, and a 25-year contributor to National Geographic magazine as well as Audubon, Geo, Time, Life, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated. He has written several books including National Geographic's Rare: Portraits of America's Endangered Species, Photographing Your Family, and Let's Be Reasonable, a collection of essays from the CBS Sunday Morning show. Sartore and his work have been the subjects of several national broadcasts, including the National Geographic Channel's Explorer, the NBC Nightly News, NPR's Weekend Edition, and an hour-long PBS documentary, At Close Range. He is also a contributor on the CBS Sunday Morning Show with Charles Osgood...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Thousand Islands of the Adriatic Hardcover Book 1965 1st Edition
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Thousand Islands of the Adriatic Hardcover Book 1965. Text by Antun Soljan Published by Yugoslavija 1st edition 1965.  
Category

1960s European Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Rare Antique Wooden Child's Ride on Wooden Toy Boat by Nautilus Toy Co. London
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare antique wooden child's ride on wooden toy boat by Nautilus Toy Co. London wonderful Folk Art object. 1920s ride on toy made by the Nautilus Toy Compan...
Category

1920s English Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Between Seer and Seen: Celebrating the Artists of Santa Barbara County Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Between Seer and Seen: Celebrating the Artists of Santa Barbara County Book by Mark Robert Halper. Composed of 71 portraits and 15 still life images photographed from January to De...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Complete Book of Traditional Fair Isle Knitting by McGregor, Sheila 1982
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Complete Book Of Traditional Fair Isle Knitting By McGregor, Sheila. 1st Edition Published 1982 Title The Complete Book of Traditional Fair Isle Knitting Author McGregor, Shei...
Category

20th Century English Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Vintage Woman Figurine Lady Sewing Tailor Tape Measure
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very charming small figurine of a lady that functions as a tape measure. This vintage piece was commonly found on a sewing table and has both centimeters as well as inch measurements...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

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

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Tahiti Contemporary Art Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Tahiti : contemporary art in an age of uncertainty : Hirsch Farm Project / Mitchell Kane. The sixth annual book published by the Hirsch Farm Project, an arts-based think tank, addresses a variety of contemporary issues. The project which took place in April and July of 1996 gathered six artists to speculate on the notion of Tahiti as an allegory for contemporary uncertainties ranging from environmental havoc to oscillating geographical economies. Contributions by John Currin, Mariko Mori, Alexis Rockman...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

L'oeil Magazine International d'art n° 481 Spécial Maroc
Located in North Hollywood, CA
L'oeil Magazine International d'art n° 481 : Spécial Maroc The eye. International art magazine N ° 481: Special Morocco. Author: Collective Collection: The E...
Category

20th Century North American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Savannah Then and Now by Stefan Sanmann and John Crowell Hardcover Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Savannah Then and Now by Stefan Sanmann and John Crowell Hardcover Book. Savannah: Then and Now Hardcover – January 1, 1997 by Stefan Sanmann (Author), John Crowell (Author), Jeffrey Crowell (Photographer) Photography - 172 pages Putting archive and contemporary photographs of the same landmark side-by-side, Savannah Then and Now is a visual chronicle of the city's past The early settlers of Savannah built their houses around a geometric street plan on a bluff above the Savannah River. They were aided by the Yamacraw tribe and their aged chief, Tomochichi, who became firm friends with Savannah's founder, Englishman James Oglethorpe, and both their names are commemorated across the city. Oglethorpe's vision for "open-space squares surrounded by the rhythmic placement of streets"would later earn Savannah the prestigious status of becoming a National Historic Landmark. Savannah boomed as the cotton trade expanded in the South, and by the mid-19th century the city was thriving as it exported cotton bales to Europe and acted as a staging post for travelers. During the Civil War, in 1864, Savannah was surrendered to General William T. Sherman following his March to the Sea, which began in Atlanta and ended in Savannah. Thankfully, General Sherman spared Savannah the torch, and the elegant Georgian residences were saved. However, it took a group of resolute Savannah ladies to preserve some of the best architecture in the city in the 1950s, as many historic buildings were scheduled for demolition. Their hard work and enterprise has helped preserve the city's architectural heritage. The book features images of some of the sites referenced in John Berendt's influential book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil such as Mercer House...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

