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.
Set of Four Mexican Equipale Folk Art Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique set of 4 Equipale armchairs from Mexico. Traditional handmade craftsmanship, oozing with character and personality. Each piece has its own appeal and nuance, yet the set prese...
Leather, Wood
Vintage Wabi Sabi Style Dining Chair in Patinated Elm Wood, Mid-Century, Italy
Located in Odense, DK
A striking solo Alpine-style dining chair, crafted in mid-century Northern Italy or Switzerland, characterized by its distinctive carved splat back and robust construction. This vers...
Elm
Swedish Mid Century, Set of 4 Handcrafted "Sports Cabin" Chairs in Pine, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
A charming set of four primitive "sports cabin" chairs handcrafted in solid pine. Made in Sweden in the 1940s. Each chair features a shaped seat and backrest, gently curved to provi...
Pine
Vintage art populaire mexican dining chairs set of 2, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Remarkable art populaire or 'equipale' dining chairs from mexico. Exotic weaved wooden frames upholstered with ostrich leather. The backrests and armrests are also upholstered creat...
Leather, Wood
Set of 8 Sculptural French Alpine Chairs in Solid Oak, France, 1950s
Located in Almelo, NL
Set of 8 Sculptural French Alpine Chairs in Solid Oak, France, 1950s Description: A rare set of eight sculptural Alpine chairs, handcrafted in France during the 1950s from solid Fre...
Oak
Set of 6 Wooden Folk Chairs
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This set of six French provincial chairs (one of which is an armchair) dates back to the early 20th century. Featuring solid wood backs and legs and woven rush seats, they display a ...
Wood
Pair of Swiss Handmade Farm House Carved Dining Chairs, Horgen-Glarus, 2 pcs
Located in Madison, WI
Absolutely stunning RARE pair of 2 Swiss Solid wood farm house traditional dining chairs, handmade, produced by Horgen-Glarus. Fast, insured Shipping in 7-21 days. Shipped from our ...
Hardwood
Set of 4 Heart Shaped Oak Folk Farmhouse Hand-Carved Dining Chairs, ca. 1950s.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Set of Four Vintage Folk Chairs – Early 1900s Beautiful set of four rustic wooden chairs from the early 1900s, crafted in solid dark-stained oak-wood with a warm, natural patina tha...
Oak
Set of Six 20th Century Andalusian High Back Chairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Fabulous set of six early 20th century polychrome high back chairs with strawed seats. Each features a prominently raised crest on the headrest, beautifully carved with a sunflower. The open ladder back features bow motifs. The uprights feature decorative carving and terminate in stylised acorn-shaped finials. The legs are also ornately carved and the front leg brace continues the bow motif. These chairs feature double-turned stretchers to the front and sides with a single-turned stretcher to the rear. With their wonderful colour and patination, this stunning set of Spanish chairs...
Wood
Danish Cabinetmaker Spindle Chairs in Solid Stained Elmwood, Early 20th Century
Located in Odense, DK
Set of 4 charming folk art style spindle back chairs made in Denmark in the early 20th century by a cabinetmaker. The chairs are made from solid stained elmwood with an amazing grain...
Elm
H 35.83 in W 17.72 in D 19.69 in
Set of 4 Mid Century Chairs in Solid Oak and Straw 1950s
Located in Meer, VAN
Set of 4 Mid Century Chairs in Solid Oak and Straw, Europe, 1950s. Beautiful and quintessentially mid century chairs in solid oak and straw. Great farmhouse / rural appearance with ...
Straw, Oak
H 35.04 in W 18.12 in D 20.87 in
1940s Set of Four Art Deco Dining Chairs
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use - The chairs have been reupholstered some time ago.
Wood, Fabric
H 32.29 in W 17.33 in D 17.33 in
Set of Four Wooden Chairs Designed by Oswald Haerdtl, 1950s
Located in Praha, CZ
- made in Czechoslovakia - made of beech wood - manufacturer Ton Bystrice pod Hostýnem - complete restored
Beech
H 31.75 in W 16.75 in D 16 in
Set of 8 mid century Swedish pine dining chairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Practical set of Swedish 1970's dining chairs. Shaped backs with 4 back slats with a carrying handle cut out. Plain seat, standing on tapered legs. Simple elegant design and comfor...
Pine
H 33 in W 20 in D 19 in
10 Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs in Green Velvet, Gio Ponti Style
Located in San Diego, CA
Striking set of ten Italian Mid-Century Modern dining chairs with sculptural wood frames and original green velvet upholstery. The elegant proportions and architectural lines are rem...
Velvet, Mahogany
H 35.04 in W 18.12 in D 19.69 in
Vintage Pine Dining Room Chairs, Set of 4, Sweden, 1970s Design
Located in Lemmer, NL
vintage dining room chairs chairs pine period 70s design unknown Sweden condition good light signs of use size 89 x 46 x 50 (hxwxd) seat height 46 cm; details pine; set of...
Pine
H 32.09 in W 16.93 in D 17.72 in
Set of 4 iconic Göran Malmvall dining chairs in solid Oregon pine, Sweden 1940s
Located in Ystad, SE
Set of 4 Göran Malmwall Pine Dining Chairs, Sweden, 1940s A distinctive set of four iconic dining chairs designed by Göran Malmwall and crafted in solid pine by the renowned Swedish...
