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.
Handwoven Tule (Seagress) Stool / Ottoman, IN STOCK
Located in Los Angeles, CA
From a craft object to relevant design, these special pieces, made in Mexico, were created to add warmth and texture to your interior. Intended for indoor use, they are a reminder of...
Seagrass
Indoor-Outdoor Modern River Rock Masonry Tuffet Stool by Lland
By Rachel Shillander
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Masonry Tuffet stool is made from a common injection molded plastic child's stool, reimagined by cladding it in stone masonry. This piece represents the artist's personal appreciation for the physical characteristics, permanence, and labor-intensive construction of masonry. The Masonry Tuffet Stool is made to order. Due to the means and methods of laying masonry and the natural variations in stone, no two items are exactly the same, but final piece will use the same white river rock. The dimensions of each piece vary within reason, therefore weight and size are approximate. Please specify felt or rubber feet. Fabricated in 2019 by Rachel Shillander...
Stone
Sculptural Swedish Folk Art Pine Stool, Mid-20th Century, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
Charming Swedish folk art stool crafted from solid pine, featuring a sculptural saddle-shaped seat raised on three cylindrical legs. The organically carved seat highlights the natu...
Pine
$1,250 / set
Pair of Wooden Stools
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Wooden S.Bent and Bros. stools. Crafted for fine taste. Strong and sturdy stools with amazing patina. This pair of stools is a truly beautiful sight. Everything about these c...
Wood
Rare Norwegian Kubbestol, Primitive Telemark Rosemaling, Norway
Located in Skien, NO
Antique / Vintage Norwegian Kubbestol with Telemark Rosemaling, c. 1920-40s. A sculptural piece of Norwegian heritage, this vintage Kubbestol (stump chair) is hand-carved from a sin...
Beech, Bentwood, Pine, Birch
19thc Adirondack Milk Stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original dry surface milk stool.Wonderful original surface.
Wood
Brutalist bar stools Mid-Century 1950s
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Brutalist bar stools Mid-Century 1950s
Wood
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
Ashanti Style Tribal Stool
Located in Pasadena, TX
Ashanti Style Tribal Stool Stool in the style of the Ashanti Tribe of Ghana. Beautifully carved with a stepped base.
Wood
Vintage Low Three Legged Primitive Milking Stool with Handle, 1950s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage low milking stool features traditional design with thick, flat, slab maple wood seat, raised on three turned legs, with a small rounded handle o...
Maple
Vintage Folk Art Marquetry Inlay Small Wooden Primitive Footstool Ottoman Stool
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Folk Art Marquetry Inlay Small Wooden Primitive Footstool Ottoman Stool. Item features a nice small size, marquetry inlay top, solid wood construction, great style and form. ...
Wood
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Wool Bird Hooked Rug Stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wool Hooked rug made into a beautiful stool with round ball feet. Colors are vibrant on the hood rug cushion. Comfortable to sit on or rest your feet on. Great size.
Wool, Wood
A Traditional Camel Saddle / Stool A Traditional Camel Saddle
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Traditional Camel Saddle / Stool A Traditional Camel Saddle constructed from several pieces of scratch carved olive wood, tied together with strips of hide to form a saddle stool ...
Olive
early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, Italian Folkart Around 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This early 20th century wabi sabi 3 leg workshop stool from Italy is an excellent example of this style. The piece has a octagonal, rustic-looking seat made of wood and is supported ...
Wood
Antique ASHANTI Queen Mother Carved Wooden Stool Ghana Africa
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique GHANA, ASHANTI "Queen Mother" type hardwood hand carved stool. Hand-carved stool made by the Ashanti People of Ghana, West Africa. It's carved from one piece of wood and has ...
Wood
Early 20th Century, Scandinavian Folk Art Three-Legged Chair in Pine, Wabi Sabi
Located in Odense, DK
A Scandinavian folk art three-legged chair, carved in solid pine and finished with a warm lacquer, early 20th century. The sculptural seat, turned legs, and low curved backrest displ...
Pine
Finnish Mid-Century Sauna Stool / Bench in Solid Pine
Located in Karis, Nyland
A traditional Finnish sauna stool / bench from the mid-20th century, crafted entirely from solid pine. Made by an unknown maker, the piece reflects the functional vernacular of Finni...
Pine
$760Sale Price|20% Off
19thc Carved Wooden Foot Stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine 19thc hand carved foot stool was found in Maine and looks like sailors art or carving.The condition is very good.