"Amérique du Sud Des Pays et des Hommes", South America Hardcover Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
”Amérique du Sud Des Pays et des hommes” book. South America - Countries and People - tome 1 Amérique du Sud tome 1: Vénézuela, Colombie, Equateur, Pérou, Bolivie, Chilie Des pays...
Category

1980s Guatemalan Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Midcentury Era Folk Art Made Collection of Miniature Antique Farm Implements
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This framed collection of over two dozen handcrafted miniature antique farm implements are all unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Canad...
Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Softwood

Chinese Painted Bamboo Walking Stick, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th-century walking stick from northern China is comprised of a length of thin bamboo that has been steamed and bent into a hook shape. The bamboo segments are painted in alter...
Category

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

Materials

Bamboo

Late 19th Century Carved Wood Folk Art Walking Stick
Located in London, GB
Late 19th century carved wood folk art walking stick Continental, Late 19th Century Height 89cm, width 6cm, depth 4cm This antique walking stick, intricately hand-carved from w...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Vintage Tin Wind Up Toy "Boy Skier" by J. Chein & Co. American Circa 1950
Located in Incline Village, NV
Very nice condition all tin, vintage wind up toy by J. Chein Company, New York City, circa 1950, "Boy Skier"; in all original paint and lithography; in ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Folk Art, Hand Executed Modernist, Art Deco Airplane /Trinket Box
Located in Buffalo, NY
Folk Art, hand executed modernist, Art deco Airplane sculpture with hand built and painted trinket box.
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

French Wooden Table Top Football Soccer Game
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French wooden table top football soccer game This is one for the Boys, it is a 1930s table football game from France, the game has the players in white ...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

A Very Good 19th Century Hand Painted Mexican Retablo Dated 1884
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The naïve, hand painted vignette depicts a woman praying to the images of Saint Anthony holding The Christ Child, together with The Holy Mother, all shown hovering above a group of t...
Category

Late 19th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Mid-Century American Large Scale Wood Carved C-133A Plane
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Mid-century large-scale wood carved Folk Art Cargomaster C-133A. An actual barn find discovered in Washington State farm country. Hand-carved and painted. Two pieces: wing piece atta...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Antique Silver Repousse Islamic Talisman Holder
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Silver Repousse Islamic Talisman box Holder. Large Berber tribal ethnic talisman pendant holder. In triangular shape, silver repousse talisman miniature case which would have stored select verses of the Koran Revelation considered to hold special protective powers. This would have originally been worn by someone to protect from the evil eye. The front has intricate, dense design., the back is plain, the box have been sealed and soldered to protect the scriptures. Large silver triangle pendant with hanging beads, embossed silver metal with geometrical relief and repousse. This beautiful antique ethnic piece could be worn as a piece of jewelry, pendant or pin broch, necklace, pendant. Silver Metal triangle shaped box with eleven hanging charms that will makes sounds to push away any bad spirit when moving. Great Islamic Folk Art, metal work, bold, beautiful and musical. The containers would have also held a miniature paper scroll containing a combination of prayers and Koranic verses. Material: German nickel silver. circa 1920s. Probably from North India, Kashmir, but similar to the North African Berber and Tuareg Jewelry...
Category

Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Wood Lawn Bowling Game Original Caddy and Bowling Balls, circa 1900
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Lawn bowling set and caddy. The best orange and yellow paint. Great as a display or design accessory. Or play the game! Complete and as good as it gets. Includes 14 wood carved pins...
Category

Early 1900s North American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

19th Century Spanish Colonial Religious Folk Art Santo Altar Figure
Located in Forney, TX
An antique Spanish Colonial period hand carved and painted santo church altar figure. Born in Mexico in the first half of the 19th century, the religious...
Category

