Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
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.
Late 20th Century English Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Early 1900s North American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
20th Century English Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood, Bone
1920s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Leather
Late 19th Century Moroccan Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Canvas, Wood
Late 20th Century Indian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
1940s European Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Pine
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Iron
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Hardwood
Mid-19th Century French Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Glass, Wood
1850s German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood
1940s British Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
1940s Swiss Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Ash
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
1890s American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood
1920s British Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood
19th Century English Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
1910s English Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Tin
1980s Guatemalan Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Clay, Wood
1840s Italian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Pine
Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Silver, Enamel
Early 20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Linen
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Composition
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Iron
1920s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Iron
1880s Irish Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal
1880s American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Iron
Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal
Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Wire
Mid-20th Century African Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Sheet Metal
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Iron
1870s Danish Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Earthenware
20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal, Silver
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Wire
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Iron
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Composition
Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Spelter
2010s American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Fabric
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Antler
Late 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Earthenware
1890s Danish Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Earthenware
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal
1920s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Spelter