Wood
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Chair in Higly Decorative Shapes
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Folk art made in Sweden at its best. This chair with highly appealing shapes and patina. Made in the late 19th century this chair is a given piece to any modern home that wants to ha...
Birch
$1,685Sale Price|20% Off
Rustic Hand-Carved Wood Tripod Stool / Side Table, Spain, 1930s-1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Folk Art Carved Wood Farmer Stool, Spain, 1930s-1940s. From Catalonia, Spain this tripod stool show Primitive carvings on the legs and a nice top with fo...
Wood
mid 20th Century Wabi Sabi 4 Leg Workshop Stool, Austrian Folkart Around 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This Mid 20th century wabi sabi 4 leg workshop stool from Austria is an excellent example of this style. The piece has a square, rustic-looking seat made of wood and is supported by ...
Metal
Swedish Folk Art, Farmers Stool, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A farmers wooden stool produced in Sweden, 19th century. Signed "B" on the seat. All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Wood
African tribal stool amileke, Cameroon Africa, 1950's
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice African tribal stool amileke tribe Cameroon Africa, Human and animal figurines Hand carved 1950s
Wood
Vintage Dimitri Omersa Lion Leather Footstool, circa 1950s
Located in Vis, NL
Vintage Dimitri Omersa lion footstool with light wear and patina on the leather consistent with wear and age.
Leather
Beautiful Designer 3 Leg Stool, Pine, Austria, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A pine stool designed and produced in Austria, 1970s. The diameter on top is approx. 10 3/4". The stool has a strong sense of history, having been bought from an estate sale in Vienn...
Wood
Early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 4 Leg Milking Stool Seat, Sweden Around 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1910s or older, wood stool. Made of wood, hand painted, hand carved. Found at an estate sale in Stockholm, Sweden. Some paint lost and in shabby chic design, but this is old-...
Wood
19thc English Walnut Pub Stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine pub stool is in great as found condition.It is a 19thc sturdy pub stool.
Walnut
Antique Wooden Folding Chair, Black Forest Style carved Wood, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This early 20th century folding chair from Germany is an excellent example of the black forest style. The piece has a rustic-looking seat made of wood and a wood carved backrest. The stool has a simple, understated design which is typical of early 20th century garden or yard furniture...
Metal
late 19th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Stool, Austria Around 1890s - 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This late 19th century wabi sabi 3 leg milking stool from Austria is an excellent example of this style. The piece has a rustic-looking seat made of wood and is supported by three le...
Wood
early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, German Folkart Around 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This early 20th century wabi sabi 3 leg workshop stool from Germany is an excellent example of this style. The piece has a square, rustic-looking seat made of wood and is supported b...
Wood
Craftsman Handmade Folk Art Milk Stool, late 1800's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Original Craftsman Handmade Folk Art Milk Stool. Made in Belgium, late 1800's - early 1900's. Solid oak constructed stool with central handgrip. Simple in design, with 4 turned legs ...
Oak
Rustic Folk Art / Peasant Stool in Pine and String, Finland 1800's
Located in Helsinki, FI
Rustic late 1800s Finnish peasant stool, handcrafted from solid wood with a beautifully aged patina. Originally made with a backrest, this example has been charmingly adapted over ti...
Pine, Hemp
Scandinavian Almue Stool in Wood & Fabric, Late 19th Century
Located in Odense, DK
A charming little wooden stool with a square seat and four turned legs, each featuring subtle decorative shaping. The seat is covered with a patterned woven textile, showcasing a rec...
Fabric, Beech, Oak
Brutalist Set of 3 Stools and 1 Coffee Table, Solid Wood, France, 1960s
Located in leucate, FR
This primitive set was produced by a French craftsman in the 1960s. The stools all have a slightly different shape, the table is of the same construc...
Wood
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Heart-Shaped Folk Chair from the 1920s in Solid Oak Wood
Located in Copenhagen, DK
This Danish Folk Chair is made of solid oak with rounded, chunky club legs. Ca. 1920s with a characteristic back shaped like a heart including a heart shaped hole in the back. The ...
Oak
Chunky oak stool, France 1950
Located in Amstelveen, NL
Interesting three legged naïve French stool in solid oak with beautiful patina. Colours vary from caramel to deep browns, almost black. A great esthetically interesting interior piece.
