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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: Mid-20th Century
Large Folk art /surrealist Oil painting on canvas.. Circus scene. " Burning Tent
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large Folk art / surrealist Oil painting on canvas.. depicting circus scene. "Burning Tent".. Very well executed.. amazing detail..
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Beautiful Santa Claus Figure Vintage German Christmas
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare "walking" Santa figure with a tree in his hand. Nice beard and moveable arms. Glitter on the ground symbolized the snow. Velvet clothing. Not a ...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Composition

Rare Set of Five Mercury Glass Christmas Ornament Vintage, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set from Germany or Austria. Each is made from mouth blown glass, these would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size always given for ...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wire

Vintage Haitian Painting of Animals in a Jungle by Jean Claude
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Enchanting mid century Haitian acrylic painting on canvas of African animals and ducks in a pond in a jungle setting executed in a distinctive naive style, signed Jean Claude in the ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Haitian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Paint

Vintage Handmade Red and Mustard Backgammon Board, Folk Art Decor, Graphic Art
Located in Chicago, IL
Colorful and graphic hand-crafted vintage backgammon board for function or decor. Would make striking wall art in a primitive or folk art setting. Origin unknown. Does not fold. Made...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Paper

1930s Hallloween Papier Mache Black Cat Candy Box Rare American Mid-Century
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Early 20th century polychrome painted Papier-mache Halloween Candy Box, with painted Black Cat on lid. Overall W 14.25 x D 8 x H 19 in Box W 10.25 x D 7.5 x H 5.75 in
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Paper

Vintage Iron and Oak Bavarian Beer Garden Folding Chairs and Table Set Germany
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This set is so outstanding in form, utility and patina that we couldn't resist. The chairs, most of which have some loss of color due to decades of use, are made of metal and trimmed...
Category

1960s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Iron

20thc Hand Carved Wood Mermaid Statue
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This hand carved wood sculpture of a mermaid is in fine condition.It is hand carved and unsigned.So fantastic the surface and carving.
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pillow Case Made from a Mid 20th C. Anatolian , Turkish Neutral Kilim
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pillowcase does not come with an insert. Linen in the back. Zipper closure. Dry Cleaning recommended.
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

Patina mermaids Candle Holders and Incense Burner
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Mermaids Candle Holders and Incense Burner is a rare and popular piece of patina art, featuring intricate designs of mermaids. These candle ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Metal

Vintage Dimitri Omersa Lion Leather Footstool, circa 1950s
Located in Vis, NL
Vintage Dimitri Omersa lion footstool with light wear and patina on the leather consistent with wear and age.  
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Leather

Japanese Signed Mashiko Mingei Art Pottery Plate in the Manner of Shoji Hamada
Located in Studio City, CA
A quite beautiful, expertly crafted, sumptuously glazed large Japanese Mashiko Ware Mingei (folk craft/folk art) pottery plate/ charger quite similar to the works of master potter Sh...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Pottery, Stoneware

Vintage Child's Toy Tin Large Spinning Top by Chein Company, American, Ca. 1950
Located in Incline Village, NV
Highly colorful and completely operational hard to find LARGE tin child's toy spinning top made by the J. Chein Company, Harrison, New Jersey, Circa 1950. It works great and is in co...
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Tin

Hand-Crafted Folk Art Primitive Elm Stool Sculptural Rustic Form
Located in London, GB
Hand-Crafted Folk Art Primitive Elm Stool Sculptural Rustic Form This charming primitive stool embodies the honest beauty of hand-crafted English folk art. Made in England from sol...
Category

1930s English Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Elm

Set of 4 Swedish Folk Wooden Dala Horse Toys, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of 4 hand-painted Swedish wooden traditional Dala horse toy. Designed by Nils Olsson in Sweden, circa 1960. Materials: Wood In original condition, with minor wear consist...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Haitian Painting on Canvas of a Still life by Gabriel Alix
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout vintage Haitian acrylic painting on canvas of a still life with fruit, executed with a spirited naive flair by noted artist Gabriel Alix. Present...
Category

Mid-20th Century Haitian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Cane, Acrylic, Wood

American Folk Art Wood and Iron Farm Bureau Weathervane Advertising Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Great looking cartoon Midwestern Americana weathervane. Farm Bureau Insurance started in 1921. This great piece most likely was a premium or advertising piece. Hand painted wood with...
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Iron

Vintage Bronze Gold and Green Thai Figurine of Prince Rama with a Bow
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage bronze statue in gold and green of Prince Rama shooting an arrow. The large bronze sculpture depicts Lord Rama, a revered figure in Hindu mythology, standing majestically wit...
Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Guerrero Pottery Bull Bank
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage Mexican folk art pottery bank. Hand made in Guerrero, Mexico. The bank is in the shape of bull with a rider, featuring beautiful hand painted te...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Rare Santa, Clown and Lantern Christmas Ornament Vintage, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set of three. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Clown Head is approx. 3 1/4" high and 1 3/4" at the widest point, think it is approx. 1940s or older. Lantern is approx. 2 5/8" high (1910s) and the little Santa...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wire

