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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
Set of Three Vintage Duck Easter Candy Container Bobble Head, German, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A Collection of three German Easter candy containers made of cardboard, bobble heads and some other parts. Candy box made of cardboard. Nice ad...
Category

1950s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Our Lady of Guadalupe Carved Wood Hanging Wall Sculpture or Plaque
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A hand-carved Virgin of Guadalupe Wood Plaque. This beautifully crafted wooden hanging plaque features the iconic image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Carved with intricate detail, it c...
Category

20th Century Mexican Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

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

1890s German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wire, Sheet Metal

Antique Toy Wind-Up Double Decker Bus by Ferdinand Strauss Toy Co. Circa 1925
Located in Incline Village, NV
Antique Wind-Up Double Decker open air bus by the Ferdinand Strauss Toy Company, New York; circa 1925; is quite a large and substantial toy resembling ver...
Category

1920s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

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

Mechanical Bank "Fishing Bears" Battery Operated with Original Box, circa 1950s
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is a later (1950's), albeit often overlooked and important mechanical bank that is quite rare, and highly sought after by collectors. Iconic bank collector F.H. Griffith wrote a...
Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Austrian Christmas Krampus Halloween Devil Candy Container Catchall Box, Vintage
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This unique Christmas Box from Austria is handmade and futures a famous Christmas character, The Krampus, Belsnickel's companion. The vintage piece dates from the 1940s or older and ...
Category

20th Century Austrian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

Rare Chenille Cotton Basket Christmas Ornament Antique, German, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament. It was made from Chenille, wire and cotton, this would be a great antique addition for your Christmas or feather tree.  
Category

1910s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wire

Mercury Glass Santa Holding Tree Christmas Tree Ornament
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is an adorable little This is an adorable little Santa holding tight to his miniature Christmas Tree. He is bright shiny red on his coat and hat but the red darke...
Category

20th Century Unknown Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mercury Glass

Doorstop "Golfer" by Hubley, circa 1920
Located in Incline Village, NV
This doorstop, also known as "Overhead Swinging Golfer," is more difficult to find than it's "Putting Golfer" counterpart doorstop; which is also made by Hubley. Manufactured by the Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1920, this cast iron doorstop is in outstanding all original bright paint with no touch up or restoration of any kind, and in wonderful patina. It depicts an older, grey haired man, with typical knicker golf garb, taking a wild swing at a golf ball resting on the grass. It has a semi "hollow" rear with a "238" factory marking, indicating that it is, in fact, by Hubley and original. It is noted in Jeanne Bertoia's 1985 book on doorstops page 60; and referenced on page 211 of the Smith book on doorstops. A must for the doorstop or golfing memorabilia...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

English Early 20th Century Amazing Scratch Built Locomotive
Located in London, GB
Amazing scratch built locomotive We are proud to offer one of the best examples of English early 20th century scratch built Folk Art examples. Modelled on an English steam locomot...
Category

1930s British Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

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

Lot of Five Sheep Nativity Putz Toy Antique German Erzgebirge Christmas 1880s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of five Putz stick-legged sheep. 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 sheep with dust covered body . The sheep have a sturdy stick leg construction, with all sheep having their original stick legs and have not been repaired. They all have hand-painted composition faces. The Measurements given in the dimensions section refers to the tallest sheep. This extraordinary set dates from around 1880 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

Rare Mushroom, Clown and Boy Head 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

Deep Design Nine Little Art Histories by Libby Lumpkin Art Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Deep Design: Nine Little Art Histories by Libby Lumpkin. January 1, 1995 In nine ambitious essays of uncommon erudition, art historian Libby Lumpkin constructs quirky condensed his...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

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

Bicentennial Cast Iron Still Bank, American, Circa 1976
Located in Incline Village, NV
Shaped like a pyramid this cast iron penny bank was made to commemorate the 200 year anniversary of America; thus inscribed at the top (see image) 1776-1976. It is painted in white (...
Category

