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.
to
48
702
3,260
1,983
673
20
9
20,038
18,366
7,241
3,110
1,991
1,859
1,275
1,125
925
888
702
624
620
608
604
593
437
419
8
106
559
29
159
272
69
8
13
53
65
30
29
21
29
7
6
422
385
180
78
66
319
309
221
164
84
702
692
699
7
4
3
2
2
Item Ships From: New York
Style: Folk Art
1930s Austrian Horse Toy
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Beautiful 1930s Austrian horse toy. Wonderful patina.
Category
1920s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Bentwood
Jan Bačur Naive Folk Art Painting Oil on Canvas Framed, Serbia 1986
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
The original oil on canvas painting depicts a country scene with a woman handing laundry on the line with a few chickens and a dog surrounding her. Bright dress and colorful laundry ...
Category
1980s Serbian Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Pictorial Persian Blue Pigeon Malayer Runner
Located in New York, NY
A decorative pictorial Persian Malayer Runner with a flurry of white and blue birds and pigeons on a soft blue background, circa 1920.
Category
1920s Persian Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Pair of Early Carved Italian Theater Statues
Located in Peekskill, NY
We date these carvings to the early 19th century but they may be much earlier than that. They come as a pair and priced as a pair. I'm told that these were architectural elements fr...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Gesso
Early 20th Century Persian Tabriz Pictorial Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Tabriz pictorial accent rug handmade during the early 20th century.
Measures: 4' 6" x 5' 11"
Persian rugs & carpets:
Persia (Iran) is a moderately large cou...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Early 20th Century Persian Kerman Pictorial Nomadic Pastoralism Accent Rug
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Kerman accent rug handmade during the early 20th century. The urban workshop weavers of Kerman considered the lifestyle of their t...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Persian Pictorial Rug with Hebrew Inscription
Located in New York, NY
An authentic 20th century Persian Pictorial rug with what looks like a hebrew inscription.
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
American 19th Century Hooked Rug Depicting a Dalmatian
Located in Hudson, NY
Hooked and shirred hearth rug, New England, circa 1850s in wool, cotton and linen. This dramatic folk art piece is in excellent condition.
Depicting a recu...
Category
1850s Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton, Linen
Early Colonial Stained Maple Handmade Travel Trunk / Chest with Hinged Top
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Handmade travel trunk carved from maple wood planks with applied steel hinges and clasp.
The hinged top opens to reveal a removable, divided tray providi...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Maple
Zabihi Collection Red Dragon Vintage Tibetan Rug
Located in New York, NY
A colorful one-of-a-kind Tibetan rug from the 3rd quarter of the 20th century with a dragon motif on red ground
Measures: 3' x 5'7''.
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Hand Painted Decorative Folk Art Wall-Mounted Shelf
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Whimsical Folk Art shelf (circa 1920s, USA) featuring carved and hand painted decoration. There are three tiers for storage in sky blue, green, and blue with carved and painted 'colu...
Category
1920s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Set of 8 Antique Christmas Putz Houses, , Christmas Decorations
By Leo Putz
Located in Buffalo, NY
8 Antique Christmas Putz Houses
Here we have from the local estate of the original owner a VERY Rare group of 8 Large Putz Houses in their original b...
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Paper
Large Hand Painted Double Sided Arrow "Radio Trade In" Folk Art Trade/Store Sign
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large Hand Painted, Double Sided Arrow "Special" Radio Trade In sale,,,,Folk Art Trade/Store Sign,,Wonderful size,,amazing crackle paint, patina..Great subject.
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Masonite, Paint
Antique Seychour Rug with Fox Pictorials and Floral Patterns, from Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Hand-knotted in wool and originating from Russia circa 1920-1930, this collectible 4x5 antique rug is a very rare Caucasian rug of the titular Seychour (sometimes spelled Zeikhour) p...
Category
1920s Russian Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Sad Pigeon Pictorial Persian Kilim Wall Hanging
Located in New York, NY
Scatter size Persian Kilim from the late 20th century with a large lonely white pigeon getting cuddled by a boy and a girl on a blue field
This was originally belonging to a private...
Category
Late 20th Century Persian Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Zabihi Collection Lion Turkish Runner
Located in New York, NY
Surreal Vintage Turkish Lion Pictorial Runner
3'9'' x 9'5''
Category
Mid-20th Century Turkish Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Italian Tole Potted Tulips Table Ornament
Located in Riverdale, NY
Italian cold painted tole potted tulip table decoration. A white footed pot holds a symmetrical cluster of shaded pink, blue and yellow metal closed tulips....
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Metal
Large Floor Size Turkish Animal Motif Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Floor Size Pillow made from an early 20th century Turkish animal motif pictorial rug
Measures: 17" x 31".
Category
1920s Asian Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Cotton, Foam, Wool
Persian Animal Pictorial Pink Color Runner
Located in New York, NY
Make a bold statement in a hallway with this mid-20th-century tribal Persian runner featuring a folksy motif on a soft pink field. Various Animals are found within the field. The col...