Wood Carved Chinese Restaurant Entry Arch, circa 1940s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Impressive and grand arch that graced the entry of a Chinese restaurant in the 1940s American Midwest. Impressively carved and double-sided solid wo...
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Vintage Toy Wind-Up "Johnny" The Dancing Clown by Lindstrom Toy Co., Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is a hard to find pre war vintage, Made in America wind up tin toy by The Lindstrom Toy Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut, circa 1928-1932. The action is fabulous; when wound ...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Tin

Mid Century Japanese Tin Litho Friction Toy Car Chevrolet Station Wagon C1956
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic Japanese tin litho toy car from the mid to late fifties. A Chevrolet Station Wagon in excellent vintage condition with minimal wear, practi...
Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Metal

Pillowcase made from a Mid 20th C. English Crewel work embroidery
Located in Istanbul, TR
It does not come with an insert . Linen in the back. Zipper closure. Dry clean is recommended.
Category

Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

Folk Art Pottery Charger - Hand Painted Flowers & Swirls - Mexico - Circa 1980's
Located in Chatham, ON
Mexican folk art terra cotta charger or plate - large size - hand made and featuring hand painted flowers and elaborate border with swirls (all cold painted) - unsigned - Mexico - ci...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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

Swedish Designer, Side Chair, Wood, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood side or lounge chair designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Seat height: 15”
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pillowcase made from a Mid 20th C. English Crewel work embroidery
Located in Istanbul, TR
It does not come with an insert . Linen in the back. Zipper closure. Dry clean is recommended.
Category

Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

Vintage Hand Painted British Motorcycle Shop Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Vintage graphic Motorcycles sales and service sign. Great hand-painted lettering. Wood with original paint surface. Found in the northeastern United States. Fun Americana with a Brit...
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Parquetry Carved Wood Lamp
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Folk art parquetry carved wood lamp. The wood lamp measures 20" high and 7" diameter. Total height from base to the bottom of socket is 23.5". We added a 3 inch brass neck with ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Brass

Nantucket Cocktail Purse by Jose Formoso Reyes, circa 1950
By Jose Formoso Reyes
Located in Nantucket, MA
Nantucket Cocktail Purse by Jose Formoso Reyes, circa 1950, a very early Nantucket diminutive oval woven purse made during the first few years Reyes was m...
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Cane, Rattan, Pine

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

Japanese Tall Bamboo Ikebana Basket with Tinted Handle, Suruga Sensuji Style
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage bamboo Ikebana basket features tall cylindrical shape with prominent rounded handle. The basket is woven of thin round bamboo strips that are secured with burned or tinted b...
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan

Bali Hindu Textile Framed 'Kamasan' Painting, Indonesia C. 1950
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. Key features of this image ar...
Category

1950s Balinese Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Cotton, Paint

Five Rare Christmas Ornaments Vintage, German, 1910s to 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare set of 5 Christmas ornaments. Each is made from thin mouth blown glass, this would be a great antique addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Included is a nice Reflector ornament from the 1930s, 2 small walnut feather tree ornaments from the 1910s and two flower bunch ornaments with glass balls and Dresden Sebnitz Christmas paper...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wire

Zabihi Collection Silk Pictorial Herekeh Rug
Located in New York, NY
3rd quarter of the 20th century Fine Turkish silk one-of-a-kind Herekeh rug with a beautiful pictorial animal garden design Measures: 1'4'' x 1'11'.
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Silk

Wooden Carousel Horse / Zebra, European Hand-Carved Folk Art Sculpture
Located in Madrid, ES
Detailed and expressive, this authentic handmade carousel / merry-go-round zebra demonstrates how popular or folk style sculpture can reach the level of high art. With its original p...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pillow Case Made from a Mid 20th C. Anatolian , Turkish Neutral Kilim
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pillowcase does not come with an insert. Linen in the back. Zipper closure. Dry Cleaning recommended.
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

Unique Handcrafted Wooden Pendant Light – Pine, Scandinavian Folk Art (1979)
Located in Skien, NO
Unique Handcrafted Wooden Pendant Light – Norwegian / Swedish Folk Art (1979) This one-of-a-kind ceiling lamp is a stunning piece of Scandinavian craftsmanship, hand-carved from pin...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

Folk Art Dish with Red Floral Motif by Ilse Claesson for Rörstrand, Sweden 1930
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This is a large and very charming dish designed by Ilse Claesson for Rörstrand. This stunning 30 cm diameter dish, features a romantic hand-painted motif typical of the 1920s-1930s countryside, showcasing a cute red color. The centerpiece of the dish depicts a bird surrounded by flowers, all framed by an outer border with painted squares that resemble a bamboo grid. About Ilse Claesson Ilse Claesson (1907–1999) was one of Sweden's most prominent ceramic artists of the 20th century. After studying at the School of Design and Crafts in Gothenburg, she began working at the Rörstrand factory during the 1920s and 1930s. Ilse became well-known for her Art Deco-inspired designs, and her work is represented at the Swedish National Museum of Art and Design. She was also known as Ilse Roempke...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