1970s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Silver Vintage Austrian Charivari Grandeln Lederhosen Octoberfest Hat Pin
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This curious Folk Art stick pin was probably worn by a man, in particular, a hunter, as a charm. They’re often found on the charm bracelets of hunters, ...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Christianity Monastery Work Mother & 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

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

Asmat Art, Woodcarvings of Southwest New Guinea
Located in Bradenton, FL
Asmat Art, Woodcarvings of Southwest New Guinea, edited by Dirk Smidt. Hardcover book with dustjacket. Published in 1993 by George Braziller of New York. Ill...
Category

1990s Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Collection of Three Pig in Pot Lucky Charm Figurines Antique German 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful collection of golden pig lucky charm figurines. Made from china porcelain. Such items are given away as good luck charms on New Year's Eve. Nice...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition, Metal

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

Vintage Bavarian Traditional Costume Jewelry Cufflinks
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Bavarian Traditional Costume Jewelry Cufflinks A pair Bavarian cufflinks from the middle of the 20th century. A beautiful piece of historica...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Silver

(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

West Germany Mercury Glass Large 4.5" Santa Head Christmas Tree Ornament
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
What a great large mercury glass Santa head Christmas tree ornament. The beard, mustache, hat band and pompom are all covered with a sugary snow looking finish but the back, face and...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mercury Glass

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

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

20th Century Czech Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paper

MANDALA By Jose and Miriam Arguelles Softcover Book 1972
Located in North Hollywood, CA
MANDALA By Jose and Miriam Arguelles Softcover Book. Shambala 1st Edition 1972 - Mandala - English text 140 pages A wonderful trip through the art of the last few centuries.This lavi...
Category

Late 20th Century Indian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Folk Art Franconia House Altar with Accessories Early 20th Century Wood Carved
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century hand crafted and hand painted House Altar with a lot of Christianity miniatures and accessories. A wonderful decorative...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Pewter

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

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

Vintage Pre-War Wind-Up Toy "Boy on Motorcycle Delivery Truck" by Marx
Located in Incline Village, NV
This brightly lithographed tin wind-up toy in colors of red, yellow, and blue, with a driver dressed in appropriate motorcycle clothing, depicts a young man driving a delivery cart with "Speed Boy Delivery" printed on each side of the wagon. The manufacturers logo is clearly marked on both sides of the stake wagon and on the right shoulder of the driver "MAR" with a circle around it and "Made in The United States of America, New York, N.Y." around the circumference (see images). The license plate number is "268", which, along with the red painted inside of the drivers arms (as it should be!) indicates this earlier version and authenticity. Nearly 100 years old, it still operates fine and, upon winding the attached wind-up key a few times and placing the toy on the ground, the motorcycle and driver move across the floor on the way to their deliveries; do not over wind. (see video attached to this listing). The toy is completely original and in very good condition, with no repairs or restorations of any kind and no touch up or repaint. The arms and steering handle bars are also original (sometimes replaced) and they have the appropriate paint and markings. This would make a welcome addition to a collection of pre-war Americana. Dimensions: 9 7/8" long x 5 7/8" wide x 5 3/4" high After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys...
Category

1930s Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

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

Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus Hardcover Book 1950 Edition
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus hardcover book, 1950s Edition. Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's legendary horror story is presented in an illustra...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

19th Century Napoleonic Prisoner of War Folk Art Corpus
Located in London, GB
19th century Napoleonic Prisoner of War Folk art Corpus A rare and unusual example of a 19th Century hand crafted Napoleonic folk art prisoner of war corpus Christi. Later added ...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bone

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

Three Chamois Antler Mount Trophy on Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of three antique Austrian Alps Chamois antler trophies on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaques. I think they are from the 1890s or older. Tallest is approximate 10" high, 6...
Category

