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.
Antique French Breton Pedestal Stands PAIR Carved Figural Display Brittany c1900
Located in Choudrant, LA
Antique French Breton Pedestal Stands PAIR Carved Figural Display Brittany c1900. Direct from France, a dramatic PAIR of antique Breton carved figural pedestal stands with exception...
Hardwood
Low Chinese Painted Table Stand, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
Petite in scale and richly painted, this antique Chinese table stand brings charming texture to the modern home as a low pedestal or plant riser. The small chest has all the features...
Elm
Early 20th Century Root and Twig Tabletop Plant Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early folky twig and root tabletop stand in great condition. This cool three-leg planter is so well made and has a great worn patina. It is very strong ...
Twig
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
$470Sale Price|20% Off
Early 20th century brutalist wood farm tripod chopping block Folk Art
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Early twentieth century folk art farm wood chopping block with a great patina. In great condition and very solidly built.
Wood
Old Rustic Farmhouse Folk Art Side Table / Pedestal
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
This rustic wooden side table is a beautiful example of folk art from the 1970s. Crafted from raw beechwood, the natural bark has been decoratively preserved. Origin: Eastern Europe....
Beech
Vintage Balinese Intricately Hand Carved Mahogany Pedestal
Located in New Orleans, LA
Enhance your home decor with this exquisite Balinese handcrafted wooden decorative pedestal with sienna marble top. Beautifully carved with intricate patterns, this pedestal is a per...
Siena Marble
$1,539Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Faux Marble Columns, circa 1880
Located in London, GB
Pair of faux marble columns, circa 1880. This lot is an exceptionally rare original pair of faux marble effect columns dated 1880. These...
Wood
Moroccan Pedestal Table in Moorish Hand Painted Design Octagonal Shape 1960s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage 1960s Moroccan pedestal table. hand painted Moroccan side table on a dark maroon background color with floral and geometric designs in blue and ochre colors. Moroccan octagon...
Wood
Moroccan Moorish Pedestal Octagonal Red Table 1960s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Moroccan vintage pedestal table, hand-painted on a dark maroon background color with floral and geometric designs in blue and yellow colors. Mor...
Wood
$2,765
H 40.1 in W 12 in D 12 in
Antique Early 1900s Hand Carved Oak Pedestal Display Stand, Floral Sculptered
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning display column with a warm and beautiful patina. If you are looking for an antique column pedestal for displaying a vase, a plant, ...
Oak
Mango Wood Pedestal or Side Table Burnt Finish
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This mango wood pedestal was burnt multiple times and the finished with a clear coat to achieve its color. A strong and robust pedestal that is both beautiful on its own or displaying sculptures, vases or other items...
Teak
$2,707
H 46 in Dm 25.5 in
Classical Style and Hand-Painted Antique Wooden Display Stand Column Pedestal
Located in Lisse, NL
Large, impressive and all handcrafted, 19th century wooden column. Thanks to its classical and perfectly geometrical design, this column pedestal can be used and enjoyed in all kind...
Pine
$3,413
H 44.5 in W 13.4 in D 13.4 in
Antique Carved Oak Church, Gothic Revival Studio Easel Display Stand or Pedestal
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique Gothic Revival two shelf sculpture stand with a beautiful patina. This impressive and adjustable Gothic stand dates from circa 1890. To find this rare and sizeable antique mo...
Wood, Oak
Italian Travertine Side Table or Pedestal, 1980's
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Large Italian pedestal or side table, handcrafted out of travertine, fabricated in the 80's. It can be used inside or outside the house. It is made of beautiful travertine. Please t...
Travertine
Grain Painted Side Table / Pedestal
Located in Seattle, WA
Faux painted side table or stand with generous shelf behind door. great detail all the way around.
Wood, Paint
$1,353
H 43.31 in W 13.78 in D 13.78 in
Art Nouveau Pedestal Plant Stand, Hand-Carved Beech & Marble, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Art Nouveau pedestal or plant stand. Striking French design from the 1900s. Original hand-carved patinated beech frame with original white marble top. The marble...
Marble
$1,789
H 28.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Antique Swedish Rustic Gustavian Pedestal Table with Distressed Original Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish antique pedestal table from the early 1800s in gustavian style. The table has a square table top on a pedestal with three elongated legs. Made in solid pine in northern Swede...
