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.
Antique Hungarian Folk Art Carved Pine Bench, 19th Century
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE PRIMITIVE PINE BENCH A decorative and charming bench of peg construction in pine with a fret carved scolloped edge decoration and chamfered stick legs. Originating from Hu...
Pine
$2,500 / item
Handmade Artesanal Woven Tule (Seagrass) Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
From a craft object to relevant design, these special pieces, made in Mexico, were created to add warmth and texture to your interior. Intended for indo...
Seagrass
Original Painted Pine Bench With Storage dated 1873 from Romania
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique hand painted pine bench dated 1873 is embellished with traditional Eastern European folk art painting with blue accents and red flower bouquets all set against a brown backgr...
Pine, Paint
Painted Pine Storage Bench or Settle
Located in Baltimore, MD
This massive pine double storage bench has a long straight back rail with an applied crest about five inches high. The back rails and stiles frame two short flat panels, a pattern re...
Pine
19th Century Hungarian Original Hand Painted Peg-Leg Oak Bench
Located in Round Top, TX
19th-century Hungarian oak peg-leg bench featuring carved arms and back support, with splayed peg legs typical of European country furniture. The original painted finish is highly di...
Oak, Paint
Decorative crocodile-shaped bench Mexico, ca. 1960
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960, We offer this antique bench carved from a single solid wood log, depicting an elongated and expressive crocodile. This piece is a remarkable example of mid-20th-century M...
Wood
Pine Storage Bench or Settle in Decorative Paint
Located in Baltimore, MD
What an amazing bench! In line and form it is very much like other Central European storage benches we offer, albeit a very fine example. It has straight back rails enclosing three ...
Pine
Rare Long Swedish Folk Art Pine Bench
Located in Kramfors, SE
Northern Swedish rare folk art bench made during the mid 1800s. The bench is hand-crafted in Sweden from pine and has been made carefully with attention to detail. The seat is made f...
Pine
Antique Swedish Rustic Bench, Freestanding and Hand-Made in Solid Swedish Pine
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish rustic bench from the early 1800s. Freestanding bench for three to four people. The bench most likely originates from a church in northern Sweden around 1810 to 1820....
Pine
American 19th Century Turned Wood Bench
Located in Long Island City, NY
This hand-carved, bobbin-turned bench is an unusual example of its kind. It has a naive quality exemplified by its asymmetrical frame, one side curving out in the manner of a recamie...
Wood, Paint
Original Hand Painted Swedish Bench, Dated 1817
Located in Round Top, TX
Original hand painted pine bench displays a brick red/brown background and simple folk art motif along the front panel. Hinged bench seat opens to reveal interior storage. Bottom sec...
Pine, Paint
19th Century hand painted folk art corner seat
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century hand painted folk art corner seat circa 1880. We are pleased to offer this rare traditional piece of hungarian furniture, hand painted in a blue/green and red colour sc...
Pine, Paint
Remarkable Folk Art Bench ca 1750 from Jämtland, Sweden
Located in Farsta, SE
Remarkable Folk Art Bench ca 1750 from Jämtland, Sweden Its patina and smooth surfaces, combined with the board, makes it truly beautiful. Sturdy bench with decorative carving on th...
Pine
Genuine Antique Rare Folk Art Northern Swedish Bench or Sofa
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rare folk art bench or sofa from northern Sweden, unusually well-crafted with decorative panels and sculpted legs. It features carved wooden decorations at the top of the backrest an...
Pine
Antique Pyrography Trestle Wood Folk Art Bench or Accent Entryway Table UKImport
Located in Seattle, WA
An antique Folk Art Pyrography bench. Typically this form of Folk Art is found in boxes; rarely do you find it on furniture. Ornate plank seat with folk art Pyrography on every surfa...
Wood
Turn of the Century Green Romanian Box Bench
Located in Cirencester, GB
This settle or bench is early 20th Century, possibly older. Original green and red paint full of rustic charm and an exquisite example of folk craftsmanship. Wonderful natural colo...
Pine
Art Populaire Chest Bench, France, 17th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Carved chest bench from 17th century France. Made of rich, dark wood, this majestic piece embodies the epitome of refinement and grace. Intricate carved details showcase the craftsma...
Wood
18th Century Swedish Rustic Folk Art Bench
Located in Kramfors, SE
Northern Swedish Folk Art bench from the late 1700s. The bench is Primitive and rustic and has a lot of character, especially given the original distressed paint and authentic patina...
Pine
Folk Art Heavy Carved Log Bench Rhinoceros Sculpture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Folk Art heavy carved log wood bench in form of sculpture.
Teak
Rustic Wooden Bench, Unknown, Brazilian Vernacular Design
Located in New York, NY
Bench in rustic wood, characteristic of popular design in the interior of Brazil
Iron
Hand-carved outsider art bench with face, twentieth century
Located in View Park, CA
A hand-crafted outsider art wooden bench, featuring a face and a metal edge, twentieth century. On four legs, the bench is a sturdy functional sculpture that will add eclecticism and...
