Folk Art Furniture
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
Creator: Unknown
Antique Dollhouse Biedermeier Boule Furniture Sofa, German 1860s - 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature antique German wooden Boulle sofa with original velvet upholstery and fine golden transfers, dated about 1890. Made by one the famous German toy...
Category
1890s German Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Velvet, Wood
Stunning Swiss Antique Pine Cottage Set, Hutch, Table, Chairs w Awesome Carvings
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare folk art set with great carvings on cottage cupboard, table and matching chairs.
If you are looking for a unique set for your chalet, home, cott...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Brass
Santa Claus Christmas Chocolate Mold Antique 1920s, Germany
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous chocolate mold. Made of metal, marked with manufactory mark.
Beautiful and ready to use or display, with nice patina.
The 1890s to 1920s were the golden age of Chocolate ...
Category
1920s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Swedish Outsiders Art "Eve and the Serpent" Sculpture in Wood
Located in Stockholm, SE
The Outsider Art Sculpture an ode to the timeless tale of Eve and the Serpent. This enigmatic piece bears witness to the forbidden allure of the Garden of Eden. Crafted in wood-carve...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Oak, Paint
20th Century Erzgebirge German Noah’s Ark Putz Toy Set, Vintage Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
20th century Erzgebirge German Noah’s Ark. A wonderful example of a 20th century Erzgebirge German Noah’s Ark, With 36 assorted hand carved figures. Typically, children played with t...
Category
20th Century German Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Set of 2 Antique Miniature German Boule Biedermeier Dollhouse Chairs, 1860-1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature antique German wooden Boule set of Chairs with fine golden transfers, dated about 1860s to 1890s. Made by one of the famous German toy...
Category
1890s German Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Rare Set of Three Santa Claus Mercury Glass Christmas Ornament Vintage, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set of three. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size always given for the tallest item...
Category
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wire
19Thc Decorated Stoneware Lamps w/Linen Shades- Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These pairs of decorated stoneware jugs are newly wired for lamps with new linen custom made lamps.Sold as matching pair.Pristine condition.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Traditional Wooden Artist Mannequin Model Doll Vintage Italy, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A handmade wooden Artist mannequin model - all joints move as they should. Found on a Estate sale in Verona, Italy.
Shows some wear - but looks beautiful on display! Some scratches a...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Metal
Set of Two Mushrooms Scientific Models Europe , Germany 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage set of two different types of mushrooms, show Models which are native to middle Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools. Colorful...
Category
1960s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Paper, Wood
Wood Carving Penis Figurine Wabi Sabi Object Vintage Asia 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Adorable unique wood carved figurine statue. we don't know anything about the item, but believe it was made in Japan in the 1960s. Ideal decoratio...
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Colombian Silk Needlework, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
A South American historic Catholic painting with needlework under eglomise glass in gilt frame, c. mid 19th century. Similar pieces attributed to artists from the historic Universidad del Rosario in Bogota. Possibly a Barbary pirate...
Category
Mid-20th Century Colombian Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Silk, Glass, Wood, Paint
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Sculptural Wood Tripod Chair, Spain Vintage 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Interesting Brutalist wood tripod chair from Spain. Notched holes in head rest and both arms. Historically used as a birthing chair. Great piece of functional sculpture. Good conditi...
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Collection of 5 Antique Wrought Iron Eel Forks
Located in Søborg, DK
A collection of 5 wrought iron eel forks from the 18th century.
Extremely decorative and each one unique.
Each one is a work of art.
Sizes vary from 37 cm to 42 cm.
Would look am...
Category
18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Collection of 5 Antique Wrought Iron Eel Forks
Located in Søborg, DK
A collection of 5 wrought iron eel forks from the 18th century.
Extremely decorative and each one unique.
Each one is a work of art.
Sizes vary from 52 cm to 37 cm.
Would look am...
Category
18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Miniature Bimini Glass Antique German Hand-blown Decanter Set for Dollhouse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature antique German Bimini decanter set is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its b...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Glass
Antique Miniature German Boule Biedermeier Dollhouse Bed Room Furniture 1860-90s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature antique German wooden Boule Bedroom Furniture set with fine golden transfers, dated about 1860s to 1890s. Made by one of the famous German toy companies. A very lovely Furniture set for antique dolls and for dollhouses. Measurements given in dimensions section refers to the bed. The small Vanity desk...
Category
1890s German Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Collection of 5 Antique Wrought Iron Eel Forks
Located in Søborg, DK
A collection of 5 wrought iron eel forks from the 18th century.
Extremely decorative and each one unique.
Each one is a work of art.
Sizes vary from 38 cm to 50 cm.
Would look am...
