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
Period: Early 1900s
German Tinplate Clockwork Wind Up Toy by the Lehman Co. "Balky Mule" Circa 1909
Located in Incline Village, NV
Perhaps the wildest action of all the Lehman toys, said to resemble Ernest Paul Lehman's temperament (founder of the company), "Balky Mule" was first manufactured in 1897 in Berlin (Brandenburg), and had a multi decade run; this example is from around 1909 (see image with markings to the rear of the carriage). The toy is catalogued as "EPL #425" and documented on page 59 and 60 of the book "Lehman Toys" by Jurgen & Marianne Cieslik, published in 1982.
To operate the toy; wind up the attached clockwork key on the underneath of the carriage and place the toy on the floor. Do not over-wind and be gentle, as the toy is aggressive and over 100 years old. The toy will go backwards and forward, and the clown will pop up and down as the cart goes in several different directions across the floor until it winds down (see video accompanying the listing for guidance).
The toy is found broken and/or inoperable, more often than not, because of the rough action, and typical abuse by children (after all, it was a toy).
This example is in very nice original condition and works well. The lithography and hand paint is bright and original with no touch up or repaint. The hand paint is; flesh tones to the face of the clown, red trousers, orange hair, and grey paint to the seat of the carriage. The clothing to the clown figure is still intact and all original. The lithography to the wheels features brightly colored clowns and a German marking logo. What is really unusual is the fact that the donkey still has all four of its loosely attached original legs, considering the aggressive action of the toy. The metal on the donkey is actually treated with "fabric like" paint, to simulate fur.
All in all this is a really cool toy and a "must have" for the collector of tin toys, or someone who simply wants a wonderful example of an early, "turn of the century" iconic wind up toy.
Provenance: Recently acquired from a prominent toy collection in Los Angeles, California
Dimensions: 7 1/2" long x 3" wide x 5" high
Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys and children's playthings; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace
it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Tin
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Earthenware, Sweden, 1900
Located in High Point, NC
A glazed terracotta earthenware vase with hand-painted green details, produced in Sweden, c. 1900.
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Pine, Sweden, c. 1900
Located in High Point, NC
A pine bowl produced in Sweden, c. 1900.
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
Early 20th Century American Hooked Rug ( 5'8" x 6'8" - 173 x 203 )
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th Century American Hooked Rug ( 5'8" x 6'8" - 173 x 203 )
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Beautiful 1 Liter Antique Germany Lidded Porcelain Veterans Beer Stein, 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. It is a 1 Liter...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pewter
barbotine pitcher "Le Mineur" N°797 in Onnaing earthenware Height: 23cm
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
barbotine pitcher "Le Mineur" N°797 in Onnaing earthenware Height: 23cm Base width: 15cm
to report, a crack on the face
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
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
Rare pocket watch stand, miniature armchair, antler boar thooth, 1900, Tramp Art
Located in Wien, AT
Very nice and rare example of a pocket watch stand, in form of a miniature armchair, made around 1900-1910 in Austria or South Germany / Black Fores...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Antler
Swedish Craft, End Table, Pine, Sweden, c. 1900
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable pine end table, designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1900.
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
Set of Vintage Shoe Forms Mounted on Iron Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of three wooden child size shoe forms mounted on an iron base.
Category
Early 1900s North American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Iron
Silver Vintage Austrian Charivari Grandeln Lederhosen Octoberfest Hat Pin
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This curious Folk Art stick pin was probably worn by a man, in particular, a hunter, as a charm. They’re often found on the charm bracelets of hunters, ...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Silver
Bronze Yacht Anchor, Desk Ornament This is a lovely piece a working miniature
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Bronze Yacht Anchor, Desk Ornament
This is a lovely piece a working miniature
The Yacht Anchor is fully articulated and lends itself yo making a useful. Paper weight for the Yach...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Unusually Oversized Folk art Spinning Top
Located in London, GB
Unusually Oversized Folk art Spinning Top
An unusually oversized late 19th Century hand carved folk art spinning top. Detailed with Welsh style geometric ...