Oak
$826Sale Price|20% Off
Finnish Rustic Folk Art Stool in Solid Pine, 19th Century
Located in Karis, Nyland
A charming rustic folk art stool from Finland, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century. Crafted from solid pine, this piece exudes vernacular craftsmanship with its raw, hand-h...
Pine
Vintage Sculptural Wood Cow Low Stool
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage sculptural wood cow low stool blends folk art whimsy with everyday function. Crafted from solid wood, it takes the form of a stylized cow, with a rounded rectangular bod...
Wood
$1,002Sale Price / set|20% Off
Hand Crafted Design Solid Wood Stool set, Belgium 1940's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Hand Crafted Folk Art Design Solid Wood Stool set. Made in Belgium, 1940's period. Solid beech or birch wood constructed square stools. Solid and sturdy low stools. Both are ...
Beech
African Oromo Stool, Early20th Century
Located in Schwerin, MV
Carved wooden three-legged stool or small side table, Spain, 1940s The seat has a polygonal shape and slight indentations on the top. The stool stands on thick, round, slightly taper...
Wood
$240Sale Price|20% Off
Rabbit covered in Fabric
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a finely coated Rabbit in fabric. This rabbit is fabric coated. The fabric has a floral print.
Fabric
19th century folk art blue wooden stool or side table hand painted flowers
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
19th century folk art blue wooden stool or side table hand painted flowers
Hardwood, Paint
1980s Colorful Upholstered Tapestry Stool Bench With Thick Fringed Trim
Located in Lancaster, PA
This is a wonderfully fun stool or bench, upholstered in a brightly hued jacquard-woven tapestry fabric of extremely high quality. The piece was undoubtedly custom made, and no label...
Fabric
1800s Scandinavian Stump Chair, Museum-Quality Hand-crafted Folk Art, Norway
Located in Skien, NO
**Step into the Past with a Rare 1800s Norwegian Folk Art Rustic Stool / Stump Chair / Kubbestol** Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Norwegian craftsmanship with this extraordinary 19th-century kubbestool, a true masterpiece of folk art. Hand-carved from a single tree stump, this museum-quality piece hails from the heart of Telemark, Norway, and embodies the rustic charm and artistry of a bygone era. **A Visual Symphony of Carved Wildlife** This exceptional stool is adorned with a captivating array of relief carvings depicting a menagerie of animals and birds, each rendered with remarkable detail and character. Marvel at the majestic peacock, the loyal dog, the graceful fish, the enchanting birds, and the regal elephant—each figure telling a story of the artisan's imagination and skill. The original painted surface, with its harmonious palette of red, yellow, green, black, and white, has been lovingly preserved, showcasing the vibrant colors and intricate patterns that define traditional Norwegian folk art. **A Unique Piece of History** What sets this kubbestool apart is its unparalleled uniqueness. No comparable piece has been found in museums or private collections, making it a truly one-of-a-kind treasure. The exquisite patina, born from over a century of use and care, adds depth and character to the stool, enhancing its rustic elegance and historical significance. **A Statement Piece for Your Home** Whether placed in a cozy cabin, a farmhouse, or a country-style interior, this stool brings a touch of timeless charm and cultural heritage to any space. Its functional yet artistic design makes it a versatile addition to your decor, serving as both a conversation-starting accent and a functional seat. **Own a Piece of Norwegian Heritage** This rare and collectible antique is more than just a stool—it’s a piece of history, a work of art, and a testament to the skill and creativity of Norwegian artisans. Elevate your collection with this extraordinary kubbestool, and let it transport you to the rugged landscapes and rich traditions of 19th-century Norway. **Key Features:** - Handcrafted from a single tree stump in Telemark, Norway, circa 1800s - Intricately carved reliefs of a peacock, dog, fish, birds, and elephant - Original painted surface in traditional Norwegian folk art colors - Exceptional patina and museum-quality craftsmanship - A truly unique piece with no known parallels Don’t miss the opportunity to own this remarkable slice of Norwegian heritage—a piece that transcends time and captures the essence of rustic elegance and artistic mastery. Dimensions ca.: Height: 87cm / 34.25 inches (Seat height 45.5cm / 17.91 inches) , Width: 41cm / 16.14 inches, Depth: 38cm / 14.96 inches. Text inside / under with previous owners' name. Wood Tree Stump / Wood Log Chair...
