Folk Art Seating
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
Period: 20th Century
1960s Folk Art Rustic Hand Carved Monumental Rocking Horse Chair
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, full rocking horse chair you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what i...
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Basque Tripod Chairs 1950s European Folk Art
Located in Trensacq, FR
A fabulous pair of oak three-legged chairs, crafted in the Basque region of France/Spain C1950. Beautifully decorated with carved flowers and diamond detailing, these chairs are a r...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Folk Art Seating
Materials
Oak
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Sculptural Wood Tripod Chair, Spain Vintage
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A pair of interesting brutalist wood tripod chairs from Spain, with a trefoil motif adorning all the chair handles. The trefoil is a frequently occurring emblem in the architectural ...
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Small Early Painted Folk Art Chairs or Side Tables
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Set of Two Smaller Folk Art Chairs or Side Tables With Original Paint and Patina.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Finnish circa 1900 hand-carved kubbstol in Pine
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
This one-of-a-kind Finnish hand-carved Pine Kubbstol from the 19th century is a unique piece of folk art. Handcrafted from a single piece of pine, its beautiful patina makes it a pop...
Category
Early 20th Century Finnish Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
1970’s Indian Tripod Female and Male Chairs
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of Indian hand carved and painted wood male and female chairs.
This were purchased in India in the 1970’s.
In beautiful original condition...
Category
1970s Indian Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Handcrafted Folk Art Rustic Oak Dining Chair Set, France, 1940s
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Handcrafted Folk Art Rustic Oak Dining Chair set of 6. Made in France, 1940s period. Handmade handcrafted and carved solid oak const...
Category
1940s French Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Oak
Primitive Handcrafted Organic Highback Naga Chair in Solid Teak, Wabi Sabi Style
Located in Odense, DK
One of a kind charming authentic primitive stump chair made in a single solid hardwood. Hand carved by the Naga tribe in India, ca 1970s.
A nice wabi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Seating
Materials
Hardwood, Teak
Brutalist Set of 3 Low 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 constru...
Category
1960s French Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Vintage Folk Art Marquetry Inlay Footstool Ottoman Stool Display Stand
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Folk Art Marquetry Inlay Large Footstool Ottoman Stool. Item features nice small size, marquetry inlay top, solid wood construction, beautiful wood grain, very nice vintage i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Vintage Egyptian African Camel Saddle Stool
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Egyptian, North Africa camel saddle shape stool.
A middle eastern wood and leather camel saddle wood bench designed with a wooden frame and a bla...
Category
Mid-20th Century Egyptian Folk Art Seating
Materials
Cowhide, Wood
Antique Circular Hand Carved Indonesian Padouk Wood Ottoman Seat
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Beautifully carved Padouk wood boat builder's ottoman with skilled joinery work and fine details. Some chips and cracks present with old upholstery but structurally sound. Solid Pado...
Category
1920s Indonesian Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Padouk
Vintage Egyptian Camel Saddle Stool
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Egyptian, North Africa camel saddle shape stool.
Traditionally used to ride camels in the desert of Africa and the Middle East, this camel saddle...
Category
Mid-20th Century Egyptian Folk Art Seating
Materials
Brass
Spanish Rustic Wood Tripod Stool or Side Table
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...
Category
20th Century Spanish Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Vintage Folk Art Marquetry Inlay Small Footstool Ottoman Stool
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Folk Art Marquetry Inlay Small Footstool Ottoman Stool. Item featured is a nice small Size, marquetry inlay top, solid wood construction, beautiful wood grain, very nice vint...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Studio Art Chairs in Carved Wood
Located in East Hampton, NY
This pair of hand crafted sculptural wood chairs feature 3 legs and extraordinary details to back rest and seat - SEE detail images and video provided. Architecturally wonderful! TH...
Category
1960s Bulgarian Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Lloyd Loom Easy Chair Delightful Shabby Lloyd Loom Armchair
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Lloyd Loom easy chair
This delightful Shabby Lloyd Loom armchair dating from the early 20th century
The chair is a generous sweeping shape and has a comfy sprung seat...
Category
1930s Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wicker
Swedish Painted Folk Art Kubbstol Chair
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Folk Art Kubbstol chair from Northern Sweden. A Kubbstol chair is made from a hollowed tree trunk; from a single piece of wood that's been hewn out to form the seat, back and frame. ...
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
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...
Category
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
A Set of 6 BRUTALIST Handcrafted RUSTIC MID-CENTURY-MODERN Chairs, France 1960
Located in PARIS, FR
A set of 6 surprising tripod chairs, Modernist, Brutalist, Folk Art, Tribal Art, sculpted in massive wood, with beautiful floral organic motifs, to be attributed, France 1950.
This ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of Six 20th Century Andalusian High Back Chairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Fabulous set of six early 20th century polychrome high back chairs with strawed seats.
Each features a prominently raised crest on the headrest, beautifully carved with a sunflower. The open ladder back features bow motifs.
The uprights feature decorative carving and terminate in stylised acorn-shaped finials. The legs are also ornately carved and the front leg brace continues the bow motif.
These chairs feature double-turned stretchers to the front and sides with a single-turned stretcher to the rear.
With their wonderful colour and patination, this stunning set of Spanish chairs...
Category
20th Century Spanish Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Pareja de butacas corcho
Located in Madrid, ES
Conjunto de dos butacas de corcho realizas en la región de Extremadura por los pastores con el corcho que se saca de los alcornoques.
Tiene un estructura interna de hierro que las...
Category
1950s Spanish Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Iron
Pair of Hand Made Studio Craft Bar Stools by Bill Woodhead, D. 1985
Located in Peabody, MA
A pair of handmade studio craft bar stools in maple by the Boston area woodworker Bill Woodhead, dated 1985.
Category
1980s American Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Maple
Folk Art Chair from Finland
Located in Farsta, SE
One of a kind
Folk Art chair from Finland
Acid-stained Pine
1930s
Consistent with age and use.
Category
1930s Finnish Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Pine
Pouf, Large Square Indian
Located in New Orleans, LA
Very large footstool or pouf made of rustically woven wool.
Category
20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wool
Italian Chair with a Very Original Design with Seat in Colored Fabric Black Wood
Located in Buggiano, IT
Italian uncommon chair with a very original design with seat in colored fabric.
Heavy black wood.
Colored stick decorations on the sides.
Grooves o...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Set of 6 Swiss Handmade Farm House Carved Dining Chairs, Switzerland, 6 Pieces
Located in Madison, WI
Absolutely stunning RARE complete set of 6 Swiss Solid wood farm house traditional dining chairs.
The chairs are handmade and display beau...
Category
1950s Swiss Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Walnut
Antique Ghanian Ashanti Style Stool with Leopard Carved, Africa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Carved Antique African Leopard Ashanti Style Stool.
Early 20th Century Ghanaian Ashanti style leopard stool.
Animal leopard stool hand-carved wood from ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ghanaian Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Vintage Handmade Bart Simpson Child Rocking Chairs Folk Art - Pair
Located in Salt Lake City, UT
Pair of handmade Bart Simpson child-size rocking chairs. Vintage condition, one is more worn than the other but both show wear consistent with age. Solid ...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
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-...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Antique German Leather & Wood Armchair with Brass Nailhead Details
Located in Nuernberg, DE
beautiful lounge arm chair made of wood and leather with nailhead details. We think this example is from the 1910s, good condition. Minor patina and scratches on the leather, gives t...
Category
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Nutwood, Leather
Vintage Moroccan Floor Pillow Seat Cushion Made from a Berber Old Rug
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Moroccan vintage floor pillow seat cushion made from a Tribal Berber rug.
Square shape with nice faded earth tone colors for the top and rich warm...
Category
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wool
Early 20th Century Black & White Hand Beaded African Chair
Located in East Hampton, NY
This truly exquisite hand beaded chair by the Yoruba Artisans of Nigeria, best representation of furniture as art. And don't be shy to sit on them, because they are very comfortable. There is a Second matching chair available.
They were traditionally created for the Yoruba tribe kings and queens and are embellished with thousands of seed glass beads applied to fabric covers, which are then stitched or glued onto the chair frame - resulting in an exotic chair...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerian Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood, Beads
Antique Beechwood Children's Chair
Located in Budapest, HU
Antique children's highchair with an abacus and potty chair functions.
Made of steamed beechwood, with leather cover.
Manufactured around 1910.
Category
1910s Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Leather, Beech
Rare 1940's /50's New York Times Newspaper Display Cart, News Stand
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare 1940's /50's New York Times Newspaper display cart, news stand, You would be hard pressed to find another!. Newspaper industrial rolling cart with fa...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Metal, Steel
Hand Made Anglo Indian Folk Art Bench
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Hand made Anglo Indian Folk Art bench
The bench has been very skilfully made using old architectural materials and carvings it is a completely unique and one off piece
It has t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Seating
Materials
Teak
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.
Category
Late 20th Century Ghanaian Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Studio Furniture American Craft Stool Mid-century modern 1960s USA
By Bobby Falwell
Located in Antwerp, BE
Walnut stool, hand-crafted, studio craft, USA
Wendell Castle, Roger sloan, JB Blunk, Jawar, Richard Bronk, Gerald Mccabe, Bobby Falwell, David Scott, Charles Fischer, Howard Osinski...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Folk Art Carved Oak Chairs, 1900s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Early 20th century Folk Art carved oak side chairs with heart cutout.
