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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
1956 Haitian Roosters Oil on Board Painting by Rene Exume
Located in Stamford, CT
1956 Haitian Roosters Painting by Rene Exume. Oil on board. As found wood frame. Purchased directly from the artist in 1956 in Port Au Prince, Haiti by an American Diplomat.
Category

1950s Haitian Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Masonite, Paint, Wood

British Sailor's Woolwork of Three Royal Navy Ships, Circa 1885
Located in Downingtown, PA
British sailor's woolwork of three royal navy ships Circa 1885 The British sailor woolwork depicts an unusual scene of three different types of Royal Navy Ships which are all flying the White...
Category

1880s English Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

17th Century Austrian Rustic Folk Painted Cupboard Wabi-Sabi European
Located in London, GB
A striking, late 17th century heavily patinated pine cupboard from the alpine region of Styria. Featuring intricately forged iron hardware and remnants of historic folk paintwork, wi...
Category

17th Century Austrian Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

19th Century Spanish Colonial Religious Folk Art Santo Altar Figure
Located in Forney, TX
An antique Spanish Colonial period hand carved and painted santo church altar figure. Born in Mexico in the first half of the 19th century, the religious...
Category

19th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Early 20th Century Folk art English Articulated Toy Dog Form
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Folk art English Articulated Toy Dog Form A very unusual and quirky example of an early 20th century English folk art articulated weighted jaw toy dog. Made from ...
Category

1920s British Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Faux Leather

Vintage Burmese Betel Box “Kun-It”
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Vintage Burmese Betel Box “Kun-It”, a cylindrical woven container with a deep lid and shallow interior tray, all covered in layers of red black and...
Category

Mid-20th Century Burmese Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Lacquer

Original Antique Print of a Stonechat, C.1880, 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a Stonechat Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Alexander Francis Lydon. Original h...
Category

1880s English Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Paper

Set of 35 Antique Ceramic Tiles by Pas De Calais Desvres, France, circa 1850s
Located in Rijssen, NL
Recently lifted from its original home, this amazing and unique set of 35 antique French handmade ceramic tiles. Designed by Maison four maintraux-Hornoy and manufactured for Pas de ...
Category

1850s French Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Swedish Wooden basket 1800's Handmade Folk Craft Blue and black
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine and birch wooden storage box. It was painted blue with black edges. Fine quality of bentwood. It is a true piece from the early 19 century. More units could be f...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Birch, Pine

Mid Century Sculptural Hand Carved & Painted Wooden Buddha
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous hand carved & painted 40 inch tall wooden Buddha. Polychrome decorations with Gilt. Brightly colored and in prayer. Heavy and well executed. In excellent vintage condition ...
Category

1970s Central Asian Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Drop-Leaf Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Folk Art drop-leaf table in painted pine. The table is in a very unusual model with drawers at the front. Untouched original condition with original paint. The paint has some signs of wear and distress. Minor wear around the edges of the drawers. handwrought riveted hinges. One hinge was changed during the 1800s. Made in northern Sweden in the province Hälsingland korund, 1820. Solid and stabile frame...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Pine

Early 20th Century Folk Art Zinc Barbers Pole Trade Sign
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century folk art zinc barbers pole trade sign. An early 20th century hand crafted zinc barbers pole trade sign. Hand painted and of naïve construction. Lots of characte...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Zinc

Swedish Designer, Table Lamp, Burl Wood, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A burl wood table lamp designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 9.65” H x 5.35” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (inches): 7” Top Diameter x 10” Bottom Di...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Burl

Swedish Handpainted Folk Art Allmoga Table Mirror, 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Handmade multicolored wooden Swedish allmoga folk art boho style table mirror. Handpainted floral, organic and simple decorations in red, coral, orange, yellow, light blue, green, go...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Metal

French Turn of the Century Hand Carved Tramp Art Folk Mirror with Raised Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French hand carved Tramp Art folk wall mirror from the early 20th century, with raised motifs. We currently have two available, priced and sold $1,750 each. Created in France at th...
Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Antique Block Printed Indigo Quilt Top, Uzbekistan, Early 20th
Located in Istanbul, TR
These quilt tops are supposed to be from Tashkent of Uzbekistan and mostly used for the purpose along with as lining for a group of chapans from the area. This is for sure is a prod...
Category

Early 20th Century Uzbek Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Cotton

