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: 18th Century and Earlier
18th Century Swedish Folk Art Door With Faux Marble Original Decorations
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An 18th century Swedish original painted Folk Art small door. The front side is all in original condition with working lock and original key (Request video). With faux marble paintin...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
Early Folk Art American Two Sided Framed Military Drawing with Map
Located in Savannah, GA
This unusual set of drawings in a double sided frame came out of an old New England Estate in a Beacon Hill, Boston home. From what we have gathered, they are hand-colored drawings o...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Italian Folk Art Fish Sculpture from 18th/19th Century Fragments Found Objects
Located in Forney, TX
A fabulous large Italian folk art fish sculpture. Hand-crafted in the 21st century using found 18th and 19th century architectural fragments and decorative antique / vintage elements...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Shell, Driftwood, Giltwood, Reclaimed Wood
Italian 16th century Hand Carved Wooden Lion
Located in Buisson, FR
Unique period piece. Extremely rare 16th century Italian hand carved lion. Most likely once part of a piece of furniture. Beautifully carved in a simple folk art way with traces of i...
Category
16th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Rustic Art Populaire Doors, France, 18th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Remarkable 18th-century doors, a testament to the craftsmanship of bygone eras. Adorned with iron detailing, they exude an aura of timeless elegance and historical significance. Whet...
Category
18th Century French Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Iron
Naive School Portrait Of A Man With A Map, Original Antique Oil Painting
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE ORIGINAL OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING DEPICTING A MALE SITTER
Depicting a rather portly man with a characterful face in a curly wig with a flouncy collar and sleeves. He is pointi...
Category
18th Century Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Finnish Folk Cupboard, Circa 18th Century
Located in Helsinki, FI
An impressive, late 18th century Finnish folk art cupboard, in full original condition featuring very heavy patina and signs of a long life. Amazingly the cupboard still retains the ...
Category
Late 18th Century Finnish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Late 18th Century Blu Painted Blanket Chest
Located in Albignasego, IT
Alpine (European Mountain Region) painted chest
Measurements: H. 65 cm – W. 150 cm – D. 75 cm
Period: approximately 1770
Origin: Tyrol
Essence: Fir
Tyrolean chest decorated with wo...
Category
1770s Italian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Fir
18th Century Carpenters Hand Plane Tool, Signed and Dated 1791
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Rare Museum-level 18th Century carpenters tool, an antler hand plane, hand-carved to look like a lion. Signed with initials and dated 1791.
Category
Late 18th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Metal
Art Populaire Chest Bench, France, 17th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Carved chest bench from 17th century France. Made of rich, dark wood, this majestic piece embodies the epitome of refinement and grace. Intricate carved details showcase the craftsma...
Category
17th Century French Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Late 18th Century Light Blu Floral Painted Blanket Chest
Located in Albignasego, IT
Tyrolean (Northern Italy Alpine Region) light blue painted chest
Measurements: H. 81cm – L. 142cm – D. 59cm
Period: approximately 1780
Origin: Tyrol
Essence: Fir
Tyrolean chest ent...
Category
1780s Italian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Fir
17th century Jesus Christ Santos Sculpture
Located in Springfield, OR
For your consideration is this beautifully carved, painted and detailed Cristo depicting Jesus nailed on the cross. I had an expert take a look at it and he believes the Jesus figure...
Category
17th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
18th century Norwegian carved kasa ale cup
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Good quality Norwegian horse head ale bowl known as a kasa/kuksa.
Dated on the base 1773, with makers marks.
Hand carved decoration, with original polychrome paint.
Evidence of ol...
Category
Late 18th Century Norwegian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
Late 18th Century English Painting of Dog Chasing Fox by Francis Sartorius
By Francis Sartorius
Located in Middleburg, VA
Late 18th Century English Painting of Dog Chasing Fox by Francis Sartorius. Folk art style painting depicting a dog facing off with a fox. F. Sartorius was an 18th century English ar...
Category
Late 18th Century English Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Paint
18/19th Century Bodhisattva
Located in Stockholm, SE
Bodhisattva, a religious sculpture, probably made in India 1750-1850.
The sculpture has been painted and gilded, but with very little remains.
Bodhisattva, in Buddhism, is one who s...
