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.
Antique Rustic Farmhouse Folk Art Painted Bridal Chest
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
Medium-sized antique painted bridal chest from Franconia, southern Germany, dating from around 1840. The chest is simply decorated and finished in a beautifully worn blue-grey colour...
Pine, Paint
19thc Striped Linen Ticking Pillows -Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19thc striped linen ticking pillows in blue & indigo blue colors.The backing is in blue cotton linen.The inserts are down & feather fill. Sold as a pair.
Cotton
Zabihi Collection Pair of Vintage Turkish Anatolian Rugs
Located in New York, NY
A whimsical pair of one of a kind Turkish rugs depicting 2 lions on a rust field Measuring 25" x 38" & 23'' x 37'' respectively.
Wool
Early 20thc Child's Wing-back Chair and Ottoman With 19thc Linen Upholstery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20thc Child's Wing-back Chair and Ottoman With 19thc Linen Upholstery. The Entire chair is upholstered with a wonderful aged white linen with a beautiful blue light stripe goin...
Linen, Wood
Antique Baroque Style Danish Oak Side Table / Desk, Late 18th Century
Located in Odense, DK
Charming antique Danish side table in solid oak, dating from late 1800s to early 1900s. The table features four finely turned legs connected by a decorative shaped stretcher and a pr...
Oak
19th Century Austrian Original Hand-Painted Cabinet Chest of Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
19th century Austrian cabinet, crafted in pine with a highly decorative original hand-painted folk art finish. A central concave curved cabinet door depicts a soldier or nobleman on ...
Pine, Paint
19thc Blue Painted Firkin in Original Paint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19thc original Blue painted Firkin. Original Copper nail construction. Fantastic patina. Wonderful old blue paint, the interior is a beautiful natural color and in great condition.
Wood
Antique Rustic Farmhouse Folk Art Painted Bridal Cabinet 1842
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
Exceptional antique painted bridal wardrobe from southern Germany, dated 1842. A special piece due to the many painted flower panels and the beautiful, time-worn paint. The warm colo...
Pine, Paint
19th Century Unusual Antique Folk Art Chair with Storage from Northern Sweden
Located in Kramfors, SE
19th century unusual chair in folk art from northern Sweden. This is antique chair is made by hand in solid pine around 1850. Unique model with a curved back and storage underneath t...
Pine
Willis Hakim Jones Walking Stick, 2010s
Located in Savannah, GA
Carved walking stick by Willis Hakim Jones, one of the Savannah “Stick Men,” with a carved and painted surface featuring faceted geometric patterning, spiral carving, and black accen...
Wood
Zabihi Collection Green Antique Square Oushak Rug
Located in New York, NY
A square-sized green ground Antique Oushak Carpet from the 1900's Details rug no. j3461 size 9' 9" x 11' (297 x 335 cm) rug type Oushak
Wool
Antique Grulich Christmas Nativity Figure Lot, late 19th Century Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Antique Grulich Nativity Figures — Late 19th Century This rare and culturally significant set of nativity figures originates from the historic Králiky region (formerly Gr...
Wood
Swedish genuine hand woven rag rug country
Located in Boden, SE
A fantastically Swedish Rag Rug in beautiful color & pattern. Hand woven in Boden Northern Sweden . Vintage & antique Swedish Rag Rugs from Sweden comes in a variety of color...
Cotton
Miniature Travelling Chess Set Game handmade in walnut Inlaid box, circa 1940s
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good quality handmade Miniature or travelling wood chess set game of 32 pieces in its own inlaid hardwood box, which we date to the mid 20th century, circa 1940s. The smal...
Brass
French Tramp Art Carved Wood Mirror with Applied Floral Motifs, Circa 1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Tramp Art carved wood mirror dating to circa 1900. The rectangular mirror is surrounded by an elaborately worked frame composed of layered, chip-carved wooden elements arran...
