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
Santa Claus Belsnickle with Lantern Chocolate Mold Antique 1890s, German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous chocolate mold. Made of metal, not marked. Beautiful and ready to use or display, with nice patina. The 1890s to 1920s were the golden age of Chocolate production and cons...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Metal
Swedish Wooden Folk Art Gentleman Sugar Dispenser, 1940s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Unknown Volk Art maker/artisan K.K made this elegant sugar, pepper, salt etc dispenser in engine-tuned pine. It is dated 1946 and we found this beautie on a privat Flea-marked near F...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
Vintage Haitian Painting with Black Cats and Fruit by Pierre Louis
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Captivating Mid Century Haitian acrylic painting on canvas depicting four black cats in a lush outdoor setting with an unexpected group of plants and fruit, executed in a distinctive...
Category
20th Century Haitian Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Paint
Swedish Maker, Small Chair, Pine, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine side chair designed and produced in Sweden, 19th century.
18.5" seat height
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
Asian Decorative Art Phad Painting Rajasthan Royal Procession
By Rajhastani
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Asian Decorative Art Phad Painting Rajasthan Royal Procession.
Add a festive touch with this superbly hand painted Phad painting of a Rajput Royal Pr...
Category
1950s Indian Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Silk
Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure on a Reclaimed Steel Base
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, a collection of spare parts come together ...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Metal, Steel
1800's Swedish Mortar made of solid Öland limestone.
Located in Boden, SE
Mortars made of Öland limestone in the 1800's was used by many in Sweden.
They was known for its durability and ability to withstand wear over time.
In good vintage and charmy condit...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Stone
Beautiful Hand Painted Thai Woman Wooden Sculpture
Located in Pasadena, TX
This beautiful sculpture is hand carved and painted. It depicts a beautiful Thai woman dress in adornment. It's beautifully painted and hand carved.
Category
Late 20th Century Thai Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Early 19th Century Scandinavian Wood Pouring Bowl
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A fabulous Scandinavian antique pouring bowl that has been turned from one piece of timber and the spout remains intact. Displays beautifully on a coffee table or side table standing...
Category
1810s Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
antique beech shepherd’s chest, 1850’s
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Low shepherd’s chest with a beautiful appearance and proportions. These chests were made in the same way for centuries. They were decorated with traditional magical geometric symbols...
Category
1850s Romanian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Beech
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...
Category
Early 1900s British Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Paper
Berlin Bear Souvenir Statue Building Ashtray Vintage, German, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A 1930s souvenir building Statue architectural model Ashtray. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal. A beautiful nice desktop item or just a display item i...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Metal
19th Century French Country Folk Art Corner Cabinet
Located in Winter Park, FL
A fine 19th century French Art Populair, or Folk Art, corner cabinet from Normandy. Made of pitch pine with bold geometric carved panels. In three parts: the bottom has a small dovetailed drawer and one interior shelf, the top cabinet has two interior shelves, and the crown is decorated with carved rosettes. Locks and keys in working condition. An unusual cabinet...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
Song And Musical Merry Makers Painting Outsider Folk Artist Gloria Laposka
Located in South Burlington, VT
"Song And Music Merry Makers" Vibrant Colored Hand Painting
Unique Oil Painting by Self Taught Outsider Surrealist Folk Artist Gloria Antoinette Laposka (1922-2015)
Said Laposka: "...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Early 20th Century Carnival Carousel Funhouse Architectural Columns
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Fun antique architectural elements from carnival carousel or funhouse ride. Layers of beautiful original park paint. Great scale for wall art or to act as a frame for something else. Unique and original fairground art!
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Hand Crafted Kuba Cloth Wall Hanging from D.R. Congo, 1960's
Located in Grythyttan, SE
The Kuba cloth (velours du kasai) is a captivating piece of textile art hailing from the Kasai Region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Crafted by hand in the 1960s, this Kuba cloth wall hanging is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of the Kuba people.
The textile features a meticulous process of handweaving and embroidery using raffia palm fibers, showcasing intricate geometric patterns. The use of natural pigments in the dyeing process adds an earthy and authentic touch to the piece.