Category
Early 1900s British Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
American Folk-Art Steam Ship Encased Diorama
Located in London, GB
American Folk-art Steam Ship Encased Diorama
We share what we love, and we love this turn of the century hand crafted American folk-art encased steam ship model...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Metal
Bali Hindu Textile Framed 'Kamasan' Painting, Indonesia, circa 1900
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A Mid-20th Century 'Kamasan' cotton textile painting from Bali, Indonesia. The hand painted image has great detail and depicts Balinese Hindu mythology. This textile painting is stre...
Category
Early 1900s Balinese Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Cotton, Paint
Hand Carved Occasional Side End Lamp Table, 1905 Liberty's London
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Liberty Hand Carved Side Table. Heavily Carved with Large Poppy Flowers. A very good-looking piece, it's hand-carved from top to bottom with floral detailing.
Category
Early 1900s Italian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Swedish Folkart Sunnerbo Painting Made to Use as a Pillow
By Sunnerboskolan
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful Swedish Folk Art (commonly known in swedish as bonad) made 1790-1820s. Part of a bigger painting. Likely made by Johannes Nilsson at Sunnerboskolan, Småland. Local painters were often inspired by decorations in churches, where they learned and trained their crafts. The painting on linen is upholstered as a pillow.
The main motif depicts a holy woman serving wine dressed...
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Paint, Linen, Hemp, Paper, Feathers
1900s Octagonal Framed "Madonna and Child" Italian Oil Painting
Located in Catania, Sicilia
An Italian popolar oil on canvas depicting Madonna and baby Jesus, framed in a hand carved fruitwood frame. It's in perfect conditions.
Category
Early 1900s Italian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Paint, Fruitwood
Swedish Folk Art Handcrafted Round Serving Tray
Located in Stockholm, SE
Swedish Folk Art handcrafted large round serving, made of woven roots. Insignificant wear. Beautiful tray made by Same. From 1900th.
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Twig
Small Antique French Carved Wood Mirror, Folk Art Style, circa 1900
Located in Paris, FR
Small antique French wall mirror in dark carved wood, circa 1900. Folk Art style with a small pediment carved with three leaves and a frami...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Antique Wooden and Cardboard Apothecary Pharmacy Storage Jar for Valerian Root
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1900s wooden and cardboard apothecary pharmacy storage jar or box for Valerian Root. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Found at an estate sale...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Plywood, Paper
1900s Scandinavian Wooden Horse
Located in High Point, NC
Like a mysterious inhabitant of a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, this wooden quadruped crafted in Scandinavia circa 1900 exudes a gentle melancholy of the North. The whitenes...
Category
Early 1900s Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Indian Folk Art Painted Cupboard
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Indian folk art painted cupboard
This is an unusual piece, the cupboard stands on a small plinth, it is painted in the detailed Indian Folk Art Style ...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Paint
Early 20th Century American Double Sided Whirligig Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century American double sided whirligig figure
A brilliant example of early 20th century American Folk Art. In the form of a hand carved wooden double sided whirligig f...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
Early 20th Century Scratch Built Church Model
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century scratch built Church model
We share what we love, and we love this scratch-built pine model of a church. Hand carved detail with gla...
Category
Early 1900s British Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
Early 20th Century Ceremonial Form
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century ceremonial form
A very unusual hand carved Central Asia, northeastern India/Burma, Naga people, ca. early 20th century CE. An intrigu...
Category
Early 1900s Congolese Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Natural Fiber
Early 20th Century Folk Art Huntsman Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century folk art huntsman figure.
A charming handcrafted folk-art figure of a huntsman. Constructed from pine, lead and leather this figure stands holding a metal riffle in his articulated lead hands. With faded and worn paint and stood on an old ceiling...