19th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paint

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

Exceptionally rare cross, tramp art, 1900, Schwarzwald / Austria
Located in Wien, AT
Exceptionally rare cross, made in tramp art style, in Austria or in Schwarzwald, Germany, around 1890 / 1900. The cross has a typically Latin shape and stands on a semicircular bas...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Christianity Monastery Work Wax Jesus Child in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition. T...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Rare 19th Century Large Original Painted Lightning Rod on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic folky oversized 19th century mustard over copper Lightning rod ball on a professional iron stand. The base is a plank of original work that the...
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Copper

Lot of Five Deer & Hunter Putz Toy Antique German Erzgebirge Christmas 1880s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of five Putz stick-legged Deers and a Hunter. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas nativity scene figures. As they are all old, most show the expected signs of age and use. This is a fabulous set of stick-legged deers with dust covered body. The animals have a sturdy stick leg construction, with all of them having their original stick legs and have not been repaired. The Measurements given in the dimensions section refers to the Hunter figure. This extraordinary set dates from around 1880 - 1890s and was made in the Erzgebirge area (Ore Mountains) in Germany. This is a nice addition to any Christmas Decoration or just for your collection of old German toys. For explanation: Putz items, by true definition, were any figures or buildings that when displayed together, told the Biblical story of the birth of Christ. The term today is loosely used for any item that is used under a Christmas tree to create a Christmas “garden” or “yard.” Buildings, homemade or mass produced, composition figures and animals, bottle brush trees and any assortment of various accessories, possibly a toy train and usually a Nativity set at the heart of the display are just a few things that might spark one’s creativity when designing a “putz” for under the tree. Elaborate “putz” scenes reached their heights in the 1920s and 1940s. Today you will generally find them under the trees of diehard collectors of antique Christmas items...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

Munich Child Souvenir Statue Building Ashtray Vintage, German, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A 1930s souvenir building Statue architectural model Ashtray. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal. A beautiful nice desktop item or just a display item i...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Johnny Halliday Rock in the Blood French Edition Signed by Gilles Lhote
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Johnny Halliday Rock in the Blood French Edition Signed by Gilles Lhote author, paperback book.Johnny Halliday, Rock in the Blood - French Edition - De...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Large Painted Folk Art Drum This Is a Very Bright and Colourful Piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Painted Folk Art Drum This is a very bright and colorful piece, the Drum is made in wood with colorful pictures on the outside, it has ...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Pine

Vintage Huckley Barrel Carnival Game
By St. Louis Carnival Co.
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Vintage carnival game made by the Saint Louis Carnival company. We also have the original paper game rules signs with these. Please note that not all crates are painted St. Louis Car...
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Clay, Wood

Antique Tramp Art Crucifix in Wood, Folk Art Cross, circa 1880
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This intricately hand-carved Tramp Art crucifix dates to circa 1880 and exemplifies the resourceful and expressive craftsmanship characteristic of the genre. Constructed from layered...
Category

1880s French 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

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

Lot of Three Putz Toy Gnomes Antique German Erzgebirge Christmas 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of three Putz toy Santa gnomes. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas scene figures. As they are all old, most show the expected signs of age and use. This is a fabulous set of toy figures. The Measurements given in the dimensions section refers to the tallest item pictured. This extraordinary set dates from around 1920s - 1930s0 and was made in the Erzgebirge area (Ore Mountains) in Germany. This is a nice addition to any Christmas Decoration or just for your collection of old German toys. For explanation: Putz items, by true definition, were any figures or buildings that when displayed together, told the Biblical story of the birth of Christ. The term today is loosely used for any item that is used under a Christmas tree to create a Christmas “garden” or “yard.” Buildings, homemade or mass produced, composition figures and animals, bottle brush trees and any assortment of various accessories, possibly a toy train and usually a Nativity set at the heart of the display are just a few things that might spark one’s creativity when designing a “putz” for under the tree. Elaborate “putz” scenes reached their heights in the 1920s and 1940s. Today you will generally find them under the trees of diehard collectors of antique Christmas items...
Category

1920s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

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