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.
19thc Early Original Red Painted Settee / Day Bed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 19Thc Original red painted day bed or settee in fine as found condition.This settee comes with four custom made 19thc coverlet pillows & the same settee decking is covered in t...
Wool, Wood
1970s Whimsical Textile Animals Green Colorful Serpentine Wingback Settee Sofa
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, wingback settee you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful sofa is statement pi...
Textile, Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Surrealist Settee with Folk Art Frame and Vintage Textile, 1970s
Located in Round Top, TX
Surrealist-Style textile settee with a folk art frame in original green paint. We've added a vintage textile in a rope print that gives it a one-of-a-kind look that we absolutely lo...
Textile, Wood
$15,810
H 39.38 in W 77.56 in D 41.34 in
Louis XV period Canapé à Oreilles Serpentine Shaped Sofa, Settee Upholstered
Located in Basingstoke, Hampshire
A Louis XV period Canapé à Oreilles serpentine-shaped sofa. Featuring carved detailing, decorated with floral motifs and acanthus, with original Verd...
Walnut
$3,520Sale Price|64% Off
H 54.5 in W 38 in D 19 in
D & K Smith Modern Iron Settee with Inset Art Glass
By D & K Smith
Located in North Miami, FL
Black iron cut-out design with hand blown art glass inserts and finials. Signed by D & K Smith 1997. Dimensions: 54 3/4" H x 38" W x 21" D.
Iron
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
H 34 in W 54 in D 34 in
English Thomas Lloyd Cigar Leather Wingback Chesterfield Settee
By Thomas Lloyd
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous English wingback chesterfield settee sofa featuring a cigar leather tufted upholstery hand-crafted in England by Thomas Lloyd from a hard frame covered with fine Italian ful...
Brass
19thC French Oak Bank Waiting Bench
Located in Staffordshire, GB
circa 1880 19thC French Oak Bank Waiting Bench, the matching Counter is also available separately Ideal for a hotel reception or Lobby, restaurant etc Pr...
Oak
$47,948 / set
H 31.5 in W 54.73 in D 24.81 in
Pair of 1970s Trix & Robert Haussmann for Knoll Black Leather Mirror Sofa Settee
By Knoll, Robert and Trix Haussmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of 1970s Trix & Robert Haussmann for Knoll 2-seat sofa settee. This pair is made in black leather and mirror. All original collectors condition. The Mirror Sofa...
Mirror, Leather
Vintage Old Hickory Hoop Settee with Woven Rattan Back and Seat
By Hickory Manufacturing Company
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Old Hickory hoop settee from the mid 20th century with woven rattan back and seat. This mid-20th-century Old Hickory hoop settee is a rustic masterpiece that seamlessly blends nat...
Wood, Rattan
1940's Art Deco Settee Sofa
By Heywood-Wakefield Co., Cygal Art Deco
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage Art Deco / Mid-century settee loveseat for sale. Was previously reupholstered in a beautiful velvet, and still in incredible condition. The velvet is gray with pink and blue ...
Velvet
George III Painted Settee
Located in Essex, MA
Three chair back with arms and caned seat raised on square tapered legs. the back splats with painted drapery design also musical trophies
Wood
Walnut framed two-seater settee
Located in Cheshire, GB
Walnut framed two-seater settee, the finely carved shaped frame above upholstered back and seat enclosed by out swept scrolling arms. All raised up on slender cabriole supports termi...
Walnut
19th Century Italian Diminutive Painted Settee in Tan Leather
Located in Essex, MA
19th century diminutive size Italian painted classical settee covered in original tan leather with nailheads trim. Perfect size for a small foyer or entryway. Great patina and just e...
Wood
$7,437Sale Price|50% Off
H 42 in W 102 in D 60 in
Rare Antique Victorian Walnut Tufted Serpentine Parlor Corner Sofa Settee Couch
Located in Dayton, OH
Monumental Victorian corner parlor sofa featuring serpentine walnut frame with S scroll carved and padded arms. Features queen anne legs and tufted upholst...
Velvet, Walnut
19th Century English Hand-Painted Sheraton Style Caned Seat Settee
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
A three-seat settee, painted in delicate leaf and vine decoration. The back and arms with formed C-scrolls centered with oval painted plaques. The plaques depict cherubs playing musi...
Cane, Wood
Vernacular Italian Alpine Bench
Located in Chireno, TX
Vernacular Italian Alpine bench, in original or early, black paint.
Wood
Antique Blue Folk Art Painted Storage Bench from Hungary
Located in Round Top, TX
This delightful Hungarian Folk Art painted bench still retains the traditional elaborate floral motifs on a bright blue background. The bench seat lifts to reveal a large clean inter...
Wood
Sold
H 34 in W 44 in D 24 in
Antique and Primitive Adirondack Stick Form Three-Piece Porch Set, circa 1910
By Old Hickory Furniture Company
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique and Primitive style Old Hickory School 3-piece porch set offers stick form armchair, rocker and settee having caned seats and backs, circa 1910 ***DELIVERY NOTICE – Due t...
Cane, Wood
Long 19th C. Bench
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Long 19th C. Folk Art Settee with new upholstery