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.
Pair of Antique Swedish Monk's Corner Chairs in Oak, Circa Early 20th Century
Located in Peabody, MA
Pair of rustic Swedish munkstolar, or monk’s chairs, ca. 1910-1920. Their three legged design has its origins in the medieval monasteries of Northern Europe where it was considered a...
Oak
Chinese Hongmu Corner Chair, 19th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A Chinese Hongmu corner chair, 19th century. The horseshoe-form back with molded crest above a pair of open carved splats with fruiting and fl...
Wood
$395
H 27 in W 16.5 in D 16.5 in
Early 20th Century Cottage Style Bobbin Corner Chairs with Rush Seating
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Corner chair by Stefanus Collé from the 1920s features cottage style bobbin turnings and carved wood frame with original rush seating. Decorative spindles create characteristic verti...
Rush, Wood
Pair of 19th Century Carved Oak Corner Chairs
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of 19th century carved oak corner chairs from England with a wonderfully carved back, supports and arms, all depicting acanthus leaves and scrolls. The seats have wonderful carv...
Oak
Antique French Provincial Rush Corner Chair Carved Oak 19th C.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique 19th c. French Bobbin rush corner chair. French rush-seat corner chair, Coin du Feu. 19th Century French Provincial-style carved oak armchair with open backs and rush seat....
Rush, Oak
$2,713Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.53 in W 16.93 in D 16.93 in
Antique 20th Century Set of two brown French Arts & Crafts Bobbin Corner Chairs
Located in Casteren, NL
Discover a set of antique Bobbin chairs that captures the essence of mid-19th century France. These corner chairs, each with its own unique chara...
Rush, Beech
Pair of Early 20th C. Swedish Carved Oak Monk Chairs
Located in Kent, CT
A very good pair of early 20th Century, three-legged, carved oak Swedish "Monk" chairs with triangular seats, chip carved back rests and turned arms, legs, and stretchers. This pair ...
Oak
$3,283 / set
H 27.56 in W 16.93 in D 16.54 in
Antique 20th Century Set of French Arts & Crafts Bobbin Corner Chairs
Located in Casteren, NL
A beautiful seating arrangement of two corner chairs. The chairs were made in solid beechwood with original rush seats. This rustic set of antique double railed chairs with Classic...
Rush, Beech
Early Kubb Chair From Sweden, Circa 1800
Located in Nashville, TN
Early Kubb Chair From Sweden, Circa 1800. Nice model carved from one tree trunk. Fantastic patina and wear.
Pine
Early 20th Century Upholstered Walnut Corner Chair
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a highly carved Corner chair. It has a slat arm and an upholstered seat. The cabriole legs rest on brass casters.
Walnut
$17,935
H 37.01 in W 20.48 in D 21.26 in
Calvet chair in solid oak by Antoni Gaudí 20th century Spanish modernist design
By Antoni Gaudí
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gaudí designed a chair for the Casa Calvet. One that was rich in form and representative of his timeless creativity. The Calvet chair features outstandin...
Oak
18th Century George III Oak and Elm Corner Chair
Located in San Marino, CA
Late 18th century oak and burl yew wood library corner chair with rich burl and tone. English, turned legs and posts. Minor repair done on stretcher - done previously and very well. ...
Oak
19th-Century English Oak Corner Chair with Heart-Shaped Splats
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century English corner chair is a classic provincial form, built in solid oak and designed with the compact, triangular footprint typical of Georgian and Victorian househol...
Rush, Oak
Sold
H 28.75 in W 24.02 in D 22.45 in
Swedish Modern, Hand Crafted Primitive Bentwood Stump Chair, Wabi Sabi, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
An adorable stump chair made from bentwood with a cushion reupholstered in a fantastic vintage fabric which directs our thoughts to a tribe in Africa. Hand crafted by an unknown Swed...
Wood, Birch
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
English Elm Corner Chair, Early 19th Century
Located in London, GB
English Elm Corner chair, Early 19th Century An early 19th Century corner chair made in elm with a rush seat and an unusual simulated bamboo details in the seat back. A lovely ...
Elm