Mirror, Wood
Original Vintage Beatrix Potter Print. Peter Rabbit And Friends C.1905
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Lovely image by Beatrix Potter Rescued from an early edition of " The Tale of Two Bad Mice " Possibly a 1st edition from 1904 The measurement given is the paper size not the actua...
Paper
Lavishly-Filled German Wooden Grocery Dollhouse Store Toy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful grocery shop room box, painted and stained wood with lithographed wall and floor papers, side stair case and upper gallery, some drawers on rear w...
Porcelain, Fabric, Wood
Swedish Farmhouse Corner Cabinet, 1817
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This antique Swedish corner cabinet from 1817 is a beautiful example of the traditional Allmoge style, also known as the farmhouse style. The cabinet features authentic hand-painted ...
Wrought Iron
$417Sale Price / item|20% Off
Victorian Treenware Hanging Salt Box, 19th Century.
Located in Hannover, DE
I present to you a set of beautiful hanging salt box from the 19th century. The two are made out of wood, rich in colour and patination, They can be left standing but the intention b...
Wood
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Red & White Hawaiian Quilt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20Thc Hawaiian red & white applique quilt in fine condition.This quilt has fine echo quilting and fine stitching. The applique is quite geometric.
Cotton
Antique American Tramp Art Carved Box, Early 20th Century Folk Art
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Folk Art Tramp Art Carved Box, probably Late 19th/Early 20th Century. A decorative box ornamented with layers of classic Tramp Art chip carved borders enclosing velvet ground panels centered by elongated star...
Velvet, Wood
Low Chinese Painted Table Stand, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
Petite in scale and richly painted, this antique Chinese table stand brings charming texture to the modern home as a low pedestal or plant riser. The small chest has all the features...
Elm
Large Vintage Hand-Carved Crocodile in Dark Wood
Located in Esbjerg, DK
85 cm long and lean crocodile in hand-carved wood. We have been told that it was brought home from Africa during the 1980s by a Danish Tourist. It has a screw to its back - allowing ...
Hardwood
$1,050Sale Price|30% Off
Folk Art Pottery Pitcher - Hand Painted Birds & Flowers - Mexico - Circa 1920's
Located in Chatham, ON
Exceptional Mexican folk art terra cotta pitcher or vase - medium size - fine, thin potted vessel - hand made and hand painted with birds and flowers in red, yellow and black enamels...
Terracotta
"Bobby The Monkey On A Tricycle" Clockwork Wind-Up Tin Toy; Germany Circa 1947
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is a fine quality German tin clockwork toy made by the well known toy maker The Karl Arnold Toy Company established in Nuremburg, Germany in 1906. This toy was made immediately ...
Tin
Original Hand Painted Swedish Pine Two Door Cupboard Cabinet Dated 1771
Located in Round Top, TX
Original hand painted Swedish two door cabinet dated 1771, crafted in pine with a dark aged patina. The original painted finish features yellow flowers and green vines set against a ...
Pine, Paint
19th C. Original Hand-Painted Pine Chest of 3 Drawers with Soldiers on Horseback
Located in Round Top, TX
19th century chest of three drawers, crafted in pine with a remarkable original hand-painted folk art finish. Detailed scenes of soldiers on horseback, soldiers carrying old rifles, ...
Pine, Paint
Antique Rustic Farmhouse Folk Art Painted Bridal Cabinet 1822
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
Exceptional antique painted bridal wardrobe from southern Germany, dated 1822. A special piece thanks to the beautiful folk art painting with colourful floral panels and richly execu...
Pine, Paint
Rare Wall Mirror Frame, Tramp Folk Art, richly decorated, 1890s, Austria
Located in Wien, AT
A very richly decorated example of the famous tramp art frames of Austria, from the 1890s. A very rare example because it is curved. The frame of the mirror is crafted in a layered...
Softwood, Spruce
Framed Hand Painted Persian Miniature Painting Mosque Courtyard Garden Scene
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful hand-painted Persian miniature painting featuring a serene mosque court scene with colorfully clad attendees and musicians in the foreground and a wonderful lush flower g...
