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.
Carved Hand Chair after Pedro Friedeberg
Located in NYC, NY
A unique, hand-carved wood chair in the shape of a cupped hand with detailing down to the wrinkles and fingernails. The base whimsically detailed as a shirt cuff with buttons. Solid....
Wood
Late French Victorian Carved Walnut Prie Dieu Chair
Located in New Orleans, LA
This is an antique prie dieu slipper chair, later 19th century, in hand carved walnut and a light coral colored upholstery. The highly detailed carve...
Walnut
Carved Hand Chair in the Style of Pedro Friedeberg
Located in North York, ON
Step into the surreal with this remarkable hand chair, a sculptural masterpiece that echoes the iconic style of Pedro Friedeberg. Carved from rich walnut, this unique seating transfo...
Walnut
$3,520Sale Price|57% Off
H 31.25 in W 14 in D 16 in
Mexican Carved Hand Chair in the Style of Pedro Friedeberg, circa 1960
Located in Camden, ME
A finely detailed studio carved cocobolo hand chair crafted in Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico, circa 1960. The Studio carved hand has an incised love line and life line. The artist ha...
Cocobolo
Pedro Friedeberg Iconic Wood Hand Chair, 1960s
Located in Uccle, BE
This beautiful golden brown Pedro Friedeberg hand chair was commissioned in the 1960s and is crafted of solid Honduran Mahogany. In 1961 when Pedro was working with artist Mathias Go...
Mahogany
$59,500 / set
H 36 in W 22 in D 21.5 in
Pair Pedro Friedeberg Hand Chairs. Rare Right and Left. Mahogany. 1970s.
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare pair of Pedro Friedeberg Hand Chairs. Left and right. These are a married pair. Originally purchased together in the 1970s. Beautiful condition with very few sign of use.
Mahogany
$15,750
H 41 in W 24 in D 26 in
Midcentury Mexican Hand Chair in Carved Pine, Style of Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural and playful, this midcentury Mexican hand chair offers a bold, artistic presence with practical seating comfort. Carved from solid pine, the chair is shaped in the form of...
Pine
Signed Pedro Friedeberg Butterfly Chair an Exceptional Example
Located in Kansas City, MO
Authentic, signed hand-painted and gold leafed Pedro Friedeberg butterfly chair in excellent condition.
Gold Leaf
$1,500 / set
H 35 in W 22 in D 32 in
French Hollywood Regency Carved Walnut Rolled Back Slipper Lounge Chair - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage French Hollywood Regency Carved Walnut Rolled Back Slipper Lounge Chairs - a ...
Wood, Walnut
Pedro Friedeberg Butterfly Chair. 1980s. Signed.
Located in Kansas City, MO
Original Pedro Friedeberg Butterfly Chair. Beautiful mix of hand painted colors. Some wear around the edges and light scratches, but no distractions. Great example.
Wood, Giltwood
One of a Kind Pedro Friedeberg Hands and Ties Chair Gold Leaf
Located in Kansas City, MO
This is an extremely rare opportunity. One off chair by artist and designer Pedro Friedeberg. This stunning chair is upholstered in Mr. Friedeberg's own personal neck ties. 17 hand-c...
Gold Leaf
Carved Walnut Pedro Friedeberg Style Hand Chair
Located in Montreal, QC
Carved Walnut Pedro Friedeberg style hand chair.
Walnut
Pedro Friedeberg Hand Chair Mexican Modernism
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an iconic hand chair by Pedro Friedeberg. Mexican modernism. Signed underneath. Dimensions: 37.5" H x 22.5" D x 22.5" W, Seat 18" H Delivery within 200 mi...
Wood
Unusual Primitive Chair from Southern Sweden Dated 1857
Located in Chireno, TX
Unusual primitive chair from southern Sweden dated 1857. Hand-carved in elm, curved seat raised upon three cabriole legs. Daisy wheel inscribed under seat. Traces of old paint.
Pine
Vintage Wooden Shoe-Polishers Footstool
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
American footstool with brass screws and tag, labelled 26714 NJ, with a custom-made leather seat cover.
Brass