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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: 20th Century
Folk Art Wood Horse Pull Toy
Located in Garnerville, NY
Fantastic hand crafted carved wood horse pull toy. Possibly made from scraps of wood during the Depression Era resembling a Trojan Horse of sorts. Carv...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Pine

Prison Folk Art Matchstick Model Boat Ship Maritime Night Light Sculpture 31"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century three tiered prison folk art / tramp art model steam boat sculpture. Upcycled cardboard framing structure, matchstick exterior with glossy...
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Metal

Monumental and Unusual Folk Art Stage Coach Figure and Horses, 1927
Located in Buffalo, NY
Monumental and unusual Folk Art stage coach figure and horses, 1927. All hand executed, amazing detail, working lamps, velvet interior on coach.
Category

1920s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Leather, Velvet, Plaster

Pillowcase made from an Early 20th Century Indian Phulkari Wedding Shawl
Located in Istanbul, TR
It does not come with an insert . Linen in the back. Zipper closure. Dry clean is recommended.
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Silk

20th Century Diorama Folk Art Three Mast Model Ship in a Bottle English, C 1930
Located in Central England, GB
A fine Diorama Folk Art Model ship in a bottle This skilfully made diorama of a three-mast early 19th century sailing ship at harbour with a raised landscape behind and cottages set...
Category

20th Century English Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Glass

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

Tramp Art Secretary Desk of Diminutive Size
Located in Downingtown, PA
Tramp Art Secretary Desk of Diminutive Size, late-19th century. The secretary desk is black over red with thumb-nail moldings. The top with dra...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pillow Cover 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 but a bag made from cotton fabric to accommodate insert ma...
Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Cotton

Original Antique Astronomy Print. C.1900
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of the sun Unframed. Chromo-lithograph Published, C.1900 The measurement is the paper size of the print Free shipping.
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Paper

19th Century Swedish pine rustic hanging cabinet for working tools
Located in Boden, SE
Very charming wall cabinet from the early 20th century. The cabinet has never been painted. It is built from old sugar boxes. It has 2 doors at the top & a divided drawer compartment...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Pine

Vintage Burmese Kalaga Tapestry Embroidered Wall Hanging 1960
Located in North Hollywood, 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

THUN Bozen South Tirol huge wall plate Italy traditional pottery hand painted
Located in Landshut, BY
Huge (Ø 33cm) and heavy (1521grs) Traditional South Tyrolian Wall Plate Manufactured by THUN Bozen History of the company The company was founded in 1950 by Count Otmar and Cou...
Category

20th Century Italian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Pottery

French Turn of the Century Hand Carved Tramp Art Mirror with Protruding Corners
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Turn of the Century Tramp Art hand-carved wooden mirror from circa 1900 with square protruding corners. Step back in time and embrace the rustic charm of this exquisite Fren...
Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood, Mirror

1940s Day Basket Co. Handwoven White Oak Long Market Basket with Stamped Handle
Located in Red Lion, PA
1940s Day Basket Co. Handwoven White Oak Long Market Basket with Stamped Handle This charming 1940s handwoven market basket by the Day Basket Company of Maryland is a beautiful and ...
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Oak

Vintage 70s Wrought Iron Chandelier Eight Candles Swedish Art Glass 2 Extenders
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Add a touch of opulence to your home with this charming candle chandelier! This 60s Wrought Iron Chandelier with eight Swedish Art Glasses holds ball globe candles which are not incl...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

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

Collection of Three Vintage Swedish Dala Horses by Nils Olsson, Sweden Folk Art
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
This is a collection of three Swedish Dala Horses by Nils Olsson. These are hand-carved and hand-painted wood. The larger one is approximately 5" high, 4.75" wide, and 1.25" deep. Th...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Large Devil or Krampus Marionette by a Master Puppet Maker, Antique Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is a wonderful depiction of Krampus or the devil puppet. The item is approximately 32 inches tall and has a skeleton, arms and legs made of wood. Height was measured from foot t...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Composition, Metal, Brass

Rustic Oak "Folk art" Wooden Chest of Drawers, France circa 1920's
Located in Den Haag, NL
Rustic Oak "Folk art" Wooden Chest of Drawers, France circa 1920's
Category

1920s French Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Oak

Signed Studio Pottery Glazed Wabi-Sabi Art Vase Maybe Japanese Asian Bizen Ware
Located in Studio City, CA
A gorgeously and sumptuously glazed studio pottery vase with irregular bumps and protrusions on the surface area, multi-colored earth-toned glazes, and a flared rim. Quite an unusua...
Category

20th Century Japanese Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Stoneware, Pottery

Krampus Companion of Belsnickel Devil Candy Container Antique Austria 1940s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This unique Christmas figurine from Austria features a handmade figurine of the Christmas character Krampus, Belsnickel's companion. The vintage piece dates from the 1940s or older a...
Category

20th Century Austrian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Composition

