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.
Folk Art Gueridon, Tramp Art Wooden Pedestal or Side Table, Belgium 19th Century
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Folk Art Gueridon, Tramp Art Wooden Pedestal or Side Table, Belgium 19th Century Rare gueridon, striking example of Folk Art craftsmanship, showing clear inspiration from the Tramp ...
Wood, Fruitwood
Vintage Gueridon Pedestal Table in Birch Root Sweden
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Swedish vintage birch wood gueridon or small pedestal table with the top made in carved birch root. These 20th Century folk art objects were typical in the region of "Dalsland" in ...
Birch
Work of Folk Art circa 1900-1930, Charming Gueridon Made of Wood and Wood Inlay
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Work of Folk Art circa 1930, charming Gueridon made of wood and wood inlay, circa 1900-1930 flaws and defects, but pretty good condition.
Wood
Work of Folk Art circa 1900-1930, Charming Gueridon Made of Wood and Wood Inlay
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Work of Folk Art circa 1930, charming Gueridon made of wood and wood inlay, circa 1900-1930 flaws and defects.
Wood
Art Deco Rustic Wood Gueridon Side Table
Located in New York, NY
A small rustic round wood and glass side or drinks table, in the Art Deco style, circa late-20th century. This side or drinks table has all the hallmarks of Art Deco design including...
Glass, Wood
Late 19th Century Pedestal Table
By France"
Located in TARBES, FR
Pedestal table or small tripod table from the end of the 19th century, the legs are in carved wood, oak top, wear of time consistent with age and use, piece of great originality. Goe...
Oak
Art Deco Gueridon or Pedestal Table 1950s
Located in Meer, VAN
Art Deco Gueridon or Pedestal Table, Europe, 1950s. This is a gueridon or pedestal table in art deco style made out of solid and veneered wood. Probably French or Belgian, 1950s. Gr...
Wood, Oak
Italian 1930s Painted Wood Guéridon Table with Gilt Accents and Hoofed Feet
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian painted wood guéridon side table from the mid-20th century, with gilded accents and hoof legs. Born in Italy during the first half of the 20th century, this unusual guérid...
Wood
French 19th Century Bistro Table - Gueridon
Located in Round Top, TX
Classical mid-19th century Bistro Table - Gueridon from the Provence area of France. Soundly constructed from cast iron with a beautifully patina'd marble top.
Marble, Iron
French Art Nouveau Wood and Brass Gueridon
Located in Long Island City, NY
In a Secession style, with a stained oak base and a hammered brass tin top.
Brass
Swedish Art Deco Round Golden Elm End or Side Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
Swedish Art Deco round golden elm end or side table. Beautifully detailed pedestal base made of flame birch.
Birch, Elm
Early 19th Century French Marble Top Center Table or Gueridon
Located in Essex, MA
Period early 19th century marble top mahogany center table. Baluster shaft with original marble top and paw lion legs.
Marble
Art Deco Gueridon Table, Blond Walnut, French Design, 1930
Located in Austin, TX
Gueridon from the French Art Deco period made of blond walnut. The architectural 1930 table boasts three curved legs connecting the thick top and the triangular stretcher. We loved t...
Walnut
Jules Leleu Gueridon, circa 1930, France
By Jules Leleu
Located in Girona, Spain
Jules Leleu Gueridon, Made with mahogany and plated brass, circa 1930, France. Classic Art Deco design Sunburst table top 4 Art Deco designed Legs positioned on a pedestal base with bronze details Signed Good vintage condition. Jules Leleu (June 17, 1883–1961) was a French furniture designer. Born in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, Leleu studied decorative painting and at the age of 26 succeeded his father in the family painting business. With his brother he began work in the Decorating field. After World War I, Leleu specialized in furniture making. He opened a Paris gallery, Maison Leleu, in 1924 and exhibited at the 1925 Exposition Industrielle et Arts Decoratifs, winning a grand prize at the exposition. Leleu designed the Grand Salon of the Ambassadors at the Society of Nations in Geneva and the French Embassies of several nations as well as the ocean liners SS Ile de France...
Brass
Bronze Pedestal Table by Jacques Jarrige "Bella"
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural and elegant interpretation of the classic guéridon or bistro table, Bella is a unique work in bronze by Jacques Jarrige that transforms function into expressive form. Th...
Bronze
French 1930s Art Deco Gueridon Table
Located in Devon, England
Wonderfully stylish and totally authentic French, Art Deco Gueridon, dating to the 1930s. Fabulous piece of furniture to display items, perhaps figures or any other prized pieces. We...
Walnut