Category
1940s Persian Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Mid Century Sculptural Hand Carved & Painted Wooden Buddha
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous hand carved & painted 40 inch tall wooden Buddha. Polychrome decorations with Gilt.
Brightly colored and in prayer. Heavy and well executed. In excellent vintage condition ...
Category
1970s Central Asian Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
Vintage American Pictorial Hooked Mat Size Rug
Located in New York, NY
American hooked rug from the late 20th century. An array of fruits and on circular medallions. A rooster spotted on one of the medallions. Initials of weaver found on another medallion.
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Emperor Empress Chinese Scatter Size 20th Century Rug
Located in New York, NY
A third quarter of the 20th century Chinese Emperor Empress Chinese pictorial conversation rug.
Measures: 3' x 5'.
Category
1970s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Unusual , Architectural stacked "Spool" Folk Art Pedestal / Plant Stand
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual , Architectural stacked "Spool" Folk Art Pedestal / Plant Stand .. Great size. proportion.. Amazing original patina , color , finish. surface,
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Peking Pictorial Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th Century Chinese rug with an animal motif on a navy field
Measures: 4'4'' x 6'10''.
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Vintage Persian Bakhtiari Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Bakhtiari pictorial rug from the mid-20th century.
Measures: 3' 10" x 6' 8"
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
American Folk Art Hand-Carved Wooden Spindly Snake Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand-carved wooden spindly stick in the form of snake (ca. late 19th Century, USA).
Sinuous body with hand carved scale and facial details with metal nails as eyes.
Impressive, long ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Persian Heriz Runner
Located in New York, NY
Geometric early 20th Century Persian Heriz Runner
Measures: 2'9'' x 9'5''.
Category
1930s Persian Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Zabihi Collection Dionne quintuplets Antique American Hooked Mat Size Rug
Located in New York, NY
an early 20th-century American hooked rug depicting the Dionne quintuplets. The quintuplets were born May 28, 1934, and are the first to survive th...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
19th Century American Hooked Rug ( 3' x 5'5" - 90 x 165 )
Located in New York, NY
19th Century American Hooked Rug ( 3' x 5'5" - 90 x 165 )
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wool
Mochaware Mug Banded with Brown Slip Made in England, circa 1815
Located in Katonah, NY
A Mochaware mug decorated with bands of slip in light and midnight brown.
Between the midnight and light brown slip bands are three bands of inlaid rouletting decoration in geometric patterns.
Although made circa 1815, the inlaid rouletting gives the mug a surprisingly modern look.
The applied handle has exceptionally crisp acanthus leaf terminals.
Dimensions: 4.9" tall x 4.9" deep from spout to handle, 3.25" diameter
Condition: Excellent
Price $1600
Background of Mochaware:
Mocha decorated...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
19th Century Antique Moroccan Hand Painted Wood Berber Chest
Located in New York, NY
This 19th century Moroccan Berber chest is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Made from pine wood, it features beautifully painted sides and top, showcasing intricate patterns and vibra...
Category
19th Century Moroccan Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
Pictorial Vintage Turkish Rug
Located in New York, NY
Mid-20th Century Turkish anatolian with 2 pigeons.
Measures : 1'8'' x 2'2''.
Category
20th Century Persian Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Large Tramp Art Hinge Lid Box
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
A handcrafted Tramp Art box or small chest. A detailed design on four tapered feet. The interior is lined with white quilted fabric and the lid is fitted with a large finial. The bot...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Grouping of Five Hand-Painted and Carved American Folk Art Fish Decoys
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Group of five Folk Art fish decoys composed of painted tinned iron sheet metal or aluminum fins and tails and carved wooden weighted lead bodies, some with ...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Mid Century Hand Painted Double Sided Pub Sign C1950
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Double sided pub sign from the United Kingdom. Hand Painted and in excellent condition. Rough hewn wood well constructed with a heavy duty frame ...
Category
1950s British Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Iron
Large Split Oak American Spale Gathering Basket
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage or antique oversized basket in a traditional spale shape features a bent wood ring rim with handles on each side. The basket is formed of a split oak with graphic weave patte...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood, Oak, Beads
Vintage Large American Hand Woven Gathering Buttocks Basket
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage or antique oversized gathering basket features traditional rib or buttocks shape with the bent wood ring rim and handle. The plaited splints are carefully interwoven to carry...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wicker, Oak
Set of Three Vintage Trench Art Bullet Casing Paperweights and Flint Lighter
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Collection of three trench art figurines composed of gutted shell casings mounted to bases. Two are decorative paperweights supported by round, wooden, platform bases, while the thir...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Metal
Antique Chinese Peking Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th century Chinese Peking rug
Measures: 4'5'' x 6'8''.
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Antique English Pottery Horse with Sponged Decoration Circa 1800
Located in Katonah, NY
This pottery figure of a horse is sponge decorated in shades of pink and brown.
