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.
Early 20th Century Folk Art Hand-Painted Collapsible Game Table / Chess Board
Located in Brooklyn, NY
H.C. Dallmeyer wooden square table hand-painted and converted to a game/chess/checkers table (ca. 1910, USA). Ingenious design with foldable legs that allow the piece to fully collap...
Wood
Custom Chess Set and Game Table
By Bridges over Time Originals
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A custom made walnut and maple chess set and game table we commissioned. It is solidly made with squares of curly maple and walnut. The table legs and borders are solid walnut. The c...
Birdseye Maple, Oak, Walnut
$4,800
H 29.53 in W 21.26 in D 16.15 in
Game Table with Backgammon and Chess Board, France 19th century
Located in Belmont, MA
Discover an exceptional Victorian Game Table, originating from the 1860s. This rectangular table stands on four beautifully twisted legs, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The top ...
Kingwood
Antique French 19th Game Table, Chess, Backgammon & Cards
Located in Senonches, Centre-Val de Loire
Antique 19th game table or side table, perfect in a living room or office. The table can be divided in three ways: the first with a chess board, the second with a read leather board ...
Walnut
$3,578
H 28.15 in W 23.82 in D 23.82 in
Antique Chess Table, English Oak, Games Table, Cotswold School, Mid 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an vintage chess table. An English, oak, satinwood and walnut games table in Cotswold School taste, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1...
Satinwood, Walnut
$5,800
H 30.7 in Dm 31.5 in
20th Century Art Nouveau Gaming Table/ Coffee Table, Brass Base, AT circa 1910
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Outstanding early 20th century Art Nouveau mahogany gaming table/ coffee table out of Vienna/ Austria from the period around 1910. The round tabletop, covered by a protecting glass p...
Brass
Early 19th Century American Painted Pine Tavern Table with Game Top
Located in Essex, MA
EARLY PAINTED TAVERN / GAMES TABLE Country Hepplewhite Pine Rectangular Table, early 19th c., with red painted surface, having a removable breadboard end top secured by side pegs, pa...
Pine
$1,167Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.53 in W 39.38 in D 39.38 in
20th Century French Hand-Carved Walnut Foldable Game Table in Louis XV Style
Located in Sofia, BG
20th Century French hand-carved walnut foldable game table in Louis XV style with leather top. Once the piece is folded the measurements are 100 per 50 cm. Good original condition wi...
Walnut
$19,376
H 26.38 in W 24.81 in D 24.81 in
21th Century Italian Table, Chess Board, Chess Game Gold /Silver plated brass
Located in VALENZA, IT
Chess table and chess game in bronze and brass made with the ancient casting technique. After the casting, the finishing was chiseled and subsequently silvered and finished with 24-k...
Brass, Bronze
$546Sale Price|54% Off
H 17.13 in W 21.66 in D 13.78 in
French Hand Painted Side Table Early 20th Century Folk Art
Located in Trensacq, FR
Vintage Folk Art hand-painted table C1940s France. Charming French wooden side table beautifully decorated with a floral arrangement. A lovely example of early 20th century French 'A...
Wood
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Chess Game Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Gustavian game table from Sweden made during the late 18th century, around 1790. The table is painted pine with the original light coloured paint. The paint has notable distress which causes the pine underneath to shine trough causing the unmistakable antique patina. The underside of the table top is painted like a chess board. They would flip the table top when playing and the pieces would comfortably fit in the space underneath. The table also has extendable light...
Pine
Early 19th Century Game Table, South German, 1810-20
Located in Belmont, MA
This unique game table dates back to the early phase of the Biedermeier period. It comes from Southern Germany. The game table has a beautiful walnut root veneer on top and apron. ...
Walnut
$4,500
H 27.5 in W 32.75 in D 21.75 in
Regency Period Painted Game Table with Marble Top, Early 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant Regency period game table features a finely painted wooden base in a rich, time-softened green patina, showcasing the refined decorative taste of the early 19th century....
Marble
Sold
H 27.5 in W 24 in D 24 in
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...
Wood
Rare Antique Early American Carnival Coin Toss Game Table
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce American carnival coin toss game. The rare and unusual antique hand carved and painted solid wood amusement park / county fair / mid-way gaming tabl...
Wood, Paint
Sold
H 27.6 in W 25 in D 25 in
American Folk Art Geometric Inlay Marquetry Game Table, Modernist, Art Deco
Located in Buffalo, NY
American Folk Art inlay Marquetry game table, modernist, Art Deco, stunning inlay top featuring walnut, rosewood, and other various woods placed in stylized geometric pattern, Art De...
Wood
Folk Art Parquetry Game Table
Located in San Mateo, CA
Intricately inlaid folk art game table. The inlay on the base is an unusual asymmetrical design. There is a slight warping to the top. There are a few ...