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Folk Art Chairs

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
Period: 1970s
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Wood Tripod Chair and Foot Rest, German Vintage
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A interesting brutalist wood tripod chair from Germany, with a matching foot rest or table. Great piece of functional sculpture. Stool and foot rest is in great vintage condition and...
Category

1970s German Vintage Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Sculptural Wood Tripod Chair, Spain Vintage 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Interesting Brutalist wood tripod chair from Spain. Notched holes in head rest and both arms. Historically used as a birthing chair. Great piece of functional sculpture. Good conditi...
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Sculptural Wood Tripod Chair, Spain Vintage
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A pair of interesting brutalist wood tripod chairs from Spain, with a trefoil motif adorning all the chair handles. The trefoil is a frequently occurring emblem in the architectural ...
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Wood Tripod Chair Foot Rest Stool, Spain Vintage
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An interesting brutalist stool with hand carved legs and great patina. Great piece of functional sculpture. It is in great vintage condition and is structurally sound. Nice addition ...
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Wood

1970’s Indian Tripod Female and Male Chairs
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of Indian hand carved and painted wood male and female chairs. This were purchased in India in the 1970’s. In beautiful original condition...
Category

1970s Indian Vintage Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Wood

Studio Furniture American Craft Stool Mid-century modern 1960s USA
By Bobby Falwell
Located in Antwerp, BE
Walnut stool, hand-crafted, studio craft, USA Wendell Castle, Roger sloan, JB Blunk, Jawar, Richard Bronk, Gerald Mccabe, Bobby Falwell, David Scott, Charles Fischer, Howard Osinski...
Category

1970s American Vintage Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Walnut

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Set of 6 Brutalist Chairs, Solid Oak, Spain, 1970s
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Very typical and exclusive Brutalist design chairs. Bought from the 1st owner who bought it in an exclusive home furnishings store in the Neth...
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Oak

Brutalist Spanish Midcentury Sculptural Tripod Chair 1950
Located in DE MEERN, NL
Introducing the Exquisite Brutalist Spanish Sculptural midcentury Tripod Chair from 1950 Looking to add a touch of unique sophistication to your int...
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1950s Spanish Vintage Folk Art Chairs

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Wood

Sculptural Mango Wood Chair Modern Organic
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This wonderfully sculptural chair was crafted from a single block of mango wood. The chair sits on 4 slender legs. Its neutral pigment makes it perfect for any space. A uniquely scul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Wood, Fruitwood

Sculptural Mango Wood Chair Modern Organic
Sculptural Mango Wood Chair Modern Organic
H 19.69 in W 18.9 in D 17.72 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Scissor Chairs
Located in Dronten, NL
Laminated teak plywood pair of scissor chairs, made in Holland in 1958. More recent upholstery in very good condition. When needed, re-upholstery is available upon request. Priced as...
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1950s Dutch Vintage Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Scissor Chairs
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Scissor Chairs
H 28.35 in W 20.48 in D 23.63 in
Set of Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning set of four vintage modern bar stools feature a backless seat and a chrome base with a footrest. The two-tone vinyl is sure to complement a...
Category

1970s Vintage Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Set of Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools
Set of Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools
H 30 in W 15.5 in D 15.5 in
Brutalist Spanish Mid-Century Sculptural Tripod Chair '50
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Beautiful designed tripod chair or stool that used to be often placed in a corner. Looks very good in a brutalist, minimalist interior where it is...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern French Wood, Chromed Metal and Black Leather Bar Stool, 1930s
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing barstool in wood, chromed metal and black leather with footrest. This fantastic item was designed in France during the 1930s. The piece is fantastic because of the mix of ...
Category

1930s French Vintage Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Wood Vintage Chair, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Chair made by unknown designer. Manufactured in Spain, circa 1950. Wood. In original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Adjustable Bar Stools
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Pair available only. Fully adjustable in height from 30.5, 28.5, 26.5 and 24.5 seat heights. Swiveling freely bar stools are in amazing condition. Almost no wear. Made by the Admiral Chrome Corp from Detroit Michigan...
Category

1960s American Vintage Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

French Wood & Leather Bar Stool, Mid-Century Modern, Craftsmanship, 1950's
Located in Antwerp, BE
French Wood & Leather high stool, bar stool, Mid-century Modern, Craftsmanship, 1950's Mid-century modern bar stool. Made in France in the 1950s ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Folkart Tripod Chair, Germany Vintage 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Interesting Brutalist wood tripod chair from Germany. the seat was cut out of a tree trunk. Historically used as a chair in the farmhouses in Germany in the 19th Century, this modern...
Category

1950s German Vintage Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Wood

Tripod Stool in Solid Beech Wood, by Danish Cabinetmaker, Mid Century, Ca 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Fine patinated vintage tripod stool in solid beech. Made by an unknown Danish Cabinetmaker in 1960s. Made in the style of Mogens Lassen, This m...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Folk Art Chairs

Materials

Beech

Folk Art chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art chairs 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 chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, folk art, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, softwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art chairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original chairs, popular names associated with this style include Bobby Falwell, and Luteca Furniture. 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 chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $390 and tops out at $12,400 while the average work can sell for $2,400.

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