Vintage Green Decorator Armoire With Currier & Ives Scenes
Located in Elkton, MD
The armoire features a green painted finish and two large doors adorned with Currier & Ives prints. The cupboard provides ample storage space and has a central locking mechanism with...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mercury Glass Three Bird Christmas Tree Clip-On Ornament, Vintage German, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare vintage clip-on bird ornament collection. The size given in the dimensions section refers to the largest item seen in the first picture. These ornaments, were made from ultra-...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Mercury Glass

20th Century American Folk Art Canada Goose on Custom Steel Mount
Located in Chicago, IL
This 20th-century American Folk Art masterpiece is a life-size Canada goose that captures the essence of rural creativity and cultural heritage. Its outstretched wings, crafted from ...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Driftwood

Folk Art Scratch Built Boat, Early 20th C
Located in London, GB
Scandinavian folk art boat of 2 rigged masts - completely scratch built from pine and teak wood. Original paint finish. Handmade and dating from the earl...
Category

Early 20th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Steel

1930s American Braided Rug ( 8' R - 245 R )
Located in New York, NY
1930s American Braided Rug ( 8' R - 245 R )
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool, Fabric

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

South Indian Life Sized Carved Polychrome Peacock Sculpture Statue
Located in Dayton, OH
20th century South Indian carved and painted peacock statue. Hand carved on a plinth base. Features bright colors of yellow, green, red and orange. A la...
Category

20th Century Indian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Antique Block Printed Quilt Top, Uzbekistan, Early 20th C.
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

1950s Asian Handcrafted Wood Burmese String Opera Marionette Wall Decor
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Exquisite Vintage 1950s Handcrafted Wooden Marionette with Burmese String, Reflecting Asian Opera Artistry. This splendid Burmese-Thai marionette is a testament to masterful hand carving and intricate hand painting. Adorned with ornate fabrics in red and gold colors heavily embellished with beads, sequins, colored glass, embroidery, and gemstones, this marionette is a true work of art. Whether you choose to display it on your wall, use it as a mobile to bring color to a child's room, or incorporate it into your authentic boho and ethnic decor, it will captivate your senses. A fine representation of handcrafted village folk puppets from Asia, this marionette stands out for its unique quality. What sets marionettes apart from regular puppets is their manipulation through strings controlled from above, offering an unparalleled range of movement. Operating these strings demands a high level of skill, making marionettes a cherished form of puppetry. In Asia, marionette troupes were often sponsored and patronized by royalty, and while their performances were undoubtedly captivating and entertaining, they also served a significant cultural role. This marionette is not only a collector's delight but also a stunning piece of art. It portrays Minthar, the prince, in all his vintage glory...
Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Asian Thai Angel Figures of Musicians Wood Sculptures
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Set of 2 antique Asian Thai figures of Siamese musicians, nicely hand-carved in wood. Large heavy Asian gilt wood sculptures depicting Burmese Thai angel...
Category

Early 20th Century Thai Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Lot of Eight Miniature Antique German Dollhouse Toys Accessories 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature set of 8 antique German Dollhouse Miniatures is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts al...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Pewter

African Ethiopian Tribal Folk Art Painting 20th Century
Located in Milano, MI
Ancient Ethiopian painting imported to Italy by a diplomat during the Italian occupation of Ethiopia, in the late 1930s. This genre scene painting is divided into eighteen squares bordered by a black frame and divided into three lines. The scene depicts the story of a couple with three children through the stories of their domestic life and their rural activity; each box has a caption written in the Amharic language. In the first line: they grind; they drink; …illegible… while they spin; they bring water. In the second line: comb, cut your hair; treats your teeth; grind; they bring the wood; they bring water. In the third section: they prepare beer; they prepare bread; they cook bread; they prepare lunch; while they eat; while they drink. This canvas is painted in shades of ocher and is mounteed on a ebonized frame. Dates back to the late 1930s. The canvas show minimal tears and signs of wear but we can customize a restoration. The human figures are characterized by unrealistic proportions of the head and body and depicted in static positions. This sense of fixity and the narration in successive chapters in domestic environments make the paintings easily intelligible and suggestive. A particularly fascinating aspect of Ethiopian art...
Category

Mid-20th Century Ethiopian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Vintage American Wind Up Tin Toy "Milton Berle" Crazy Car by Marx Toy Co C.1952
Located in Incline Village, NV
The "Milton Berle" car is one of a series of "Crazy Cars" manufactured by the Louis Marx Toy Company of New York City; this one being one of the more prolific examples, owing to the ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Tin

Folk Art Hand Carved Wood Sculpture of Walking Man, Ecuador 1950s-1960s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Primitive wooden hand-carved Folk Art sculpture depicts a walking man in wide, loosely draped clothes and a hat, carrying a bundle in his hands. Highly detailed carving emphasizes th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Ecuadorean Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood, Olive