Pine
$800
H 14.18 in W 23.63 in D 17.72 in
Japanese Antique Wood Pedestal 1900s-1940s / Display Stand Side Table Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an antique Japanese wooden pedestal distinguished by its low, stable box-like form and the rhythmically arranged vertical elements across the front. Its quiet architectural p...
Cedar
Pair of English Carved Giltwood Torchère Stands or Pedestals
By James Moore
Located in London, GB
A good pair of candle stands in the manner of James Moore Constructed in well carved giltwood, rising from ‘S’ form tripartite scrolled feet, dressed with foliates, supporting lot...
Giltwood
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
French Art Deco Pedestal Side Table with Stepped Base, circa 1930's
Located in Beirut, LB
The table features a circular top showcasing a stunning book-matched walnut veneer, where the natural grain is mirrored to create a "butterfly" or diamond-shaped pattern. The top is ...
Wood
Vintage Folk Art Carved Wooden Plant Stand
Located in Sakskøbing, DK
This vintage plant stand dates from the mid-20th century and is made of carved solid wood with a decorative tile top featuring a floral motif. The hand-carved figure, shaped base, an...
Wood
Antique Painted Iron Naturalistic Plant Stand
Located in Chireno, TX
Antique painted iron naturalistic plant stand from France. Circa 1910-1929 French plant stand of forged iron and steel, hand-worked in a faux bois style to resemble a twig base wrapp...
Steel, Iron
Sold
H 13.75 in W 16.26 in D 16.5 in
1920s Hand Crafted and Painted Tailoring Alteration Fitting Platform/Store
Located in Buffalo, NY
Great old item. Salvaged from downtown Buffalo Ny Clothing store. Hand crafted and hand painted, alterations fitting platform, Wonderful color, surface and patina. Great graphics, le...
Wood
Folding Santa Gift Table Vintage
Located in New York, NY
Folding Gift Table craved and painted as Santa Claus. Fun whimsical vintage table or presentation stand. Perfect to great your Holiday guests with a bowl of goodies, gifts, drinks...
Wood
Tall Chestnut Butcher Block Stand
Located in Chireno, TX
Tall chestnut butcher block, or chopping block, from Spain, circa 1780-1800. Great primitive piece to serve as a plant stand, sculpture stand or tall side table in rustic or modern s...
Iron
Pair of Vintage Triangular Pedestals
Located in Chireno, TX
Pair of vintage triangular pedestals circa 1935-1965. Painted in primary color oil paint. Painted finish is old - not recent. Perfect as tall side ...
Wood, Paint
Set of Four Guatemalan Carved Column Pedestals
Located in Chicago, IL
These Guatemalan carved columns are fantastic contemporary examples of traditional columnar woodworking and stone shaping. Each column is textured by a combination of varied decorati...
Wood
Tall Chestnut Butcher Block Stand
Located in Chireno, TX
Tall chestnut butcher block, or chopping block, from Spain, circa 1780-1800. Great primitive piece to serve as a plant stand, sculpture stand or tall side table in rustic or modern s...
Chestnut
Folk Art Handmade Wood Inlay Plant Stand Pedestal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Folk Art handmade wood inlay plant stand pedestal.
Wood
Hand Painted Green Moroccan Moorish Pedestal Table
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Moroccan vintage pedestal table, hand painted on a dark green background color with floral and geometric designs in red and yellow colors. Moroccan handcrafted green pedestal...
Wood
1907 Americana Folk Art Patriotic Marquetry Table
Located in Surrey, BC
Original oval marquetry table, handmade from over 4,000 pieces of wood from 10 species of trees — all grown in USA. The names of all the states in the USA are illustrated in wood on the tabletop (in order of when each state joined the union), along with the names of selected presidents such as George Washington, and other patriotic commemorative scenes. The pedestal base includes the flag (of 1907) and the Naval flag...
Wood
Sold
H 40.5 in W 16 in D 22.5 in
Sculptural Side Table or Pedestal, Found Wood Various Materials, Painted
By John Seubert
Located in Chicago, IL
Made from found, salvaged and reclaimed wood, each of John Seubert's crash tables are unique and meticulously crafted. Quirky, yet functional and solid, the pedestal tables represent sustainable design. Once assembled, the table is painted and then distressed to give it an antiqued appearance...
Reclaimed Wood, Paint