As a vintage item, this Kuba Cloth is not only a stunning decorative element but also a tangible link to the past, carrying with it the history and craftsmanship of the Kuba people. Its authenticity is underscored by the fact that each Kuba cloth is one of a kind, reflecting the unique artistic expression of the weaver.
Whether displayed as a wall hanging, used as a textile accent, or incorporated into interior design, the Kuba cloth invites a sense of cultural richness and historical significance. Embrace the beauty of this vintage, authentic artifact...
Category
1960s Congolese Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Raffia
Vintage European Walking Stick with 12 Badges
Located in High Point, NC
Early 20th century hickory thorn walking stick from Europe. This walking stick has 12 badges, which were acquired by the hiker going from village to village and earning those souven...
Category
20th Century German Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Metal
Large Vintage Papier-Mâché Tiger Sculpture, Folk Art Style, 1970s – Hand-Painted
Located in BARCELONA, ES
A striking and whimsical large vintage papier-mâché tiger sculpture, crafted circa 1970s in a bold folk art style. This expressive piece features a dynamic stance, hand-painted strip...
Category
1970s Brazilian Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Paper
Early 20th Century American Hooked Rug with Tumbling Block Pattern
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th Century American Hooked Rug with Tumbling Block Pattern
2'10" x 3'9" - 86 x 114
Category
1920s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Handcrafted Persian Gabbeh Carpet Mid-20th Century
Located in Debrecen, HU
An exceptionally beautiful, handcrafted Persian Gabbeh carpet from the mid-20th century. The 290x210 cm rug features a nomadic and landscape-inspired design that reflects the rich tr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wool
Kaitag Embroidery, Kaytagsky, Daghestan, 19th C.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Kaitag textiles are from a Southern Dagestan . The area is inhabited by Dragon and Kumyk Peoples. They are done mainly in one technique and that is laid and couched silk embroidery...
Category
19th Century Russian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Cotton, Silk
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Travel Writing Chest / Box with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish folk art travelling writing chest / box with original marble paint from Lulea Norrbotten,
Northern Sweden.
A charming Swedish Folk Art Chest with untouched or...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
Antique Mexican Retablo "Exvoto" Oil on Tin, 1936
Located in Toronto, CA
Beautiful Mexican retablo or ex voto, painted in 1936, describing a mother giving thanks to the Virgin for the safety of her two boys. The crowned Virgin of Guadeloupe floats surroun...
Category
1930s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Tin
Classic Swedish pine chairs set of 4 in solid pinewood Early 1900
Located in Forest, BE
Set of 4 classic, minimal and elegant lightweight comfortable pinewood chairs from Sweden around 1900. These are massive pine that shows a nice warm patina. We did not touch anything...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Pine
Original Hand Painted Pine Bench with Storage, Hungary circa 1920-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Original hand painted folk art pine bench displays traditional brown faux wood background and colorful floral motif.
Back has 3 decorative spindles, slightly curved armrests and hing...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
Antique Majolica Milk Pitcher with Pewter Lid, Bird Motif antique 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Decorate a shelf or a kitchen counter with this elegant antique milk pitcher. Created attributed to Sarreguemines, France in the 1900s. The milk j...
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Craftsman Handmade Folk Art Milk Stool, late 1800's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Original Craftsman Handmade Folk Art Milk Stool. Made in Belgium, late 1800's - early 1900's. Solid oak constructed stool with central handgrip. Simple in design, with 4 turned legs ...
Category
1890s Belgian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Oak
Antique Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse Train Hand Car by Disney & Lionel Circa 1934
By Walt Disney
Located in Incline Village, NV
Vintage Mickey/ Minnie Mouse Toy Wind-Up pre-war handcar (train car) circa 1934; by The Lionel Train Company in collaboration with Walt Disney Enterprises. The wind-up toy car features Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse pumping alternatively, up and down as if moving the car across the tracks or floor. It actually works by winding up the car by the winding stem with the original vintage clockwork key. When wound, place down on the floor or on train tracks (O Gauge) and the handcar will move across the floor while a bell chimes (see video attached to listing). It is okay to simply leave the key on the stem.