Collection of vintage Swedish handwoven straw Christmas ornaments.
Located in Boden, SE
Collection of vintage Swedish handwoven straw Christmas ornaments. The tradition of using straw for Christmas decorations has deep roots in Swedish culture, dating back to ancient ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Straw

Rare 1950s Childs Size Carousel Motorcycle
Located in Peekskill, NY
This item is a lot smaller than it looks in the pictures. The handlebars are less that 2 foot tall. Its sized for a small child but has the proportions of a full size motorcycle. Tha...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Metal

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

Folk Art Found Object Doll TOTEM by Bill Fink, Bergdorf Goodman
By Bill Fink
Located in New York, NY
Fantastic doll TOTEM sculpture composed of European doll parts, European and American vintage tin tea caddies, fire bell, and topped by a whimsical tin bird...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Metal

West Germany Mercury Glass Large 4" Silver Grape Bunch Christmas Tree Ornament
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a wonderful large mercury glass hand blown Christmas ornament in the shape of a bunch of grapes. The grapes are silver in color with a leaf on each side that has a sugary fin...
Category

1950s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Mercury Glass

1960s vintage brass and copper umbrella stand italy
Located in Cantù, IT
1960s vintage brass and copper umbrella stand italy
Category

20th Century Italian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Brass, Copper

Large Vintage Hand Carved Bas Relief of AGNUS DEI Altar Piece.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Large Vintage Hand Carved Bas Relief of AGNUS DEI Altar Piece. Large vintage Altar piece carving in low relief features the AGNUS DEI. This rare and meaningful piece from the first ...
Category

20th Century Unknown Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Pine

Santa Claus Belsnickel Papermache Candy Container German Christmas 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful German Belsnickle / Santa Claus candy container. Was probably made before World War One in Germany. We attribute this to the fact that he is wearing a spiked helmet. Scat...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Paper

Antique Religious Carved Polychrome Painted Devotional Icon Triptych Folk Art
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning rustic antique Christian carved wood devotional painting triptych, early 20th century or most likely much older, handmade religious folk art in Medieval / Middle Ages tast...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique Ghanian Ashanti Style Stool with Leopard Carved, Africa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Carved Antique African Leopard Ashanti Style Stool. Early 20th Century Ghanaian Ashanti style leopard stool. Animal leopard stool hand-carved wood from ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Ghanaian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Primitive Folk Art Painted Pink Wall Shelf, Handmade Curio Cabinet, Spice Rack
Located in Chicago, IL
Charming handmade folk art wall shelf in pale pink paint with curvy side brackets. One of a kind and highly functional. Can be set on a surface or hung on the wall. Lovely for curios...
Category

1940s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Large french tramp art folk mirror 1900's
By Tramp Art
Located in BELFORT, FR
Large french tramp art folk mirror, 1900's. Very beautiful.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Satyr Centaur Krampus Devil w. Horns vintage Figure Sculpture Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This unique Christmas figure from Austria features a handmade figurine of the Christmas character Krampus, Belsnickel's companion. The vintage piece dates from the 1960s or older and...
Category

20th Century Austrian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Composition

Santa Claus Belsnickle Miniature Chocolate Mold Antique 1900s, 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

Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique Moroccan Leather Bag Belonging to a Family of Water Carriers
Located in Munich, DE
This magnificent leather bag is covered on it's front entirely with old coins, As has often been the case with this kind of bags, the strap might ...
Category

1920s Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Leather

Vintage Garden Rabbit Hooked Rug with French Country Cottage Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77854 vintage Garden Rabbit Hooked rug with French Country Cottage style 02'05 x 04'00. Warm and welcoming, this vintage garden rabbit hooked rug sho...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

Ikat Panel, Uzbekistan, Early 20th Century.
Located in Istanbul, TR
An attractive rare ıkat panel dating back to early 20th C.
Category

Early 20th Century Uzbek Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Silk

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Jigger Doll Mr Shoes
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Jigger Doll A great example of an early 20th century English hand carved folk art articulated jigger doll. With brilliantly shaped shoes, moustache and top hat. Stood on a wire stand...
Category

1920s British Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Pine

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

Tonala Folk Art Bird Mexican Hand Painted Colorful Pottery 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Tonala Folk Art Pottery Plate Hand Painted Flying Bird, Mexico, circa 1960's. Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery bird Folk Art. Flora de la Cruz ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Eskimo / Inuit Fur Table Mat - Original Label - Canada - Circa 1950's
Located in Chatham, ON
Rare vintage Eskimo / Inuit fur table mat - featuring a hand sewn radiating patchwork design with subtle color shifts - original quilted satin lining - origi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Fur, Fabric

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

Antler Handle Fixed Blade Knife with Leather Sheath Antique German Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A antique Knife from Solingen, Germany. Deer antler or stag handle with original sheath 3.13" blade, 6.75" Overall. Used in good condition with some sharpe...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Metal

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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