Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
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.
1920s Indonesian Vintage Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Padouk
Mid-20th Century Egyptian Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Cowhide, Wood
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Wool
Mid-20th Century Egyptian Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
2010s Spanish Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Brass, Steel
2010s American Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Wool
2010s American Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Oak
Early 1900s French Antique Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
2010s American Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Oak, Upholstery
2010s American Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Wood
2010s American Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Down, Feathers, Wool, Cotton
Late 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Wool, Sequins
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Wood
20th Century English Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Hardwood
1930s Czech Vintage Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century Egyptian Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Cowhide, Wood
1950s English Vintage Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Horn, Cowhide
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Horn, Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Seagrass
20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary English Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet, Silk
20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Leather
1960s English Vintage Folk Art Ottomans and Poufs
Metal