Category
18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Hand Painted Duck Decoy Antique, USA owned by Bob Tillbutt
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Found in Germany at an estate sale, this hand carved and hand painted duck decoy is perfect for the collector. Well used by a previous hunter the paint has faded through time althoug...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Horse Shoe Leg Vienna Bronze Letter Opener, Antique Austria 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s Austrian letter opener. It has a nice patina.
I did not clean it, so the next owner can decide what he wants to do with it.
This highly collectible vintage piece ...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Vintage Charcoal Rubbing of Thai Musicians
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Thai Temple charcoal rubbing. Hand crafted temple scenes at the Wat Pho temple located in Phra Nakhon district in Bangkok Thailand...
Category
Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Paper
Paul Walker - Outsider Art Checkerboard
Located in Savannah, GA
Paul Edward Walker
(American, b.1949)
Checkerboard
oil on board
signed “Art by Paul Walker”, “Nov. 97, Savannah, GA”
26 by 20 inches; ¾ inches deep
Paul Walker is a Savannah, G...
Category
1990s American Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Pipe Smoking Standing Vintage German Yard or Garden Gnome Statue, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue. This character statue has been made in Germany, in the 1920s or older. Absolutely gorgeous item with lo...
Category
1920s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Pipe Smoking Resting Vintage German Yard or Garden Gnome Statue, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue. This character statue has been made in Germany, in the 1920s or older. Absolutely gorgeous item with lo...
Category
1920s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Traditional Wooden Artist Mannequin Model Doll Vintage Italy, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A handmade wooden Artist mannequin model - all joints move as they should. Found on a Estate sale in Verona, Italy.
Shows some wear - but looks beautiful on display! Some scratches a...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Metal
Carved Wooden Milliners Head, Vintage Germany, circa 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Adorable unique wood carved head. Germany, 1960s. Ideal decoration item, used in the displaying and making of hats. Hand carved from wood. Nice display piece in any room. Found at an...
Category
1960s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Paul Walker - Outsider Art Box and Fan
Located in Savannah, GA
Paul Edward Walker
(American, b.1949)
Box and fan
signed on side P.E.W. ‘94
box: 8 ¾ inches wide by 5 ½ inches deep by 2 ½ inches tall
Paul Walker is a Savannah, Georgia outside...
Category
1990s American Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint, Paper
Carved Wooden Milliners Head, Vintage Austria, circa 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Adorable unique wood carved head. Austria, 1910s. Ideal decoration item, used in the displaying and making of hats. Hand carved from wood. Nice display piece in any room. Found at an...
Category
1910s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Rare Set of Three Grape Christmas Ornament Vintage, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set of three. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size alw...
Category
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wire
Decorative and Mid Century African Hand Made Wooden and Hide Tribal Drum, 1900s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and beautiful handmade drum in painted wood and hide produced i Africa early 1900s / 20th century. In original condition.
Very decorative and genuine and works well with many c...
Category
Early 20th Century Kenyan Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Hide, Wood
Brahma - Four Faces - Eight Arms Sculpture Statue Vintage 1980s, Asia
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A decorative handmade sculpture or statue. Showing Brahma, the first of the three Hindu trinity, he is the creator of the universe. He is depicted with four faces looking at the four...
Category
20th Century Thai Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Metal
Coastal Shiny Shell Folk Art Photo Frame
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful seashell-encrusted photo frame. Accommodates two photos in an oval shape.
Dimensions:
6.25" Wide
4.5" Tall
1" Deep.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Shell
Rare Mushroom, Clown and Boy Head Christmas Ornament Vintage, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set of three. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size alw...
Category
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wire
Round Red Earthenware Studio Pottery Bowl w/ Transparent Green Glaze - Unsigned
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful piece of red earthenware studio pottery. Created from a rich red clay material, this piece was found in Oklahoma. It is glazed in a transparent clear glaze on the inside ...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Clay, Paint
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood
Rare Set of Four House, Teddy Bear and Fish Christmas Ornament Vintage, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set of four. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size alwa...
Category
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wire
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...
Category
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Rare Antique Collection of Folk Art Brush Holders w. Brushes Dogs, Cat and Bird
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful designs and great condition set of sculptural animal brush holders.
Not too long ago men and women here in Europe who could afford leather shoes took good care and therefor also regularly brushed their leather shoes and/or boots. Especially during the second world war and in the first 5 years after, many men (and woman) had time on their hands and among other kinds of folk art...
Category
Early 20th Century European Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Brass
Signed Watercolor El Equipal Folk Art Painting by Luis Ricardo Amendolla, 1980's
Located in Deland, FL
Signed Watercolor "El Equipal" Folk Art Painting by Luis Ricardo Amendolla, Mexico, c. 1980's
About: Introducing a true Mexican Folk Art masterpiece: a signed original watercolor du...