Category
Early 1900s British Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
Antique French Carved Oak Wood Mirror, circa 1900
Located in Paris, FR
Antique French wall mirror in carved light oak wood decorated in the Breton folk art style (French region). Antique frame measures width 11...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Oak
Oil on Board Characters on a Boat a Very Unusual Subject
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Oil on Board Characters on a Boat
A very unusual subject with several strange colourful characters at sea under a white flag
The painting is in good condition and nicely framed...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Paint
Folk Art Figurative Carvings
Located in Hudson, NY
A great set of 13 hand-carved figures each with an individual face depicting a different figure. Varying in size from 6 in to 13 in height. Found an upstate New York.
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Fireside Companion Set, Fireside Tools with Frogs
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th century fireside companion set, fireside tools with frogs.
This is a long handled set on its own stand, shovel, tongs, and poker with wonderful twisted style to the handles, ...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century American Hooked Rug ( 1'6'' x 20'2'' - 46 x 615 )
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th Century American Hooked Rug ( 1'6'' x 20'2'' - 46 x 615 )
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Pair Early 20th Century Scandinavian Faded Milliners Heads, 1900's
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful pair faded wooden gent milliners heads from the early 1900's.
The faded lines and the non-treated wood gives these heads there beautiful character. Absolutely top of the li...
Category
Early 1900s Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Metal and Wood American Bird Cage, Circa 1905
Located in Incline Village, NV
Hand made Folk Art American wire metal and painted wood birdcage, probably from Pennsylvania circa 1905. Having a rectangular body with a dome top; suitable for hanging, or surface decorative presentation, this birdcage is functional albeit it lacks a perch. The single door entry/exit is spring loaded, and there is a metal slide out removable tray at the bottom. The tole painting...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Metal
Early 20th Century American Bed Quilt ( 8'9'' x 10' - 267 x 305 )
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th Century American Bed Quilt ( 8'9'' x 10' - 267 x 305 )
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Early 20th Century Scandinavian Faded Wooden Milliners Head, 1900's
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful faded wooden gent milliners hea from the early 1900's.
The faded lines and the non-treated wood give this head his beautiful character. Absolutely top of the line decorati...
Category
Early 1900s Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Scandinavian Faded Milliners Head, 1900's
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful faded wooden gent milliners hea from the early 1900's.
The faded lines and the non-treated wood give this head his beautiful character. Absolutely top of the line decorati...
Category
Early 1900s Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Majolica Poodle Onnaing, circa 1900
By Onnaing
Located in Austin, TX
French petite pair of Majolica poodle unsigned Onnaing, circa 1900.
Supposed to be a toy.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Faience
Swedish Painted Folk Art Kubbstol Chair
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Folk Art Kubbstol chair from Northern Sweden. A Kubbstol chair is made from a hollowed tree trunk; from a single piece of wood that's been hewn out to form the seat, back and frame. ...
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
American 19th C. Ladder Model
Located in Brooklyn, NY
American 19th C. Ladder Model
Wood
H: W: D: 1.25 in.
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Aunt Sally English Fairground Game
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century aunt sally english fairground game.
We share what we love, and we love this oversized early 20th Century example of a carved wood Fairground Aunt Sally knock do...
Category
Early 1900s British Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
Swat Valley Hand Painted Chest
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Wonderful hand painted swat valley chest. The colors are great on this piece. There is a sliding door that allows access into this chest.
Category
Early 1900s Pakistani Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
"Billiken" Cast Iron Still Bank, American, Circa 1909
Located in Incline Village, NV
Original "Billiken" cast iron still bank patented in 1908 by Florence Pretz (patent number on the back in raised letters "NO39BO3". It was manufa...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Iron
Hand Painted Antique Germany Beer Glass City View Munich, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character Munich beer drinking glass. It has been made in Germany, circa 1900s. Absolutely gorgeous piece hand painted and still in great condition, without damage. Shows ...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Glass
Hand Carved Volk Art Box with Mermaid & Brass Intarsia, Warsaw
Located in Esbjerg, DK
The fish-women or mermaid has been a symbol of the City of Warsaw, Poland since 1622. This box made around the beginning of the 20th century has a lot going on. Brass inlay 3 x W for...