Category
Late 18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Antique Thai Ayutthaya Period Bronze Crowned Buddha Head on Wood Stand
Located in Forney, TX
A remarkable pair of Thai Ayutthaya period bronze crowned Buddha mounted on wood display stands. Thailand. 17th/18th Century
Dimensions: (approx)
Head: 15" High, 7.75" Wide, 6" Deep (tallest)
Overall: tbd
Provenance / Acquisition:
Acquired from the highly reputable auction house Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas.
2024 March Fine & Decorative Asian Art Signature Catalog Auction #8155 Lot #78357
Condition Report:
Attractive pair with beautifully aged patina, condition commensurate of age, use, and exposure. Scattered areas of desirable verdigris green patina and oxidation throughout to each. Minor loss to front shell point of one example. Small holes scattered throughout and scews/nails through each fixing both examples to wooden bases. Both well preserved and present superbly
History:
The first Crowned Buddha images or Jambupati Buddha statues are known to have been originated from the Pyu, where the Indian influence of Buddhist arts and non-Theravada Buddhism was extremely felt in those days. There may have been various background stories behind the crowned Buddha statues in the course of history but one of the most popular stories goes by the legend of Jambupati. This particular legend is not known in the home of Buddhism India, however the crowned Buddha statues have been attached to the name Jambupati as the Buddha is believed to have humbled a boastful and arrogant king Jambupati. The story goes on about how the Buddha transformed himself into a mighty king with a crown and jewelry and set himself a majestic yet incomparable palace. Seeing this, the king accepted the great ability of the Buddha and submitted himself to the Dharma and became a Buddhist monk. This particular story has gained a lot of popularity and stood the test of time in Burma as the number of Crowned Buddha statues in Burma is considerably great in amount.
There are also other versions of the background story of crowned statues...
Category
17th Century Thai Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Bronze
18th Century Swedish Trestle Table
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Charming 19th century Swedish trestle table with a great patina. Easily seats six people, eight if you squeeze ;) Ca 1780.
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
Rare 15th Century Majapahit Terracotta Handmaiden Figure
Located in Brescia , Brescia
Step into the enigmatic world of Majapahit culture with this exquisite 15th-century terracotta handmaiden figure, a mesmerizing testament to Java's rich heritage. Believed to have o...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Javanese Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
Primitive Swedish Pine Log Chair or Kubbestol
Located in Houston, TX
Primitive Swedish pine log chair, or kubbestol, from Dalarna circa 1770-1789. Flip-seat for storage inside chair. Steamed bentwood banding. Fine, dry pale patina. The flip-seat has b...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Brass
18th Century Folk Art Street Performance Figure
Located in London, GB
18th Century Folk Art Street Performance Figure.
An unusual and complete one-off piece of folk art, in the form of a hand carved begging figure. Recently uncovered from a personal ...
Category
1780s French Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Original Hand Painted Armoire, Hungary dated 1785
Located in Round Top, TX
This original painted armoire still maintains the quality and details of the hand-painted finish with unique and colorful background. Shades of green, teal blue, red and brown are al...
Category
Late 18th Century Hungarian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood, Pine, Paint
Mortar in red marble
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Hand carved mortar in red marble, France, ca. 1800
Category
1790s French Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Griotte Marble
18th Century Serpent Door Knocker
Located in London, GB
18th Century Serpent Door Knocker
An unusual object in the form of a late 18th Century wrought iron door knocker in the shape of a serpent.
Dimensions in inches: H 16” x W 1.5” x...
Category
18th Century Unknown Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Savage or folk story figure in bronze.
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
A savage or folk-art figure in bronze on a (recent) bluestone base.
The figure with his long pointed beard is wearing a cape with hood.
In front is a cross. In his hands he holds a ...
Category
Late 18th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Stone, Bronze
Stone pine wedding chest, up to the 1700s
Located in Casaleone, IT
Stone pine wedding chest, produced late 1700s.
Carved on the front with three faces.
Inside it features a storage drawer.
Completely original hardware of the period.
More photos or ...
Category
1780s Italian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Genuine Northern Swedish Folk Art Pine Dining or Work Trestle Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Folk art trestle table, dining or work table from northern Sweden. The table is a genuine antique and made unusually sturdy and charming. The ta...