Category
1980s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Glass, Paint, Paper
18thc Hand Carved Rooster Sculpture on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine folk art 18thc hand carved rooster ,sculpture sits on a board /stand.This fine sculpture has a wonderful red wash painted surface & several shrinkage cracks from natural ag...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Wood Tripod Chair Foot Rest Stool, Spain Vintage
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An interesting brutalist stool with hand carved legs and great patina. Great piece of functional sculpture. It is in great vintage condition and is structurally sound. Nice addition ...
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Set of Four Black Forest Carved Tavern Bavarian Inn Chairs, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of four interesting brutalist wood carved from the Bavarian Alps or Black Forest Area , with a motif adorning all chair Backrests. Each Stool is in very good, used condition, t...
Category
Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Swedish Butter Box with Zig-Zag Design
Located in Houston, TX
Swedish butter box with zig-zag design carved imprint. Light colored faded wooden finish.
Note: Due to regional changes in humidity and climate during shipping, antique wood may shr...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Large Italian Painting of a Merchant Ship "The Venetian Workers' Society Offers"
Located in Katonah, NY
A unique work of art, this charming painting was hand painted in Italy in the mid-19th century.
Created to promote The Venetian Workers' Society, this large hand-painted oil paintin...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
Antique Pine Cricket Table on Blue-Green Painted Silhouette Base
Located in Houston, TX
Antique pine cricket table, circa 1870-1899, on gray-green/white/and blue-green painted silhouette base.
Note: Regional differences in humi...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
19Thc Hand Carved Gentleman Sculpture / Whirlygig
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This amazing 19thc hand carved sculpture of a gentleman with a top hat and rotating arms.This is a very early carving from the Southern states of the mid 19thc.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Iron
Antique Shooting Club Lodge Target Plaque German 1883, Carnival Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage Shooting Lodge Target Plaque 1883. A rare and beautiful wooden shooting target plaque with inscriptions. This rare kings plaque was issued by a s...
Category
1880s German Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Timber man Vintage German Yard or Garden Gnome Statue, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue. This character statue has been made in Germany, in the 1910s or older. Absolutely gorgeous item with lo...
Category
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Olokun Head, Kingdom of Ife, Western Nigeria Hand Carved Hardwood
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Fascinating detailed Olokun head from the Kingdom of Ife in Western Nigeria.
Hand carved hardwood face with almond shaped eyes, neck creases and astounding facial incisions
Circa 1...
Category
Late 20th Century Beninese Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Outsider Painting in Acrylic of a Humpback Whale on Blue
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This is a great example of outsider art. This painting of a black humpback whale is painted on a masonite board. At the center is a black humpback whale with an open mouth and beady ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Masonite, Paint
Beautiful Black Forest Frame Antique Folk Art with Jesus Child Picture, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A lovely picture frame made of hand carved wood, made in Germany with a picture of Jesus and a Child. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. It is not marked. A nice addition...
Category
1890s German Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
Folky Hand-Hooked Mounted Blue Birds Rug from Pennsylvania
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This hand-hooked rug was found in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and has such great geometric lines. It has a thick NAP and is really great condition.The rug is sewn on linen and on a custom made wood...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Early 20th Century Hand Painted Duck Decoy Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Found in Germany at an estate sale, this hand carved and hand painted duck decoy is perfect for the collector. Well used by a previous hunter t...
Category
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Paint, Wood
Rare Santa, Clown and Lantern Christmas Ornament Vintage, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set of three. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Clown Head is approx. 3 1/4" high and 1 3/4" at the widest point, think it is approx. 1940s or older. Lantern is approx. 2 5/8" high (1910s) and the little Santa...
Category
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wire
Vintage Shooting Club Lodge Target Plaque German 1900s, Carnival Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage Shooting Lodge Target Plaque 1900s. A rare and beautiful wooden shooting target plaque with inscriptions. This rare kings plaque was issued by a ...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paper
George Edouard Tremblay Folk Art Hooked Rug, Mat or Tapestry of a Winter Scene
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This framed hooked rug or mat was done by the well known George Edouard Tremblay of Quebec Canada in approximately 1940 in his period Folk Art style. The rug or mat is done with wool...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool, Burlap, Pine
House Altar Accessories Early 20th Century Pewter Tin Dollhouse Doll Toys, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century selection of House Altar Christianity miniatures and accessories. A wonderful decorative appeal! Each was made in Germa...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pewter
Early 20th Century Hand Painted Duck Decoy Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Found in Germany at an estate sale, this hand carved and hand painted duck decoy is perfect for the collector. Well used by a previous hunter t...
Category
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Folk Art furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Berber Tribes of Morocco, Mosche Bianche, Jim Rose, and Nils Olsson. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $20 and tops out at $225,000 while the average work can sell for $1,252.
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