Category
Early 1900s Polish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Brass
Large Antique Carved Wood Female Bambara Chi Wara Antelope Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
Chi wara is a ritual headdress used by the Bambara people in Mali. Portrayed as both male or female figures Chi ware is associated with agriculture. This fema...
Category
Early 1900s Malian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Traditional Large Iron Hanging Pub Sign, The Boot
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Traditional large iron hanging pub sign. The Boot
This is a large and heavy piece dating from the beginning of the 20th Century, it is double sided though the paint on one side is...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Iron
Nantucket "Double Lollipop" Basket, circa 1900
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique and extremely rare Nantucket "double lollipop" basket, circa 1900, a shallow oval swing handled basket with carved wooden staves, handle and bottom plate, and cane weave. The...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Cane, Wood
Large Antique Carved Wood Male Bambara Chi Wara Antelope Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
Chi wara is a ritual headdress used by the Bambara people in Mali. Portrayed as both male or female figures Chi ware is associated with agriculture. This larg...
Category
Early 1900s Malian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
19th Century Austrian Carved Pine Folk Art Farmer and His Oxen Model
Located in London, GB
19th century carved pine folk art farmer and his oxen model
We are proud to offer a unique example of a late 19th century hand carved pine folk art model of a farmer and his oxen. R...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
English Brown Wicker Dog Kennel Basket
Located in Houston, TX
English brown wicker dog kennel or pet carrier (circa 1900-1910), rare large-scale and in good condition. Forged iron door and latch loop. Door openi...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Iron
Set of Three Early 20th Century English Copper Funnels
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful set of three early 20th century English monumental copper funnels, probably from a diary, with fantastic sculpture forms. These would be beau...
Category
Early 1900s British Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Copper
Wooden Architectural Gou Mata Temple Elements, India, Ca 1900
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Very decorative wooden architectural elements made in India around the year 1900.
These carriers, each 28 centimeters high, were part of ...
Category
Early 1900s Indian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Late 19th Century Fairground Knock Down Figure
Located in London, GB
Jeu De Massacre Fairground Figure
One of the finest examples of a late 19th Century fairground knock down figure we have had the pleasure to obtain, in ...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Gold Leaf Black Sign "Gebhardt Park "
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique gold leaf sign Gebhardt Park. Framed in original wood frame.
Category
Early 1900s North American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Six Kobe Toys, Japanese, Meiji Period, circa 1900
By Kobe Toys
Located in Incline Village, NV
Kobe Toys are very mysterious and not much is known about them. They were created and hand made during the Meiji period in Japan, which covered the years 1868...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Ebony
Rolakan Pillow, Cushion, Sofa Cushion by Selma Giöbel, Sweden, circa 1900
By Selma Giöbel 1
Located in Bochum, NRW
Very rare and hard to find, this Rolakan pillow was designed by Selma Giöbel circa 1900, and it is a living example of an exquisite work of art. Not only the timeless geometric design and the vivid colors, but also the very good condition report for its age, make this sofa cushion a must have for any vintage textile lover and not only. Backside made of dark blue fabric, down filling.
Dimensions: 55 x 50 cm
Selma Giöbel was a Pioneer in Swedish textile art and one of the foremost painters of the late 19th century.
As early as interested in the female handiwork, Selma was one of the co-founders of the Association of Handicraft Friends. Its first exhibition was the 1874, 1878 World Exhibition in Paris, (1887 was the year that the Friends of handicraft and its rules were adopted and properly organized), as well as the world's Columbian exposition at Chicago 1893...
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Pair of Folk Art Carved Oak Chairs, 1900s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Early 20th century Folk Art carved oak side chairs with heart cutout.
Very sturdy and heavy chairs.
Believed to be italian work
1900s, Ital...
Category
Early 1900s Italian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Oak
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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