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.
1940s Hand-Painted Folk Art Bar Cabinet by Peter Hunt in Green
By Peter Hunt
Located in Stamford, CT
Peter Hunt, 1896-1967 was an American artist whose work was described as Folk Art. He lived many years on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He gained recognition for his art in the 1940s and ...
Wood
19th Century Swedish genuine Folk Art buffet dated 1857 with originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
An mid 19th Century untouched Original Painted Buffet from Jämtland, Sweden, with monogram & dated 1857 on the doors. Very rustic and charming buffet with beautiful original pai...
Pine
19th Century Folk Art Swedish Buffet
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
19th century Folk Art buffet. The top section includes storage drawers, below are two doors opening to more useful stroage. The foot board features decorative swag design. Dry scr...
Wood
19th Century Swedish Antique genuine rustic unique pair of Folk Art buffets
Located in Boden, SE
These incredible original painted buffets from Skellefteå, Västerbotten are truly something special! It's rare to find them as a pair, making th...
Pine
$32,614
H 55.12 in W 55.12 in D 16.54 in
Art Deco, Italian Exceptional Bar Cabinet by Guglielmo Ulrich
Located in London, GB
Cabinet in mahogany with doors with brass banding. The doors fold and slide back to reveal the interior. The legs in sabre form are typical of the work of Ulrich. Provenance Galerie Philippe...
Wood
French Antique Fruitwood Buffet, 19th Century, Circa 1800
Located in Austin, TX
Three door buffet from early 19th century, France. This piece is made of solid wood construction, primarily cherry wood and elm. It is finished hand rubbed bees wax. There are three ...
Bronze
Large 19th Century Swedish Period Gustavian Buffet
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
A large 19th Century Swedish, period Gustavian buffet. Featuring galleried top below a run of four doors with carved reeded design, opening to shelf storage. Repainted in a soft bl...
Wood
$3,955
H 40.16 in W 78.75 in D 24.81 in
Sculptural Art Deco Sideboard by Charles Dudouyt, Oak, France, 1940s
Located in Haaltert, BE
Sculptural Art Deco sideboard in the manner of Charles Dudouyt, origin France 1940s and made of oak. In good original condition, keys included.
Oak
Oak Sideboard, France, 1940s
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, HR
This sideboard was built in France in the 1940s, in the regional oak tradition that produced the heavy carved case pieces of the period. The carving follows the vocabulary associated...
Oak
Oak Art Deco French Buffet Sideboard 1930s-1940s
By Charles Dudouyt, Gaston Poisson
Located in London, London
This sideboard is a stunning blend of Art Deco and Brutalist design elements from the 1930s to 1940s. It is crafted from oak, showcasing the natural beauty and strength of the wood w...
Oak
19th Century French Painted Buffet
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Early 19th century French painted buffet with three drawers above two shaped doors. 1820. Code: 8655 Dimensions: W: 65" (165.1 cm) H: 40...
Oak
French Art Deco Oak Sideboard, 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
This French Art Deco sideboard from the 1940s is a striking example of sculptural woodworking and bold geometric composition. Crafted from solid oak, its design is defined by intrica...
Oak
$4,262
H 46.86 in W 39.77 in D 25.99 in
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Corner Buffet with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian Corner Buffet from Pitea Norrbotten, Northern Sweden. A classic fine Gustavian Corner Buffet with marbled painted top. Nicely hand-cut down at feet. ...
Pine
$4,831
H 46.46 in W 47.25 in D 21.26 in
19th Century Swedish antique Gustavian buffet with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
Early 19th century Swedish Antique Rustic Gustavian buffet from Umeå Northern Sweden. Beautiful genuine buffet in original condition. These doors open to reveal inner shelves offer...
Pine
French Art Deco Oak Sideboard or Buffet 1940s
By Charles Dudouyt, Gaston Poisson
Located in London, London
This stunning sideboard is a remarkable example of 1930s French oak craftsmanship, reflecting both Brutalist and Art Deco influences. Its solid oak construction features a rich, warm...
Oak
Oak Credenza, France, 1940s
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, HR
Oak credenza made in France in the 1940s, in the Art Deco manner associated with Charles Dudouyt. The case is solid oak throughout. Two doors open on wide storage bays and are set w...
Oak
$5,595
H 42.5 in W 60.8 in D 24.4 in
19th Century French Provincial Buffet in Brown Wood, Rustic Charm
Located in High Point, NC
A French Provincial buffet finished in warm, original patina, its paneled doors and straightforward carved detailing reflecting an honest, country cabinetmaking tradition rather than...
Wood
Large Art Déco Bar Cabinet in walnut veneer
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Art Deco period bar cabinet in walnut and walnut veneer opening to two doors and four drawers. Chrome-plated base and handles. A circular glass top. Its architectural shape evokes th...
Walnut
19th Century French Dessert Buffet
Located in High Point, NC
19th century oak dessert buffet from France with a lovely detailed hand carved and scalloped backsplash, over three shelves. The top is wonderfully grai...
Oak
18th c. Italian Buffet with Iron Details in Original Green Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
An Italian 18th century buffet in stunning original green paint with original hand-forged iron hinges. Tongue and groove joinery on the top and sides. Hand-carved, decorative legs. ...
Iron
Chinese Eternal Prosperity Storage Coffer, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This rustic seven-door coffer from the early 20th century balances modern simplicity with humble, timeworn materials. Attributed to artisans of Xinjiang province in Western China, th...
Pine
Sideboard Swedish Folk Art Floral Painting 19th Century Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Sideboard Swedish Folk Art floral painting 19th century Sweden. A stunning sideboard made during the 19th Century in Sweden. Original flower details on...
Wood
Antique White Painted Cupboard or Buffet, English 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
The ultimate in understated elegance. The piece has been repainted in white on the original pine. It has been limed so the grain is clearly visible. The only ornamentation is the ...
Pine