Category
Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
Antique Unique Large Swedish Genuine Patina Folk Art Wooden Bowl
Located in Kramfors, SE
Unique Swedish folk-art bowl in a very unusual boat like shape. This wooden bowl is large and wide with date “1782” underneath along with a set of initials. An unusual detail is the ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
Painted Cupboard
Located in Casaleone, IT
Swiss closet late 1700s.
Painted blue complete with all original hardware.
Complete with a set of internal drawers on the right side,
Upholstered in light-colored fabric.
Restored, e...
Category
1790s Swiss Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood, Fir
Spruce wedding chest
Located in Casaleone, IT
Fir dowry chest, early 1700s, origins South Tirol, Italy.
Original hardware, early 1700s, original painting of the period.
Inner drawer.
Conservatively restored, Good condition.
Ref...
Category
Early 1700s Italian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood, Fir
Decorated cabinet made of stone pine wood
Located in Casaleone, IT
Decorated cabinet made of South Tyrolean stone pine.
Dated 1757, perfect condition.
Original hardware, no lock.
Reference measurements at the frame.
More pictures and information a...
Category
1750s Italian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
American framed needle work sampler by Seraphina Learned, 1800's
Located in Kenilworth, IL
American sampler of silk floss on linen with a modest zig-zag border framing an uppercase letter alphabet, followed by a cursive alphabet, a lower case alphabet, and the numerals one...
Category
Early 18th Century American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Linen, Silk
Early antique Russian Travelling Icon in bronze, 18th Century or earlier
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is an early Russian orthodox travelling Icon, hand made of bronze, which we date to 18th Century or earlier.
The bronze icon is cast with a main rectangular slightly curved shape with a smaller rectangular tab section above. The reverse has a hanging spigot cast into the top tab section. This piece has a mix of colours within the bronze with the high points being worn and shiny from wear and use.
This antique bronze icon probably depicts Saint Nicholas as the central image with other figures ( children?) either side of the head, all within a border. There are other details on the icon including letters and numbers towards the top of the main rectangle. The tab section is also decorated.
The reverse also carries decoration but is quite worn.
Overall an early and very interesting Russian bronze Icon...
Category
18th Century Russian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Unique 18th Century Chippendale Chair Family Heirloom, Extensive Repair.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Unique 18th Century Chippendale Chair Family Heirloom, Extensive Repair.
This chair from the American Colonial era fills a special place in the field of antiques. Obviously, the own...
Category
18th Century American Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Rare Antique Handcrafted Swedish Tall Black Painted Pine Folk Art Cabinet
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rare folk art cabinet from Järvsö in Hälsingland, Sweden. The cabinet is made by hand in solid pine around 1790 to 1810 and has the original paint which is in very good condition. No...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
Wedding Chest From 1797
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A pine wedding chest from Central Europe, probably German, dated 1797. The Neoclassical style persisted in Europe until after the 1820s. This color scheme of terracotta red and earth...
Category
1790s German Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Iron
Alzata in Maiolica Italiana dipinta con Madonna con Bambino Ocra e Celeste 1700
Located in Milan, IT
Alzata in Maiolica italiana dipinta in policromia agli inizi 1700 con piano perfettamente piatto con bordo rialzato decorato con l’assunzione della Madonna Incoronata raffigurata co...
Category
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Majolica
Original Green Painted Swedish Mora Grandfather Clock, Dated 1787
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique Swedish Mora Grandfather clock with original painted finish.
Pine longcase with original folk art painted flowers in soft earth tones against a pale green background. Brick r...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Early 18th Century Wedding Blanket Chest
Located in Albignasego, IT
Tyrolean wedding chest
Measurements: H.80 – L.156 – P.55
Period: early 18th century
Origin: Tyrol
Essence: Fir
Large Tyrolean chest, in fir wood, with shaped lowering.
The front is...
Category
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Fir
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
Italian 16th/ 17th Century Folk Art Forged Iron Coat of Arms
Located in Buisson, FR
Unique and wonderful folk art coat of arms, Depicting a eagle holding a rabbit, two crosses and two castle's and on the top a grotesque head. This beautiful period piece is made out ...