1890s Austrian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Antler, Wood

Whaler Made Bone and Ebonized Wood Round Lidded Box, circa 1850
Located in Stamford, CT
Whaler made antique bone and ebonized wood round box, circa 1850. With pierced bone medallion and delicately carved bone spiral decorative supports on the...
Category

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

Materials

Bone, Wood

19th Century Whaler Made Turned Ebony Stemmed Cup
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century whaler made carved and turned ebony stemmed cup. "Manila P.I." painted on one side. Manila, Philippine Islands would have been a port of call on ...
Category

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

Materials

Ebony

Ancient Russian Orthodox Icon – Two Holy Ascetics Under Mandorla
Located in Bilzen, BE
"Ancient Russian Orthodox Icon – Two Holy Ascetics Under Mandorla With Golden Nimbus" Antique Russian Orthodox Icon – Two Ascetic Saints with Mandorla and Gilded Halos Circa 1830–187...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Art Deco Propeller Plane in Carved Wood and Metal
Located in Meer, VAN
Art Deco Propeller Plane in Carved Wood and Metal Sometimes you find a piece that is just right…. This Art Deco propeller plane is a wonderful example of a fun and easthetic object....
Category

Mid-20th Century European Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Handcrafted Canoe Vessel Made of Natural Tree Bark, Mid-20th Century
Located in Northport, MI
A striking sculptural vessel crafted entirely from genuine tree bark, this elongated canoe-form piece brings a raw, organic element to rustic and nature-inspired interiors. With grac...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Bush Plane Model on Custom Mount
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful and charming early 20th century American bush plane model constructed with painted canvas stretched over a wooden skeleton, and mounted on a custom steel mount.
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Framed Mary and Jesus Child Wax Miniature Portrait, Brass and Glass Italy, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A lovely sentimental christianity portrait of Mary holding the Jesus Child. Framed in a beautiful brass or ormolu frame, circa 1930s or older. Portrait made of Wax. A very pretty pi...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

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

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

Large Antique Wooden American Mortar and Pestle
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Large wood antique American mortar and pestle. Early 19th c. Americana turned wood footed mortar and pestle. American, late 19th century wooden mortar and pestle...
Category

Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

1960s Large Folk Art Plywood Dominos Tiles Set 56pcs
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A set of 55+1 extra large plywood Dominos tiles "made by students ***ver Oak School, 1967", as inscribed on the underside box lid. Each tile is made of 5/8in plywood measuring 5-1/...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plywood

Orange Blown Glass Hand Painted Church Flattened Ball Christmas Tree Ornament
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
Absolutely adorable hand blown orange glass flattened ball Christmas tree ornament with a church complete with a steeple hand painted on the front. The snow covered ground and roofs ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Blown Glass, Paint

Early 20th Century English Folk-Art Farmer and His Wife Model
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century folk-art farmer and his wife model We are proud to offer an unusual hand carved folk-art model of a farmer and his wife sat on a cart pulled by two oxen. This ite...
Category

1940s European Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Pine

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

Early-Mid 20th Century Chinese Framed Silver Buddhist Scepter of Authority
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Early-mid 20th century Chinese framed Buddhist scepter of authority. Low grade silver shows degrading before it was framed. Filled with bats & a pair of 5-toed dragons surrounding a ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Large Mahogany Antique Boat Model
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Inspired model of a boat or skiff expertly crafted in mahogany, probably by a boat builder, having a graceful form and has acquired a well earned patina only time can give.
Category

19th Century English Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

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

Vintage Toy by Lindstrom Dancing Dutch Boy Playing Accordion American Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
Very difficult antique toy to come by, especially to find with the original box, as this example. In excellent and all original condition and paint in bright blue, white, and yellow paint and lithography with no touch up; there is zero restoration, and the toy is in outstanding operating condition; just wind up the attached wind up key on the back of the boy and the he dances around in a circular motion for quite some time while seemingly playing his accordion (see the video attached). "Dancing Dutch Boy" is an all tin wind up toy...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

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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