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.
Vintage Tonala Pottery Small Cat Sculpture, Hand-Painted Bird Decor
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Charming small Tonala pottery figurine depicts a reclining cat with folded front paws and raised head; the cat is looking forward with wide open, large eyes and a slightly surprised ...
Ceramic, Pottery
Large Late 19th Century Wood Scandinavian Painted Swan Decoy Centerpiece
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very charming vintage wooden hand-carved swan sculpture with a detailed bill and raised wings. This European folk art swan features an aged white ...
Wood, Paint
Green Pressed Glass Hen-on-Nest Candy Dish, Vintage Style Decor, USA
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A charming green pressed glass hen-on-nest covered candy dish, designed in the classic Depression Glass style. The piece features a figural hen lid resting on a basket-form base, with richly molded details throughout, including feathered wings, textured tail, raised body patterning, and a woven basket-style lower section. The bright green glass gives the piece a cheerful decorative presence and captures light beautifully, creating the nostalgic look associated with traditional American pressed glass kitchen and table objects. This piece is best described as a Depression-style decorative glass dish rather than confirmed antique Depression Glass...
Glass
Antique Tramp Art Picture Frames, Hand-Carved Folk Art, Circa 1900s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Set of two antique oval shaped layered tramp art wooden picture frames manufactured in the early 20th century or the late 19th century possibly in Scandinavia. Hand-carved with small...
Wood
Large bent Wood Wicker Laundry Basket
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large natural wooden laundry basket. This basket is made from bent wood and is a strong ans sturdy piece.
Bentwood
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
Rustic Farmhouse Folk Art Painted Bridal Cabinet from 1841
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
Antique bridal wardrobe dating from 1841, originating from Franconia, southern Germany. Its weathered character and painted details give the piece a stunning appearance. Both the des...
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
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
Antique Swedish Folk Art Bench, Rustic Patina and Functional Storage Space
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique folk art bench from northern Sweden made around 1840. The bench is a charming and authentic Swedish antique, with rustic patina and character. Original untouched condition wi...
Pine
Farmhouse Chicken Wire Egg Fruit Basket Carry All, Vintage Industrial Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful chicken wire made Basket, circa 1930s. Made of wire and wooden handles. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria. Nice addition to any Country Kitchen. Size given in meas...
Metal, Wire
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
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
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
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
$421Sale 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
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
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
Vintage Folk Art Parrot Balancing Kinetic Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A vibrant vintage folk art kinetic sculpture depicting a stylized parrot perched in a graceful curved form. Crafted in hand-cut and painted metal, the bird features bold red, yellow,...
Metal, Iron
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
Folk Art Watermelon Painting by Lester Gaba Circa 1960 Mid Century Modern
Located in Atlanta, GA
Folk Art watermelon painting by Lester Gaba, American, circa 1960.
Wood, Paint
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
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
Rustic Weathered Farmhouse Folk Art Painted Bridal Cabinet
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
An exceptional antique bridal wardrobe dating to around 1825, originating from Franconia, southern Germany. We recently discovered this piece in a grand, late 18th-century farmhouse,...
Pine, Paint
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
$3,916Sale Price|20% Off
18Thc Original Blue Painted Walnut Tea Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 18thc original blue over a light grey painted walnut tea table with fine queen Anne legs and all original wood blocks underneath the skirt base.The patina of the paint is super ...
Wood, Walnut
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
$243Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Hand-Embroidered Needlepoint Wall Hanging, 1975
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A beautifully crafted vintage embroidered tapestry from the 1970s, showcasing exceptional needlepoint work in a harmonious palette of muted, blue, green, and details in black and whi...
Wool, Cotton, Linen
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
American Folk Art 'PAN FRIED TROUT' Hanging Sign
Located in Chicago, IL
Three words, three fish, and not a hint of subtlety. Hand-carved from wood and painted to resemble rainbow trout, the trio reclines inside an oversized wooden frying pan as if awaiti...
Metal
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
$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
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
Zabihi Collection Blue Chinese Batou Floral Vase Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th-century Chinese Batou Small Rug in light blue Details rug no. j4553 size 2' x 4' 2" (61 x 127 cm) rug type Chinese
Wool
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
Hand-Woven Oak Splint Basket with Horse Bit Handle by Elizabeth Worley
Located in Chicago, IL
There are objects that were made to be used, and then there are objects that, somewhere along the way, become keepers of stories. This extraordinary oak splint basket by Kentucky folk artist Elizabeth Worley belongs firmly to the latter. Hand-woven in the tradition of Appalachian basketry, its graceful form speaks to generations of makers who understood that necessity and beauty were never separate things. But it is the handle that reveals its true character: a 19th century iron horse...
Iron
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
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
petite Antique Catholic Reliquary Box Crucifix Pendant with Relics of Saints
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This antique reliquary contains relics of Saints. It is hand made of metal. Perfect as a pendant for a rosary. This is a 3rd class relic. For a better understanding, Relics are divid...
Metal
Swedish Rag Rug Folk Art Rag Rug
Located in Boden, SE
A fantastically Swedish Rag Rug in beautiful color & pattern. Hand woven in Boden Northern Sweden . The rug is freshly washed. Vintage & antique Swedish Rag Rugs from Sweden ...
Cotton
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
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
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
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
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
Early 20th Century American Copper Trout Weathervane
Located in Chicago, IL
American folk art has always had a complicated relationship with utility. The best examples were made to work first and impress second, which is precisely why they endure. This early...
Copper
$1,025Sale Price|44% Off
Rare Swedish Travel Box, Hand Forged Iron Details, Circa 1800-1850
Located in Buisson, FR
Rare Swedish travel box with stunning patina and hand forged iron details. Sweden, circa 1800-1850. Weathered H:21cm W:37cm D:29cm
Wood
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
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
$2,664 / item
The 'Matisse' Etagere
Located in London, GB
The 'Matisse' wrought iron side table. A hand made and patinated wrought iron etagere with whimsical Matisse style cut-out decoration. Made to order based on a 1960s original. Avail...
Wrought 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
Metal Money Box Piggy Bank, Antique Vintage Sweden
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming mid-century Swedish tin bank issued by Postverket (the Swedish Postal Service), known as the "Sparlåda" (Savings Box). Designed to encourage regular saving, these colorful...
Metal
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
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
$176Sale Price|20% Off
Original Antique Framed Print of A Jaguar, 1847
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a jaguar presented in an antique oak frame Lithograph with original hand color. After Cpt.Brown Published, 1847. Free UK shipping
Oak, Paper
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
18th Century Swedish Painted Pine Linen Press, Folk Art Style
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A Swedish pine buffet à deux corps (that is, a cabinet on chest in two sections) with origins in the 18th century designed with features and style that suit many decorating tastes an...
Metal
Three-Face Sculpture · Hand-Carved and Polychrome Wood
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Mexico, circa 1940 · Solid carved and polychrome wood · 50 × 44 cm It depends on where you look from. And that is exactly the point. This large-format sculpture — 50 cm tall, 44 cm...
Wood
Dutch Delft Blue Windmill Table Lamp, Hand-Painted Porcelain, The Netherlands