Category
16th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Iron
Collection of 5 Antique Wrought Iron Eel Forks
Located in Søborg, DK
A collection of 5 wrought iron eel forks from the 18th century.
Extremely decorative and each one unique.
Each one is a work of art.
Sizes vary from 37 cm to 42 cm.
Would look am...
Category
18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Collection of 5 Antique Wrought Iron Eel Forks
Located in Søborg, DK
A collection of 5 wrought iron eel forks from the 18th century.
Extremely decorative and each one unique.
Each one is a work of art.
Sizes vary from 38 cm to 50 cm.
Would look am...
Category
18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Collection of 5 Antique Wrought Iron Eel Forks
Located in Søborg, DK
A collection of 5 wrought iron eel forks from the 18th century.
Extremely decorative and each one unique.
Each one is a work of art.
Sizes vary from 52 cm to 37 cm.
Would look am...
Category
18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
18th Century Naples Italy nativity figure
Located in London, GB
18th Century Naples, Italy nativity figure
A larger than normal late 18th Century Italian nativity figure. Hand carved articulated pine joint limbs,...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
18th Century Primitive Folk Art Baroque Era Unique Pine Cabinet Chimney Cupboard
Located in Zagreb, HR
Stunning sculptural piece of furniture, a rustic wabi sabi folk art primitive cabinet, "chimney cupboard", from the 18th century.
One of a kind antique rustic piece with loads of...
Category
18th Century European Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Original Hand Painted Swedish Cabinet dated 1798
Located in Round Top, TX
Painted cabinets were a traditional element of Swedish country homes, this one is particularly lovely as it still maintains the original hand-painted finish with floral bouquet and f...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Neapolitan Polychrome Terracotta Nativity Heads from the 1700s Set of Ten Figures
Located in Milan, IT
Neapolitan Nativity Scene Heads in Terracotta from the 1700s set of ten traditional Neapolitan nativity scene figurine heads, in polychrome terracotta from the 1700s, small collectio...
Category
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pottery, Paper
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
Set of 8 Original Antique Prints of Monkey's, circa 1780
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful set of 8 copper-plate engravings of monkeys after De Seve
I particularly like the naivety of the drawings.
Published C.1780
Unframed.
Free shipping.
Category
1780s English Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Paper
Spanish 18th century kitchen work table with carved drawer in solid walnut
Located in MONTREUIL, FR
A heavy Spanish 18th century kitchen work table in solid walnut. The table features a beautifully hand-carved drawer and a heavily patinated, butt...
Category
18th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Swedish Designer, Bowl, Wood, Iron, 1782
Located in High Point, NC
A wood bowl with metal repair produced in Sweden, 1782.
Category
1780s Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Iron
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 18th Century
Located in High Point, NC
An organic wood bowl produced in Sweden, 18th century.
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Swedish Craft, Wooden Bowl, Sweden, 17th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden bowl designed and produced in Sweden in 1668.
“1668” inscription on bottom
Category
17th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 17th century
Located in High Point, NC
A wood bowl produced in Sweden, c. 17th century.
Category
17th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Wood
18th Century Swedish Folk Art antique rustic Trunk /Chest
Located in Boden, SE
18th Century Swedish antique rustique Chest from Boden Norrbotten, Northern Sweden.
The chest has untouched original paint.
The trunk was dated 1799 to celebrate a birthday ,and the ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
18th Century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
18th century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure, a hand carved and painted fruitwood figure for a Christmas Crèche or Krippe. Excellent and delicate details to the head and hands. The half figure stands on a dowel set into platform base, dressed in original fine linen robe...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Linen, Fruitwood
Unique small 18th Century Antique Rustic Tray bowl with original paint dat. 1792
Located in Boden, SE
18th Century unique small neat antique rustic wooden tray / serving bowl with untouched original paint in beautiful English red.
The tray is dated...
Category
1790s Swedish Antique Folk Art Furniture
Materials
Pine
8-19th Century Wooden Horse
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Indian 18-19th century hand-carved wooden horse decorated with polychrome colors.
In original untouched condition with a beautiful age-related patina, showing the antique authentic...
Category
18th Century Indian Antique 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.
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