A wood catchall mid-20th century French folk art
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A remarkable catchall, emblematic of mid-20th century French folk art, stands out for its ingenious use of half a fruit tree trunk, likely from a cherry tree. This particular trunk s...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Vintage Owl Bookends Wood Spain, 1960s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice hand carved wooden owls. 1960s Spain.
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Japanese Mashiko Mingei Bamboo Art Pottery Plate in the Manner of Shoji Hamada
Located in Studio City, CA
A quite beautiful and expertly crafted Japanese Mashiko Ware Mingei (folk craft/folk art) bamboo decorated pottery plate/low bowl quite similar to the works of master potter Shoji Ha...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Pottery, Stoneware

Pillowcase made from a Mid 20th C. English Crewel work embroidery
Located in Istanbul, TR
It does not come with an insert . Linen in the back. Zipper closure. Dry clean is recommended.
Category

Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

A. RUSHTON - Vintage Folk Art Oil Painting - Framed - Canada - Mid 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
A. RUSHTON - Vintage folk art oil painting on canvas covered panel - signed lower right - framed (likely original) - Canada - mid 20th c...
Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Paint

Mid Century Barber Shop Sign
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early Vintage Barber Shop Sign, circa late 1950s to early 1960s, a hand-painted sheet metal sign with old prices for old hair cuts. The sign remains in very good condition with only ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Sheet Metal

XL Coffee Table by Angel Pazmino for Muebles de Estilo
Located in Beerse, VAN
XL coffee table by Angel Pazmino for Muebles de Estilo. The table is signed and dated on the bottom with pencil. Probably with the name of the then owner and the year in which the t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Ecuadorean Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Leather, Oak

A Set of 6 BRUTALIST Handcrafted RUSTIC MID-CENTURY-MODERN Chairs, France 1960
Located in PARIS, FR
A set of 6 surprising tripod chairs, Modernist, Brutalist, Folk Art, Tribal Art, sculpted in massive wood, with beautiful floral organic motifs, to be attributed, France 1950. This ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pillowcase Made from an Anatolian Embroidered Skirt, 2nd Quarter 20th C.
Located in Istanbul, TR
The pillow case has been fashioned from a Western Anatolian Cotton embroidered dress skirt. It does not come with an insert . Linen in the back. Zipper closure. Dry Cleaning recomme...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Cotton

Early 20th century Burmese hand carved side table
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century Burmese hand carved side table An exceptionally well carved early 20th century example of a Burmese table. Detailed on the surface with a central three headed god like figure surrounded by floral and geometric shapes and forms. The style of this table is typical of the early 20th century Burmese furniture...
Category

1930s Balinese Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Early Stone Tiki Garden Statue on Base
By Tiki
Located in Ferndale, MI
Unique two pice garden statue. Tiki style form sits in stand. Most likely cast cement.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Cement

Vintage Burmese Kalaga Tapestry Embroidered Wall Hanging 1960
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Burmese Kalaga Tapestry Circa 1960. Burmese Kalaga Elephant, Lion, Horse, Peacock and Turkey displayed on this intricate Silk Tapestry Wall Hanging Framed Textile Art...
Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Textile, Beads, Sequins

Mexican Vintage Ken Edwards Tonala Pottery Hand Painted Quail Bird
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Ken Edwards Mexican ceramic quail bird form Tonala Pottery. Beautiful vintage Mexican hand made and hand painted TONALA Art Pottery. Deco...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Vintage Coastal Shell Encrusted Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A captivating example of maritime folk art, this vintage keepsake box is a testament to the patient and meticulous craft of shellwork. Drawing inspiration from the historic tradition...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Coral

Ken Edwards Signed Tonala Mexico Art Pottery Ewer Bud Vase with Bird
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage ceramic bud vase in shape of ewer was hand made by Ken Edwards in traditions of Tonala pottery. It is decorated with bird and abstrac...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Elmer Crowell Quarter Sized Canada Goose Decoy, circa 1930s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Quarter Sized Canada Goose Decoy, by J.Elmer Crowell, East Harwich, MA (1862 - 1952), circa 1928 - 1943, a hand carved and painted diminutive Can...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Vintage Iron Dog Black Painted Lawn Sign Dont Eat My Dog Why Would You Do That
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Fantastic patina on this vintage garden yard dog sign. Certainly a piece that would make a statement in any yard or garden.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Metal, Iron

Rare Set of Twelve Toadstool Mushroom Christmas Ornaments Vintage, German, 1940s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set of twelve mushrooms. Each is made from thin mouth blown glass. This would be a great antique addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Found at an Es...
Category

1940s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wire

Fabulous Vintage Wisconsin Kickapoo Valley Handmade Sign
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A rare vintage hand made rustic sign in the shape of an arrowhead with charming words including “Ocooch mountains” Wisconsin Kickapoo written with a naive hand. Painting of an Indi...
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Watercolor Painting - Unsigned - Framed - Canada - Mid 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage folk art watercolor painting on paper - double bevel edged matte board - birch wood frame with glass - Canada (likely) - circa 1970's. Good vintage condition - artwork not v...
Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paint, 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.

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