Wood, Paint, Paper
Two-Part Antique Pine Corner Cabinet, Danish Cabinetmaker, Early 19th Century
Located in Odense, DK
A charming Danish two-part corner cabinet crafted in solid pine during the early 19th century. The cabinet displays beautifully carved Gothic-inspired arch motifs on the doors, comp...
Pine
Original Antique Print of a Blue Tit, circa 1880, 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a Blue Tit Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Alexander Francis Lydon. Original color P...
Paper
$160Sale Price|20% Off
Ladies Night Out Sipping Wine Print Outsider Folk Artist Gloria Laposka
Located in South Burlington, VT
"A wine party gathering With Sweet Memories" Vibrant Colored Print An unusual colored print by self taught outsider surrealist folk artist Gloria Antoinette Laposka (1922-2015) S...
Paper
19th C. English Painted Pine Chest with Georgian Manor Façade
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A charming English country folk art painted pine trunk or blanket chest, hand-decorated with a weathered architectural façade resembling a grand Georgian manor country house on the f...
Iron
Wooden Hand Crafted Trench Folk Art Toy Castle Medieval Knight, German, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Offered is an absolutely stunning toy castle, it is a beautiful example of early 20th century trench folk art, German handmade craft. The architectural detailing in the crenellated t...
Wood
Swedish Folk Art Hand-Painted Wooden Candelabra, Metal Inserts
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage hand-carved candelabra features sculptural four-arm form in solid wood, equipped with metal candle holder inserts. Detailed arms and base add textural element to otherwise mi...
Metal, Brass
19th C. Country English Painted Georgian House Blanket Chest
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A charming country English folk art blanket chest or storage trunk crafted from pine measuring nearly 3.5' feet wide. The chest features a later hand-painted Georgian manor house faç...
Iron
Antique Germany Lidded Beer Stein glazed Ceramic, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous beer stein, made in Germany. This beer stein has been made in Germany, circa 1900s. Absolutely gorgeous piece still in great condition, without damage. Lid works properly....
Pewter
Log Cabin Variation Quilt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20thc Log cabin quilt with a wonderful faded/muted color pallet. The variation in color change and color choice in this log cabin is amazing, vibrant yet subtle colors that pop...
Cotton
$1,363Sale Price|47% Off
Swedish 18th Century Bentwood Travel Box or Chest
Located in Buisson, FR
Rare and very beautiful Swedish travel box with stunning patina and hand forged iron details. Working lock and key ( bronze key from the 19th century). Sweden, circa 1750-1800. Weath...
Iron
Circa 1850-1880 Dutch Architectural Mansion Folk Art Pigeonnier Birdhouse Model
Located in Buisson, FR
An exceptional and monumentally scaled 19th-century Dutch folk art architectural model, masterfully constructed circa 1850-1880 as a functional pigeonnier (birdhouse). Originating fr...
Wood
$329Sale Price|30% Off
ELFRIEDE MEINDL - Folk Art Ceramic Atlantic Fisherman Figure - Canada - C.1970's
Located in Chatham, ON
ELFRIEDE MEINDL (1926-2020) - Fine vintage folk art ceramic figure of an Atlantic fisherman on a plinth base - small size - featuring elaborate hand made and hand crafted details thr...
Ceramic
Majestic Benin King Oba, Finely Carved Ebony Bust, Nigeria West Africa C1930s
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Truly a majestic Benin Oba. Beautifully and finely hand carved in Ebony hardwood from the 1930's A piece of this quality and stature holds enormous presence...
Ebony
Collection of Eight Piece Wooden Fruit & Bowl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20Thc Collection of seven pieces of wood carved & painted fruit in a large wooden bowl.The bowl has its original label on the base.Sold as a eight piece collection.
Wood
Hand Carved Vintage Antique Wood Duck Mallard Decoy Sculpture Early 20th Century
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic early to Mid-20th Century hand-carved and painted antique wood duck or mallard decoy. This piece has an wonderful color (notice the white side patch against dark body) an...
