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Folk Art Settees

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
19thc Early Original Red Painted Settee / Day Bed
19thc Early Original Red Painted Settee / Day Bed

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...

Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Settees

Materials

Wool, Wood

1970s Whimsical Textile Animals Green Colorful Serpentine Wingback Settee Sofa
1970s Whimsical Textile Animals Green Colorful Serpentine Wingback Settee Sofa

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...

Category

1970s European Vintage Folk Art Settees

Materials

Textile, Upholstery, Wood, Paint

Surrealist Settee with Folk Art Frame and Vintage Textile, 1970s
Surrealist Settee with Folk Art Frame and Vintage Textile, 1970s

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Settees

Materials

Textile, Wood

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Folk Art settees for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Folk Art settees for sale on 1stDibs. 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.