It was made at St. Anthony’s Pottery, located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, between 1800 and 1810.
...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Pair of Neutral Tabriz Pictorial Reindeer Mats
Located in New York, NY
A pair of neutral Persian Tabriz rugs from the mid-20th century with a set of reindeer's staring at each other,
Measuring 21'' x 34'' respectively.
Category
20th Century Persian Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
1800s Skeleton Key Locksmith Trade Sign
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is one of the best locksmith trade signs we have offered. It’s early and all handmade in iron with original paint. It's very well done and a wonderful piece of Folk Art.
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Iron
Vintage American Braid Carpet
Located in New York, NY
An American Braided room-size carpet from the third quarter of the 20th century in rustic tones.
Measures: 8'7'' x 11'2''
Although America (British-America) has been producing rugs since the 16th century it was never industrialized at the time. Colonial America had been importing European rugs through England. However, tariffs after the Revolutionary War...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Unusual Cast Iron & Led World Globe. ROTATING. sculpture / desk accessory
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Cast Iron & Led World Globe. ROTATING. sculpture / desk accessory, Smooth 360* rotation, (see vedio) gentleman I purchased it from claims it was made for the Worlds Fair ??...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Iron, Lead
Early Carved Folk Art Wood Bust on Music Cabinet
Located in Peekskill, NY
At the turn of the century this type of "corporate head" portrait was very popular. They were often displayed on or in the lobby of the company headquarters. This striking wooden exa...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Floral Chinese Peking Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th-century Chinese Peking scatter size rug
Measures: 3'3'' x 5'5''.
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Pictorial Egyptian Textile
Located in New York, NY
Late 20th Century Egypian Textile Embroidery with a pictorial design
Measures: 1'10'' x 7'10''.
Category
Late 20th Century Egyptian Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Cotton
Lion Khotan Antique Rug Mat
Located in New York, NY
What looks to be an early 20th century tiny rug mat from central Asia, most probably from the Khotan region from East Turkestan. A lion standing alone on ivo...
Category
Early 20th Century Turkish Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Zabihi Collection Vintage Turkish Camel Donkey Rug
Located in New York, NY
Mid-20th century colorful worn Turkish rug depicting camel and donkeys on an ivory ground.
Size: 2'5'' x 3'11''.
Category
Mid-20th Century Turkish Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Sag Harbor Whale Scrimshaw Cribbage Board
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Authentic Scrimshaw carved into and antique tortoise shell with brass legs. Carved aboard the Ship Argonaut. A whaling ship from Sag Harbor New York from 1814-1832. The detailed carv...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Tortoise Shell
Japanese Double Gourd Ikebana Woven Basket and root
Located in Buffalo, NY
20th Century Japanese Double Gourd Ikebana Woven Basket and Root.. amazing sculpture / art.. Retain original inserts.. one basket re-glued , repaired.. (see photo)
Category
20th Century Japanese Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wicker, Wood
Early 20th Century American Hooked Rug
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th Century American Hooked Rug 4'2" x 6'10"
Category
1910s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Folk Art Nantucket Island Ornamental Fishing Line "Fish" Spool Souvenir
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand carved and painted mint green fish souvenir spool from Nantucket Island (ca. 1940s, MA, USA). The fishing twine is connected to a small metal hook affixed to the fish's mouth. Warm patina / good age commensurate with history (small spots of wood / paint loss along with crazing). Small but impressive vintage fishing collectible...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Stone
Carved Ebony "Star" Vide Poche, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Delicately carved solid Ebony vide poche on a pedestal base decorated with points around the edge.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Ebony
Antique Toy Steamroller C1940 Style of Buddy L
By Buddy L. 1
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Large Steamroller toy from the forties. In the style of Buddy L. Repainted and some hardware replaced. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Can be...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Steel
C1940 Advertising Sign "Nassau" Stainless Frame
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic advertising sign from possibly a travel agency or transit system c1940. Excellent vintage condition with just the right amount of wear. Stainless border and mounting hardwa...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
Sergio Bustamante Early Lion Papier-mâché Sculpture Hand-painted, 1975
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sergio Bustamante (20th century, Mexican) life sized paper mache lion from the early years of his Family Workshop Studio in Tlequepaque, Jalisco, Mexi...
Category
Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Paper
Set of two Wood Vintage Pull Toys, 20th Century
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Set of two vintage wood pull toys, 20th Century. Charming folk art circus wagon and pair of ducks. Circus wagon has applied lithograph of performing ch...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paper
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Vintage Metal Wagons
Wiener Werkstatte Textile
Wood Handrail
Wood Tobacco Figure
146 X 12
18th Century French Bronze Putto
18th Century Copper Bowl
1960 Wrought Iron Dining Table With Glass
19th Century Italian Marble Clocks
5 Ft Sofa
606 Art
7 Ft Mirror
77 Etched
A G S Mirror
Albert Dammouse
Altar Fruit
Angel Table Marble
Anri Italy