Wood, Paint
19th Century Original Hand Painted Large Pine Chest of 3 Drawers From Hungary
Located in Round Top, TX
The soft earth tone colors are all original on this hand-painted antique chest of three drawers from Hungary. The lovely top and panels with hand painted floral accents and birds wer...
Brass
$796Sale Price|30% Off
Folk Art Chestnut Wood Tripod Chair, Charles Dudouyt Style, France, 1930s
Located in Valencia, VC
French Folk Art Chestnut Wood Tripod Chair, Art Deco Period, in the Manner of Charles Dudouit, 1930s–1940s A French Folk Art tripod chair in solid chestnut, made circa 1930s–1940s, ...
Wood, Chestnut
Decorative Chinese Painted Wooden Bird Cage, Early 20th Century, 1930s
Located in Odense, DK
A charming decorative bird cage crafted in wood with metal bars and hand-painted details. The design features a domed top, small front doors, and delicate painted motifs, giving it a...
Metal
Set of Three Vintage Halloween Squeaker Toy Noise Maker - Fun & Colorful Devil
Located in Nuernberg, DE
The colorful orange face on this old Halloween noise makers are obvious devils. Each has sinister eyes and a smile that shouldn’t be trusted. There is a s...
Wood, Paper
Original Hand Painted Long Pine Bench Dated 1933
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique hand painted long pine bench is embellished with traditional Eastern European folk art painting with blue accents and red flower bouquets all set against a brown background. ...
Pine, Paint
Folk Art Hand Carved Swan Decoy Sculpture, Wood, Circa 1986, Vintage
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage hand carved and painted Swan decoy. Traditional style of classic waterfowl hunting decoys. Textured feather details on wings and tail. Natural preening pose with a dramatic l...
Wood, Paint
American Folk Art Door Stop in the Form of a Sitting Cast Iron Tuxedo Cat
Located in Downingtown, PA
Cast Iron Charm: American Folk Art Cat Doorstop This charming piece of American folk art is a cast iron doorstop modeled in the form of a black and white tuxedo cat. Doorstops like ...
Iron
Original Antique Print of Parrots, circa 1850, 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of parrots. Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after cpt. Brown with original hand color. Publish...
Paper
Native American Indian Large Shipibo-Conibo Peruvian Amazon Pottery Jar Vase
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful geometric patterned and designed hand painted and glazed Native American large earthenware jar/vase/pot made by the Shipibo-Conibo people, an indigenous people along the ...
Earthenware, Pottery, Paint
Lot of Five Vintage Swedish Dala Rooster Chicken by Nils Olsson, Sweden Folk Art
By Nils Olsson
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This offer is for a collection of five Swedish Dala rooster Chicken by Nils Olsson. Each is hand carved painted wood. Nice display item for every room. Th...
Wood, Paint
Rustic Farmhouse Primitive Wabi Sabi Folk Art Painted Alpine Bridal Cabinet
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
Imposing antique painted bridal wardrobe from the Alpine region, dating from around 1725. This wardrobe, over 300 years old, has a beautiful, primitive appearance with authentically ...
Pine, Paint
Exceptional Rustic Farmhouse Folk Art Painted bridal wardrobe 1784
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
Exceptional antique painted bridal wardrobe from Austria, dated 1784. A special piece because of its rich folk art decoration and striking use of colour. The painted panels feature c...
Pine, Paint
American Folk Art Large Painted Wrought Iron Sitting Cat Statue 1950s-1960s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage large American Folk Art statue features a large cat sitting with its tail raised up and slightly curled, looking straight forward with its ears perked up. The cat is sculpted...
Metal, Wrought Iron
Original Antique Print of a Crested Tit, circa 1880, 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a Crested Tit Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Alexander Francis Lydon. Original color...
Paper
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
19Thc Child's Walnut Rocker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Walnut child's rocking chair upholstered in a suede leather.The condition is very good and sturdy.
Leather, Wood