Set of 5 Swedish Folk Wooden Dala Horse Toys, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of 5 handpainted Swedish wooden traditional Dala horse toy. Designed by Nils Olsson in Sweden, circa 1960. Materials: Wood In original condition, with...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Vintage American Pictorial Hooked Mat Size Rug
Located in New York, NY
American hooked rug from the late 20th century. An array of fruits and on circular medallions. A rooster spotted on one of the medallions. Initials of weaver found on another medallion.
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

18/1900s A Fine Bena Lulua Mask - Primitive African Folk Art
Located in Skien, NO
Antique Bena Lulua Mask Late 1800s to Early 1900s – Democratic Republic of the Congo This striking primitive folk art mask hails from the Bena Lulua people of the Democratic Republi...
Category

Early 20th Century Congolese Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Softwood

Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Travel Box / Chest with Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
Early 19th century Swedish Folk Art travel box from Skelleftea Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden. Beautiful untouched originalpaint. Decorated with handwrought iron around the box and...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Pine

Joyful Dancers Painting Self Taught Outsider Folk Artist Gloria Laposka, Unique
Located in South Burlington, VT
"Joyful Dancers" Vibrant Colored Hand Painting Unique Oil Painting by Self Taught Outsider Surrealist Folk Artist Gloria Antoinette Laposka (1922-2015) Said Laposka: "The paintings...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Canvas

"Protector One" Folk Art Crow Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Richly textured with whimsical appeal, this late 20th century wooden crow is a delightful example of naive American sculpture. Poised mid-caw, the crow's wings are outstretched, read...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Emperor Empress Chinese Scatter Size 20th Century Rug
Located in New York, NY
A third quarter of the 20th century Chinese Emperor Empress Chinese pictorial conversation rug. Measures: 3' x 5'.
Category

1970s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

18th-Century Mocha Pottery Mug with Ochre Slip Ground
Located in Downingtown, PA
Mocha pottery mug with ochre slip ground, circa 1790-1810   The cylindrical mug with a flared foot has an ochre-colored slip ground with a wide white band at the rim with a nar...
Category

1790s English Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Vintage Thomas Walker & Sons Nautical Trade Sign with Ship Log Instrument
Located in Morristown, NJ
A vintage trade sign from the esteemed Thomas Walker & Sons Ltd, renowned makers of ship’s logs and chronometers in Southampton, UK. The sign is be...
Category

1950s English Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Metal

Pillow Cover Made from a Vintage Indian Block Printed Textile
Located in Istanbul, TR
It does not come with an insert. Linen in the back. Zipper closure. Dry clean is recommended. Item above is made from a vintage and used textile th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Cotton

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

Chinese Peking Pictorial Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th Century Chinese rug with an animal motif on a navy field Measures: 4'4'' x 6'10''.
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Bakhtiari Rug
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Persian Bakhtiari pictorial rug from the mid-20th century. Measures: 3' 10" x 6' 8"
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

Two Swedish Cobalt Blue Candy Bowls, 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Two cobalt blue candy bowls, 19th century, Sweden.
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Glass

Northern Swedish Antique Solid Pine Handmade Trestle Desk, Dining or Work Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish antique dining table or work table. The table is a genuine trestle table from northern Sweden made around 1820. The table has a large solid table top on a leg frame with beve...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Pine

18th Century Rustic Primitive genuine Folk Art Wooden bowl original paint
Located in Boden, SE
An exceptional large rare oval shaped 18th century primitive Swedish carved wooden knot bowl. Shows a dry textured finish showing a stunning aged patina. A truly remarkable piece. Th...
Category

Mid-18th Century European Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Pine

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

19th Century Simple Swedish Faux Paint Side Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Primitive Swedish folk art table made during the early 1800s. The table has a simple construction with a solid frame, straight legs and simple drawers. The paint is original and a fa...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Pine

Large Cushion or Pillow cover Traditional Hand-Worked Indian Vintage
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a dazzling colorful large, 24 x 24 inch pillow or cushion cover ( or wall hanging) all hand-worked from fabric strips of vintage sari's and other coverings in the traditional...
Category

20th Century Indian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Antique Swedish Wooden basket 1800's Handmade Folk Craft natural color
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine and birch wooden basket. It was left with the natural wood who now have a charming patina. Fine quality of bentwood. It is a true piece from the early 19 century...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Birch, 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

Unusual , Architectural stacked "Spool" Folk Art Pedestal / Plant Stand
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual , Architectural stacked "Spool" Folk Art Pedestal / Plant Stand .. Great size. proportion.. Amazing original patina , color , finish. surface,
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Table Dining Trestle Table Swedish 19th Century Dark Brown Paint Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Trestle table dining table made during the 18th century in Sweden. Repainted in a distressed dark brown finish. Seats 6 comfortably with 2 extra seats on the short ends.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Persian Heriz Runner
Located in New York, NY
Geometric early 20th Century Persian Heriz Runner Measures: 2'9'' x 9'5''.
Category