Pine, Wood, Birch
Decorative Antique Sled, Wrought Iron with a Wood Seat, German 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This early 20th century sleigh from Germany is an excellent example of a child's toy or likely a display piece for your doll or teddy bear collection. The piece has a rustic looking ...
Wood
19th Century Gustavian Stool with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Folk Art stool from Umea Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden. A very charming stool. The Stool`s seat is made of wood but is upholstered in a beautiful fabric. Scr...
Pine
Vintage Guatemalan Child's Chair, Early 20th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
Crafted in the early 20th century, this petite Guatemalan children's chair charms with its playful asymmetry and blend of motifs. Influenced by Spanish Colonial furniture design, the painted chair has an angular back and square seat resting on two hand-turned legs. The low seat is the perfect height for a youngster, but we love this petite chair as a low side table or tabletop display...
Wood
Sculptural African Low Stool of the Lobi Tribe
Located in Fort Collins, CO
This is a low stool, made in Burkina Faso sometime in the early 20th century. It was carved from a single piece of African hardwood, and has a beautiful, weathered patina. It featur...
Hardwood
$1,100Sale Price|21% Off
19th Century Folk Art Swedish Stool
Located in San Angelo, TX
A beautiful Swedish folk art stool from the early 19th century. This stool has the original worn patina of time and use which can be noticed on the seat and the stretcher where the f...
Wood
African Hand carved and painted wooden stools / pedestals
Located in Buffalo, NY
African Hand carved and painted wooden stools / pedestals Traditionally carved from a single block of wood and stylized with bold , hand painted geometric patterns,,serve as both fun...
Hardwood
Folk Art Unique Antique Swedish 3-legged Chair of Solid Hand-turned Wood 1850s
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Charming Folk Art unique piece of furniture with great personality! Antique Swedish 3-legged chair made of solid hand-turned wood, worn at the most exposed places. Measures: Height...
Wood
"Art Populaire" Folk Art Stool from the Auvergne, Mid-Century Rustic 1800's
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid-century; rustic; "Art Populaire"; Folk art; Stool ;Auvergne; France; 1800s Mid-century rustic "Art Populaire" Folk art stool. This chair is from the Auvergne, France and we da...
Wood
60s Spanish Rustic Folk Stool in Carved Wood with Leather Hide Upholstered Seat
Located in Herentals, BE
This exceptional Spanish folk stool from the 1960s showcases the sculptural beauty of vernacular craftsmanship. Hand-carved from solid wood, the piece features expressive faceted leg...
Leather, Wood
Early 20th Century Swivel Piano Stool with Red Velvet Seat, Belgium
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This charming early 20th century four-legged upholstered swivel 'Bobbin' stool in ebonised wood with a red velvet seat is in very good condition. It is...
Wood
mid 20th Century Wabi Sabi 4 Leg Workshop Stool, Austrian Folkart Around 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Title German Wabi-Sabi Workshop Stool, Early 20th Century Description A beautifully restrained workshop stool from Germany, dating to the early 20th century, embodying the quiet ele...
Metal
$956Sale Price|20% Off
19Thc Wood Stool W/ Fine Woven Rush Seat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Foot stool from New England with hand woven rush tight top. The condition is very good.
Wood
Swedish Allmoge / Folk Art, Stool, Dated 1948
Located in Stockholm, SE
Charming Swedish Folk Art / Allmoge stool in pine, dated 1948. Three legs with a hole which makes it easy to move around. Beautifu patina.
Pine
Vintage Bamboo Wicker Stool Occasional Drinks Side Table
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage wicker bamboo stool features a traditional Mid Century Modern silhouette with round woven seat and wide stable legs connected for additional stability by crossing bamboo ele...
Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Vintage Bamboo Wicker Stool Occasional Drinks Side Table, Skirted
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage wicker bamboo stool features a traditional Mid Century Modern silhouette with round woven seat and wide stable legs connected for additional stability by crossing bamboo ele...
Wicker, Rattan
20th Century Wabi Sabi 4 Leg Stool, Germany circa 1930s or Older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This 20th century wabi sabi 4 leg workshop stool from Germany is an excellent example of this style. The piece has a round, rustic-looking seat made of wooden planks and is supported by four spindle legs. The stool has a simple, understated design which is typical of wabi sabi furniture...
Wood
early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, German Folkart Around 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This early 20th century wabi sabi 3 leg workshop stool from Germany is an excellent example of this style. The piece has a square, rustic-looking seat made of wood and is supported b...
Wood