Folk Art Furniture
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.
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture
Masonite, Paint
1950s Czech Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Dutch Folk Art Furniture
Ceramic, Clay
20th Century Unknown Folk Art Furniture
Canvas, Paint
2010s American Folk Art Furniture
Canvas, Paint
1870s Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Birch, Pine
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Pine
1880s Austrian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Hardwood, Paint
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Terracotta
Mid-20th Century Austrian Folk Art Furniture
Metal, Copper
1930s Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Wool
20th Century Indian Folk Art Furniture
Lapis Lazuli, Carrara Marble
Late 20th Century Persian Folk Art Furniture
Wool
Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Furniture
Glass, Lacquer, Paper
20th Century American Folk Art Furniture
Cotton
20th Century American Folk Art Furniture
Paper
1950s Italian Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Ceramic
Late 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Art Glass
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Art Glass
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Glass
1990s American Folk Art Furniture
Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Furniture
Acrylic, Wood
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Pottery
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture
Cotton
Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Furniture
Ceramic
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Art Glass
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Terracotta
19th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Furniture
Ceramic
Late 20th Century Haitian Folk Art Furniture
Acrylic, Canvas
Late 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Furniture
Pottery
Late 18th Century Antique Folk Art Furniture
Clay
Late 20th Century Indian Folk Art Furniture
Canvas
Late 20th Century Indian Folk Art Furniture
Canvas
1920s European Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Furniture
Teak
1930s European Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Ceramic
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Pine
Early 20th Century Folk Art Furniture
Wood, Paint
1830s Italian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Fir
2010s North American Folk Art Furniture
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Turkish Folk Art Furniture
Cotton
2010s Persian Folk Art Furniture
Blown Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Furniture
Steel
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Furniture
Canvas, Acrylic
Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Furniture
Blown Glass
2010s Persian Folk Art Furniture
Blown Glass
Late 20th Century Persian Folk Art Furniture
Wool
Early 20th Century Taiwanese Folk Art Furniture
Iron
1870s American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Glass
20th Century American Folk Art Furniture
Steel
Mid-20th Century Central American Folk Art Furniture
Other