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.
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
Jacques Quinet, Settee, Leather, Hide, Metal, France, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A white leather, metal and leopard-printed hide settee or sofa designed and produced by Jacques Quinet, France, c. 1970. Some tears in seat cushions; shows more wear than back cush...
Metal
Vintage Wicker Settee
Located in Pasadena, CA
The perfect spot for an afternoon read or sharing tea for two. This lovely vintage wicker settee has been newly painted in a soothing blue/grey ...
Linen, Wicker
$6,396Sale Price|20% Off
H 37 in W 69 in D 37 in
Italian Leather & Alligator Skin Settee 1970s Custom Made
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering one of our recent palm beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of an Exceptional and very comfortable vintage custom made leather and alligator settee loveseat featuring real Alligator...
Chrome
$4,495 / set
H 31 in W 61 in D 34 in
1970s Ekornes Curved Leather Wood Sofa Settee and Barrel Chair Set
By Ekornes
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The extremely rare collection is statement piece which is also extremely comfortable and packed with personality! Just look at the gorgeous design and curves on this beauty! Just stu...
Leather, Wood
Inlaid Mahogany Framed Settee
Located in Cheshire, GB
String inlaid mahogany framed settee the twin shield and crossover splat back above open arms and upholstered seat. Raised on cabriole front leg...
Wood
$3,495
H 30 in W 51.5 in D 24.5 in
French Art Deco Settee or Sofa with Leather Upholstery and Black Frame
Located in Troy, MI
Found in France, this French Art Deco-era settee dates from the late 1930s / early 1940s. Newly upholstered in cream colored leather with ostrich-like surface texture. Black finished...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
Lovely Vintage Bamboo and Brass Settee
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautiful vintage settee, circa 1970. Bamboo and hardwood construction with accents in hammered brass. Exceptional detail and craftsmanship. Fabulous jewelry! Excellent restored co...
Brass
1970s Leather Settee
Located in Chicago, IL
1970s Leather Settee. In the style of Gerard van den Berg.
Leather
1970s Emerald Green Upholstered Settee by Paul Evans for Directional
Located in North Canton, OH
This beauty by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture just finished up at upholstery masters @copleypholstery. Wrapped in a decadent GP&J Baker Lee Jofa Velvet. Extraordinary to the to...
Upholstery
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
Egyptian Revival Ebonized Settee with Carved Back and Cane Settee
Located in Dallas, TX
Egyptian Revival Ebonized settee, having pierced, carved back and arm supports with caned seats and paw feet
Wood
Argentine Designer, Settee, Wood, Rush, Argentina, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained wood and rush settee or bench designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1970s. Some chips on wood details. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches...
Rush, Wood
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.5 in W 48 in D 30 in
1970s Vintage Midcentury Cabin Modern Porch Sunroom Wicker Rattan Settee Sofa
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Nice midcentury Settee with a wonderful modern influenced form similiar to the Eero Aarnio designs. Ready for your interior matching cushions. Does not come with upholstery. W 48 ...
Wicker
$6,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 28 in W 72 in D 33 in
Caned Settee with Leather Back and Seat Cushions with Wood Frame
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Hewes settee shown covered in leather back and seat cushions and back bolsters with hand sewn details. Wood frame with caned arms and back and shown in dark wood stain. All hand ...
Cane, Walnut, Lacquer
Carved mahogany framed settee
Located in Cheshire, GB
Two seater mahogany settee, having three-part splat back to the upholstered seat enclosed by scrolling arms raised up on cabriole front legs. Dimensions Height 36.5 Inches height to ...
Upholstery
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
Sold
H 38 in W 70 in D 34 in
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
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