Iron
Pair of Early 20thc Original Mauve Painted Farm House Benches
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of original pink painted farmhouse benches great for a farm table. One on each side very good condition sold as a pair on there would be 1750 for the pair. They’re 84 inches lon...
Wood
Handmade Vintage Small Folk Art Carved and Painted Vanity Bench Stool
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A vintage, handmade floral folk art vanity bench/stool. This wonderful little seat features a full wood construction, with stunning hand carved floral design side panels. Each side i...
Wood
18th Century Catalan Settle Bench
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
An 18th Century primitive Catalan settle bench with warm tones and fabulous patina. Made from large planks of solid fruitwood with elegant shaped ends. A versatile and comfortable be...
Walnut
Vintage Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Art Hand Painted Wooden Stool
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage hand-crafted Folk Art stool features milking stool form with detailed carved legs in solid maple wood. The stool is decorated with hand painted floral decor in Rosemaling st...
Maple, Lacquer, Paint
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
Bench Swedish 18th Rustic Century Original Paint, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Bench Sweden 18th rustic century original paint, Sweden. A bench made during the 18th century in Sweden. Original dark red paint.
Wood
Irish Walnut Bench, Hall Seat with Shoe Storage This is a great piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Irish Walnut Bench, Hall Seat with Shoe Storage This is a great piece for a hall way where storage space may be difficult, the bench has high armrests carved with a clover leaf Th...
Walnut
Rustic Bench, circa 1920, France
Located in Girona, Spain
Rustic bench Made with chestnut structure and hand woven rattan cord seating. Solid, sturdy and comfortable Circa 1920, France Very good vintage condition.
Chestnut, Cord
Exceptional long Swedish folk art Bench, circa 1830
Located in Farsta, SE
Exceptional long Swedish folk art bench, circa 1830 This thick and sturdy bench is remarkably long, made of solid wood boards 7 cm/2.7 inch thick. It has a beautiful patina, made o...
Pine
Art Populaire Bench, France, 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Folk Art; Primitive Bench; Monoxylite Wood; 19th Century; France; Wabi Sabi; Rustic; Craftsmanship; Arts & Crafts; Art Populaire Rustic art populaire bench from 19th century France,...
Wood
Mexican Arena Outdoor Folding Bench
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1940, We offer this Mexican Arena Outdoor Folding Bench. This kind of benches were used in the arenas of Mexican wrestling that were presented in t...
Pine
High Antique Swedish Bench of Solid Pine Partly with Grey Paint Mid 19th Century
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Slim and tall Antique Swedish country side bench handmade in mid 19th century period by a local carpenter. The bench is made of solid pine partly with the original grey paint. It ...
Pine, Paint
French Mid-Century Painted Beechwood Bench, 1960s
Located in Almelo, NL
French Mid-Century Painted Beechwood Bench, 1960s A delightful expression of 1960s French design, this hand-painted bench is a vibrant, sculptural seating piece crafted in beechwood...
Beech
19th Century Rustic Folk Art Bench, Monoxylite Wood, Primitive Style
Located in Antwerp, BE
Folk Art; Primitive Bench; Monoxylite Wood; 19th century; Spain; Wabi Sabi; Rustic; Craftsmanship; Arts & Crafts; Rustic two-seater bench from 19th century Spain, with a charming ...
Wood
Early 19th Century French Walnut Folk Art Bench
Located in High Point, NC
Early 19th century walnut folk art bench from France. The seat is of pegged construction and is made from two boards with rounded corners. The seat is supported on two brackets, bo...
Walnut
Hand Made Anglo Indian Folk Art Bench
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Hand made Anglo Indian Folk Art bench The bench has been very skilfully made using old architectural materials and carvings it is a completely unique and one off piece It has t...
Teak
19th Century French Brutalist Benches in Dark Wood, Folk Art Style
Located in Antwerp, BE
19th-century French brutalist benches, reflecting the essence of wabi-sabi beauty in their imperfect form. These benches feature a robust dark wood structure and a rich, time-worn pa...
Wood
Bench Swedish Red Wood, 19th Century, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Bench Swedish red wood, 19th century, Sweden. A bench made during the early 19th century in Sweden. Original paint in a dark red shade.
Wood
Long Waiting Room Seat or Hall Bench This Is a Very Sturdy and Heavy Piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Long Waiting Room Seat or Hall Bench This is a very sturdy and heavy piece, the back and seat are newly upholstered, in an abstract design in aut...
Walnut
Late 19th Century Wood and Leather Seat Railroad Station Bench
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Great looking late 19th century railroad station bench found in the mid-west. Original grey paint on wood surface and very nicely aged leather s...
Leather, Wood
Organic Tripod Bench in Solid Wood, France, 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Organic tripod folk art bench that beautifully captures the essence of the wabi-sabi philosophy, a Japanese tradition that appreciates the beauty of natural imperfection and the grac...
Wood