Very sturdy and heavy chairs.
Believed to be italian work
1900s, Ital...
Category
Early 1900s Italian Antique Folk Art Seating
Materials
Oak
Hand Painted Feline Motif Upholstered Leopard Print Wood Chair in Green & Orange
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A whimsical hand painted wooden chair with upholstered leopard print cushion. The back of this piece is wood, with a stylized carved design in or...
Category
20th Century Portuguese Folk Art Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Paint
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.
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Leather
Antoni Rzasa Polish Folk Art Carved Wood Chair
Located in New York, NY
Polish Folk Art carved and sculpted wood chair created by renown Polish artist and sculptor Antoni Rzasa (1919-1980). The chair features a carved back with a sculpted nude woman. The bottom of the seat features a 'made in Poland' stamp and the artist's carved signature, country of origin, and date of fabrication ('1958-1959').
During the 1960s, Antoni Rzasa was known as one of the most famous Polish sculptors. His sculptures are feature simple forms and a specific style inspired by Folk Art. His works are found in the collections of the National Museum in Warsaw, Kraków and Poznan, in the Polish Army...
Category
1950s Polish Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of 20th Century South American Armchairs with Leather Seat and Back
Located in Pasadena, CA
Peruvian hand carved reproduction of a French found antique. Dark stained wood frame, very sturdy and substantial. Leather sling seat and back with large nailhead detailing on leathe...
Category
20th Century Peruvian Folk Art Seating
Materials
Leather
Hand Crafted Guitar Shape Inlaid Stool, Exotic Woods by Darrin S. Millard
By Darrin S. Millard
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual hand crafted Guitar Shape Inlaid Stool.exotic woods by Darrin S. Millard..Beautifully hand exicuted,Solid oak wood,Exotic wood inlay simulating guitar details ,f-hole,fret bo...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Oak, Walnut, Wood
Majestic Odd Fellows Carved and Painted Armchair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This magnificent Odd Fellows Fraternal Lodge 'throne' (circa 1910-1920) with carved and painted decoration throughout is a fine example of early 20th century Folk Art. Nice use of de...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Folk Art Heavy Carved Log Bench Rhinoceros Sculpture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Folk Art heavy carved log wood bench in form of sculpture.
Category
20th Century Unknown Folk Art Seating
Materials
Teak
19th Century Hand-Carved Chair Found in Wester México
Located in Guadalajra, Jal
Detailed hand-carved and colorful chair found in Western México, circa 1900.
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
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....
Category
1950s French Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Folk Art Chairs with Tractor Seats, France, 1950s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Almost-pair of French "homemade" iron chairs with very comfortable! tractor seats. Original paint.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Seating
Materials
Iron
American Folk Art Armchair
Located in Stockton, NJ
Very unique early 20th century American folk art chair made of reclaimed material. Fabulous patina to weathered frame.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Folk Art Wrought Iron Stool with Tractor Parts, France, circa 1950s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Unique sculpturesque artist's stool made out of assembled wrought iron tractor parts.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Seating
Natural Live Edge Tripod Table France Late 20th Century
Located in Trensacq, FR
Organic three-legged tree slab table handcrafted in France, circa 1970. Well made, heavy, solid and sound with no hardware. Live edge, good grain, gre...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century 1918 Folk Art Hand Carved Armchair with Carved Imagery
Located in Oakland, CA
Hand carved armchair dating from 1918, the entire chair is embellished with carved imagery. Various images derived from nature and other influences with some appearing to be surreal ...
Category
1910s American Vintage Folk Art Seating
Materials
Hardwood
Vintage Folk Art Red Nautical Martime Viking Clipper Ship Side Accent Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage folk art nautical maritime design side chair featuring a hand painted Viking Clipper ship with rope twist border sailing the ocean with a red ensign or ""Red Duster"" flag, w...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Seating
Materials
Wool, Hardwood
Rustic Bench, circa 1920, France
Located in Girona, Spain
Rustic bench
Made with chestnut structure and hand woven rattan cord seating.
Solid, sturdy and comfortable
Circa 1920, France
Very good vintage condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Seating
Materials
Chestnut, Cord
Folk Art seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art seating for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, folk art, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, softwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art seating made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Alix Coco, Berber Tribes of Morocco, Bobby Falwell, and Thomas Chippendale. 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. Prices for seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $251 and tops out at $89,500 while the average work can sell for $2,400.
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