1930s Persian Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

American Folk Art Hand-Carved Wooden Spindly Snake Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand-carved wooden spindly stick in the form of snake (ca. late 19th Century, USA). Sinuous body with hand carved scale and facial details with metal nails as eyes. Impressive, long ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Rare Swedish Antique Wooden Bowl Made by Hand in Birch Root with a Carved Handle
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rare Swedish antique bowl from the late 1700s. This wooden bowl is oval with a large carved handle on the side, a very unusual detail hardly ever seen on bowls like this. It is made ...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Birch

Set of Three Folk Art Straight Edge Razor Trade Signs
Located in Stamford, CT
Three whimsical American folk carved wood art trade signs in the form of straight edge razors. Used by barbers as interior advertisements. Two have...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Set of Three Vintage Duck Easter Candy Container Bobble Head, German, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A Collection of three German Easter candy containers made of cardboard, bobble heads and some other parts. Candy box made of cardboard. Nice ad...
Category

1950s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Metal

Mexican Antique Dolores Porras Clay Pottery Folk Art Terracotta Vessel Vase
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This one of a kind Mexican antique is one of few pieces Dolores had at her home at the time she passed away. Dolores portrays the flora from her garden...
Category

Early 2000s Mexican Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Terracotta, Clay, Pottery

Vintage Moroccan Silver Fibula Collectible Ethnic Jewelry Talisman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Moroccan Silver Fibula Collectible Ethnic Jewelry Talisman. Circa 1960's. Beautiful vintage Moroccan fibula. Nice Folk Art. A fibula was used t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Metal

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Chair in Higly Decorative Shapes
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Folk art made in Sweden at its best. This chair with highly appealing shapes and patina. Made in the late 19th century this chair is a given piece to any modern home that wants to ha...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Birch

Japanese Antique Ancient Sueki Sue Ware Wabi-Sabi Pottery Vase Vessel Urn
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful, unique, and handcrafted piece of ancient Japanese Sueki Sue ware pottery dating back to the 500-600s (6th-7th century). Sueki/ Sue pottery was a ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Japanese Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Pottery, Stoneware

Antique Set of Mexican Papier-Mâché Masks 3
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960. We offer this antique set of 6 Mexican papier-mâché masks 100% handmade and paited with anilina (natural pigments).
Category

1960s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Paper

Large Sculpture Made of Handwoven Palm Leaves
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These large hand-woven palm sculptures are made from natural palm and provide rustic, organic modern, contemporary design for any home decor. Their unique w...
Category

2010s Mexican Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Palmwood

Mahogany Jewelry Box with Mirror
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mahogany box with inlaid mother of pearl and mirror, on small round brass feet.
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Mother-of-Pearl

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Antique Rustic Wooden Bowl Dated 1869 with Patina
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish Folk Art wooden bowl dated 1869 Signed PSSAEDAP. A stunning antique organic wooden bowl with lovely patina and original paint...
Category

1860s Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Pine

Original Antique Print of a Dusky Grebe, circa 1880, 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a Dusky Grebe 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...
Category

1880s English Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Paper

Swedish Folk Art, Unique 19th Century Farmers Bowls set of 2
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Set of two antique and unique organic wooden bowls. With highly appealing patina, with traces of use. Produced in Sweden, 19th century. These bowls where very important for many fam...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century American Hooked Rug ( 3' x 5'5" - 90 x 165 )
Located in New York, NY
19th Century American Hooked Rug ( 3' x 5'5" - 90 x 165 )
Category

1880s American Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wool

Swedish Folk Art, Large Unique Early 19th Century Farmers Bowl Painted Wood
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
An antique and unique organic wooden bowl. With highly appealing patina, faded painting on the bowl makes this a unique and desirable piece. Produced in...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Bright Impressionist Oil painting of French Town Signed A. Roubaud Gilded Frame
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a bright, pastel hued scene of an ancient French town or village. The impressionism and the design and use of color are masterful. The painting is signed A. (Andre) Roubaud...
Category

1980s French Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Canvas

1950s Folk Art Sculpture Group Of Drunk Swedes At Bar Scene
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
1950s Folk Art wood carving of a group of drunk Swedes at a bar scene with fish and alcohol fermentation.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Pine

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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