The car is in original red hand paint with Mickey and Minnie in colors of black, white, green dress to Minnie; red outfit on Mickey; both have oversized original orange boots, while Minnie is sporting a wooden red hat. They both have their original tails. Both figures are 4 1/2" resin composition and in full paint, excellent coverage with very little paint lacking, if at all. All four legs are restored, which is the case with almost all examples. The car itself is metal and painted red with a gold manufacturing logo in the center stating "Mickey Mouse Handcar" copyright "Walt Disney"; "The Lionel Corporation, New York"; "Made in U.S. of America". "No. 1100".
Great working; great looking iconic cross collectible antique toy...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Metal
Large Antique Carved Painted Collectibles Box with Lions
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique carved wood painted box featuring two lions. This rectangular box features a hinged lid made of iron. The box is perfect for collectables as well as securing important docume...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Metal
18th Century Folk Art Wall Shelf, Island of Amager, Denmark
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
18th century Folk Art wall shelf, Island of Amager, Denmark
Shelf is decorated with carved figures.
Category
Late 18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Small Antique Brass Jam Pan. English 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great rustic accessory for the country kitchen
Country house condition. Original patina to brass and rusty iron handle
The measurement given is with the handle up
Free UK shipping
Category
1870s English Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Rare Norwegian Kubbestol, circa 1850, Origin Telemark, Norway
Located in New York, NY
Rare Norweigen Kubbestol, circa 1850, origin: Telemark, Norway
Rosemaling and acanthus carvings in this extraordinary Kubbestol indicate it is most likely from Telemark, Norway, a region known for this exact carving and painting. A Kubbestol is a traditional Scandinavian chair carved from a single log...
Category
19th Century Norwegian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Fir, Paint
Hand Crafted Primitive/ Folk Art Game Table. Checkers , chess , cards, dice
Located in Buffalo, NY
Charming Hand Crafted Folk Art Game Table with drawer,Original Top with incised designs ,, Checkers /chess board ,playing cards and dice ,Base and drawer also fully decorated, Very...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Vintage Santa Claus Belsnickel Wax Candle German Christmas 1930s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful German Belsnickle / Santa Claus Candle. Was probably made before World War two in Germany. Scattered wear due to age. It is made of wax and is hand-painted. Nice addition...
Category
20th Century German Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Other
Modernist Abstract Oil Painting on Board by WNY Artist Kathrin Langley
By Langley
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist Abstract Oil Painting on Board by WNY Artist Kathrin Langley titled boy at the beech..Well executed,, great use of color, texture
. Katherine...
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Plywood, Paint
Vintage "Barnacle Bill" Tin Windup Toy by The Chein Company, N.Y.C Circa 1930's
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Barnacle Bill" was a very popular cartoon character for whom this toy was named after and was made in the 1930's by the J. Chein Toy Company of New York City. There is some evidence...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Tin
Antique French Floral Painted Folk Art Marriage Chest, Late 18Th Century
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE PAINTED DOMED TRUNK
A highly decorative chest of lovely proportions with a slightly domed top.
Made of softwood in its original paint with hand-painted floral decoration on...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Metal
Antique German Christmas Scene Doll in Sled, with Music Box, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This beautiful Bisque Head doll, with a smaller baby doll, is seated in a metal sled. The doll has brown glass eyes, blonde hair and teeth. The coat is made of pressed cotton. The sl...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Metal
Swedish Rustic Folk Art Primitive Chair
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rustic folk art chair from Northern Sweden. The chair is unique and hand-made into a primitive example of an antique chair. The pine has never been pa...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
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
Folk Art Carved Patriotic Eagle Plaque
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage Folk Art Carved Patriotic Eagle Plaque, circa 1940s, a Bellamy inspired carved and painted patriotic eagle plaque with American shield and clutch of arrows.