Pine
H 31.5 in W 21 in D 27.25 in
Solid Wood and Upholstered Mid-Century, Organic Modern Style Dining Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by 20th-century Latin American design, the Clara Dining Chair blends heritage craftsmanship with modern sophistication. Its solid wood frame, sculptural curves, and floating...
Ash
H 40.95 in W 16.15 in D 15.36 in
Set of Eight 1980s Spanish Andalusian Traditional Wooden Flamenco Chairs
Located in Marbella, ES
Set of eight 1980s Spanish Andalusian traditional wooden Flamenco chairs.
Wood
H 36.23 in W 18.9 in D 17.72 in
Set of 6 Midcentury Oak and Rush Chairs, 1950s
Located in Meer, VAN
Set of 6 midcentury oak and rush chairs, Europe, 1950s. This is a beautiful set of 6 chairs in solid oak with rush seats. Honest and straight from the first owner, these chairs are...
Oak
H 37.01 in W 21.66 in D 21.66 in
Swedish Gustavian Roseback Dining Chairs White Set of 8 1940s 2 Carvers
Located in Lewes, England
Rare Set of 6 Swedish Gustavian roseback dining chairs and 2 matching Roseback Carver Chairs in good condition in white with lovely carvings C 1940. Great for every day usage with ...
Birch
H 31.11 in W 16.54 in D 16.93 in
Scandinavian Mid-Century Dining Chairs in Pine and Sheepskin, Set of 6
Located in Karis, Nyland
Beautiful set of six Scandinavian mid-century dining chairs crafted in solid pine and newly upholstered in soft natural sheepskin. The chairs feature a strong architectural silhouett...
Sheepskin, Pine
H 40.16 in W 21.66 in D 19.69 in
Antique French Wooden Arm Rush Chair
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This French armchair dates back to the early 20th century. Its solid wood frame is fitted with three gently curved top rails, creating a simple yet elegant line. The seat is finished...
Rush, Wood
H 31.5 in W 24.81 in D 21.66 in
Vintage art populaire mexican dining chairs set of 6, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Remarkable art populaire or 'equipale' dining chairs from mexico. Exotic weaved wooden frames upholstered with ostrich leather. The backrests and armrests are also upholstered creat...
Leather, Wood
H 41.34 in W 15.75 in D 19.69 in
Set of 4 Carved wooden african dining chairs, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 4 hand made carved wooden ethnic dining chairs. Ebonized wooden curvy legs. The carvings depict different african wildlife animals. Very decorative and eye catching set of ...
Wood
H 35.44 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Set of 6 swedish Folk art style dining chairs, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage rustic wooden dining chairs with carved backrests. These rustic chairs where nicely handcrafted with a nice wavy seat. Sturdy frames. 1960s - Probably from Sweden Dimens...
Oak
H 38.59 in W 17.52 in D 18.51 in
Folk Art Style Design Dining Chair Set by Vanderree / Berkel, Netherlands 1970's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Folk Art Style Design Red Dining Chairs by Vanderree / Berkel. Made in the Netherlands, 1970's period. As in a 1973 dutch Catalog for furniture models for that year. Set of 6 chairs....
Rush, Beech
H 36 in W 14.75 in D 16.75 in
Hand Carved Mexican Modern Side Dining Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand carved Mexican modern side chair. The chair features a mahogany frame with a carved detailing along the front of the backrest. Perfect as an a...
Mahogany
H 36 in W 14.75 in D 16.75 in
Hand Carved Mexican Modern Side Dining Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand carved Mexican modern side chair. The chair features a mahogany frame with a carved detailing along the front of the backrest. Perfect as an a...
Mahogany
H 36 in W 14.75 in D 16.75 in
Hand Carved Mexican Modern Side Dining Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand carved Mexican modern side chair. The chair features a mahogany frame with a carved detailing along the front of the backrest. Perfect as an a...
Mahogany
H 36 in W 14.75 in D 16.75 in
Hand Carved Mexican Modern Side Dining Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand carved Mexican modern side chair. The chair features a mahogany frame with a carved detailing along the front of the backrest. Perfect as an a...
Mahogany
H 34.85 in W 18.12 in D 18.12 in
Classic Swedish pine chairs set of 4 in solid pinewood Early 1900
By Bodafors, Sven Markelius, SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors
Located in Forest, BE
Set of 4 classic, minimal and elegant lightweight comfortable pinewood chairs from Sweden around 1900. These are massive pine that shows a nice warm patina. We did not touch anything...
Hardwood, Pine
H 37.01 in W 17.72 in D 18.12 in
6 Antique Swedish Folk Art Farm County Dining Chairs In Pine And Tan Leather
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Absolutely beautiful set of six late 19th century Swedish 'Folk Art' country farm dining chairs in pine with sturdy tan leather. The measurements of...
Leather, Pine
H 24.02 in W 15.36 in D 15.75 in L 24.02 in
Handcrafted Folk Art Rustic Oak Dining Chair Set, France, 1940s
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Handcrafted Folk Art Rustic Oak Dining Chair set of 6. Made in France, 1940s period. Handmade handcrafted and carved solid oak const...
Oak