The plaque remai...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 19Thc Pantry Container
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This early 19Thc European fine hand crafted pantry box is in fine condition and natural old patina.
Category
19th Century English Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Lot three Mercury Glass Christmas Ornaments Sea Shell , Vintage German, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare antique ornament set of three. The size given in the dimensions section refers to the largest item seen in the first picture. These ornaments, were made from ultra-thin hand b...
Category
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Mercury Glass
French Turn of the Century Brown and Black Tramp Art Mirror with Medallions
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Turn of the Century brown and black Tramp Art mirror from circa 1900 with raised circular medallions. Embark on a journey through time with th...
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Small Primitive Folk Art Table from Northern Sweden, Late 1700s in Solid Pine
Located in Kramfors, SE
Small folk art table with primitive construction from northern Sweden. The table is made by hand in solid pine during the late 1700s. Original condition and original paint with genui...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
Handcrafted Folk Art Rustic Oak Dining Chair Set, France, 1940s
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Handcrafted Folk Art Rustic Oak Dining Chair set of 6. Made in France, 1940s period. Handmade handcrafted and carved solid oak const...
Category
1940s French Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Oak
1941 Folk Art Patience Bottle Signed And Dated
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A symbolic Christian patience bottle with a cross flanked by miniature bells, the front with a ladder, tools, plants and rooster. The bottle contains a signed paper label, dated Octo...
Category
20th Century Argentine Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Other
Early 19th Century American Hammered Brass Wall Sconces
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Charming pair of hammered brass 19th century wall sconces having a folk art feel with hearts at the top and octagonal sections with circles and oval decoration. Fully electrified wit...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Brass
1980s Sculptural Hand Crafted Painted Faux Golf Club Display Cabinet
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, sculptural faux golf club cabinet you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful go...
Category
1980s Asian Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Metal
Early 20th Century Pharmacy Sign 'DRUGS' Painted on a Single Board
Located in Nantucket, MA
American folk art trade sign from an apothecary or pharmacy with the word 'DRUGS' in black paint with white shadow lines on an orange ground. Painted on a single pine plank with notc...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
Folk Art Ship Model
Located in Doylestown, PA
A naive Folk Art ship model in carved wood with fabric sails and elaborate rigging, American, circa 1900.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Children's Bowling Game of "Fancy Ten Pins" by Spears Works Bavaria, Circa 1935
By JW Spears 1
Located in Incline Village, NV
This rare and unique game is in excellent all original condition with it's original, highly lithographed colorful box, This seemingly little used pre-war game is completely intact an...
Category
1930s Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure, Modern and Minimalist Sculpture
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, a collection of found steel is reworked, pr...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Metal, Steel
19th Century Swedish Antique genuine rustic unique pair of Folk Art buffets
Located in Boden, SE
These incredible original painted buffets from Skellefteå, Västerbotten are truly something special!
It's rare to find them as a pair, making th...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
Vintage Sarawak Studio Pottery Vase - Incised Design - Malaysia - Late 20th C.
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage Sarawak studio pottery vase - hand crafted/wheel thrown - incised/carved decoration to the exterior - finished with a grey/brown glaze over the clay body - non-glazed interio...
Category
Late 20th Century Malaysian Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Swedish 19th century antique rustic country woven pine basket original paint
Located in Boden, SE
Swedish 19th century woven pine basket circa 1890.
Beautiful rustic made pine basket using strips of pine fixed into a pine frame. Complete with original lid.
Beautiful original pai...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
Side Show Circus By Self Taught Outsider Folk Artist Gloria Laposka
Located in South Burlington, VT
Side Show
A framed and inspired color print in the manner of Self Taught Outsider Surrealist Folk Artist Gloria Laposka (1922-2015)
A unique and vibrant colored work depicting si...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Paper
Vintage Hand-Painted Wooden Jewelry Trinket Box - Folk Art Style
Located in Seattle, WA
This charming vintage wooden jewelry box features hand-painted floral designs in a traditional folk art style. With vibrant, delicate flower...
Category
1970s Vintage Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
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.