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.
18Thc Tavern Table W/ Drawer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine 18thc walnut tavern table with the original drawer and hardware pull.The condition is very good on this New England side table.
Wood
$2,582 / item
The 'Matisse' Etagere
Located in London, GB
The 'Matisse' wrought iron side table. A hand made and patinated wrought iron etagere with whimsical Matisse style cut-out decoration. Made to order based on a 1960s original. Avail...
Wrought Iron
Antique Rustic Hardwood Low Side Table. English C.1800
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Fabulous rustic low side table Made from very heavy tropical hardwood I particularly like the simplicity of this piece Amazing patina and colour. Completely original with no rest...
Wood
$1,457 / set
Pair of French Wrought Iron Martini Tables
Located in London, GB
Wrought iron martini tables, hand made in England inspired by an original 1940s French design. Finished with a natural bronze patina as sta...
Iron
Mid-20th Century Teak Clamshell Garden Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural, whimsical, and a touch surreal, this mid-20th century hand-carved teak garden table brings the romance of the Italian grotto tradition into the everyday. The base is form...
Teak
George III Oak Cricket Table
Located in London, GB
A George III Oak Cricket table with circular top above a triform base with tapering legs joined by a raised shelf. Solid construction and rich overall patina. Bears the typical old ...
Oak
$551Sale Price|54% Off
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
Spanish Rustic Wood Tripod Stool or Side Table
Located in Barcelona, ES
Folk Art Carved Wood Farmer Stool, Spain, 1930s-1940s. From Catalonia, Spain this tripod stool show Primitive carvings on the legs and a nice top with fo...
Wood
Antique Swedish Folk Art Country House Side Table with Drawer in Empire Style
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique folk art table in empire style from northern Sweden. This country house furniture is made around 1840 to 1850 with a frame in solid pine. The table is in untouched condition ...
Pine
$630Sale Price|53% Off
Hand Carved Occasional Side End Lamp Table, 1905 Liberty's London
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Liberty Hand Carved Side Table. Heavily Carved with Large Poppy Flowers. A very good-looking piece, it's hand-carved from top to bottom with floral detailing.
Wood
$3,464 / item
Pair of traditional painted Swedish side tables
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of traditional painted Swedish side tables, circa 1870. Rare pair of rural Swedish side tables, which we found on our travels around Sweden. Hand painted in traditional colou...
Pine, Paint
American Folk Art Inlaid Twig and Rootwood Snake Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Wildly intricate yet distinctly American, this one-of-a-kind, artist-made table sits squarely in the lineage of American folk art—where resourcefulness meets imagination, and nature ...
Wood, Birch
19th Century Simple Swedish Faux Paint Side Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Primitive Swedish folk art table made during the early 1800s. The table has a simple construction with a solid frame, straight legs and simple drawers. The paint is original and a fa...
Pine
Folk Arts Low Side / Breakfast Matchsticks Table by Thomas McAulay 1971
Located in Miami, FL
Wonderful handmade work by Thomas B, McAulay, Folk Arts Naive Matchstick Low Table from 1971. Uses for this low table are: next to a low chair or couch, for serving meals in bed or c...
Wood
Antique Swedish Folk Art Side Table with A Large Drawer and Original Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique folk art table from Sweden dated 1862. Made by hand in solid pine with the original first layer of paint. The table is rectangular with a large drawer and painted initials an...
Pine
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Painted Side Table with Drawer
Located in Round Top, TX
This delightful pine side table comes from the Swedish countryside and still maintains the original faux wood painted finish with contrasting brown top. The single drawer has the fai...
Pine, Paint
Small 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Northern Swedish small folk art table from around 1850. The table is painted pine with the original first layer of paint that has the authentic patina of time. The paint has also bec...
Pine
19th Century Swedish Combination Furniture Table and Chair
Located in Kramfors, SE
Folk Art combination furniture table and chair. Combination furniture are great for small spaces and this works well as a coffee table or side table. Made early 1800s, circa 1820-184...
Pine
Antique Swedish Small Folk Art Country Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Folk art country table from northern Sweden made around 1820 to 1840 in pine. The table is an authentic Swedish country antique in untouched original condition. The faux paint is ori...
Pine
Unusually Charming 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Table with original paint.
Located in Boden, SE
Charming small folk art table from Önsköldsvik, Northern Sweden . It’s completely hand-made in Swedish pine and every detail is carefully considered. Made during the early 1800s, around 1810, the table has some wear and distress after time and use. The size and proportions makes it an excellent side table or bed sidetable...
Pine
$859Sale Price|20% Off
French Chestnut Little Nightstand Table Side Cabinet Shooting Star, Late 19th C
Located in Labrit, Landes
Little ightstand table hanging cabinet or cabinet to fit on an other item. Made in the 19th century, it is difficult to be more precise as this piece of furniture is very old. A shoo...
Copper
Antique Charming Swedish Folk Art Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Charming folk art table with straight legs, a drawer and curved apron. The table is completely untouched with the authentic patina and wear of time. The drawer has the dating 1843 an...
Pine
19th Century Combination Chair and Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Primitive combined chair and table. This folk art combination furniture is a good example of 19th century compact living. The goal was to fit as many uses into the same item or a lim...
Pine
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Pine Side Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rare folk art table from Sweden, dated underneath to 1819. The table is pine and has the warm patina of aged wood. Marked with the owners house mark which w...
Pine
$2,716Sale Price|20% Off
Industrial Blacksmith Anvil Stand Now Folk Art Painted Iron End Table or Stool
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and unusual vintage industrial American folk art work, signed and dated (see below for artist info) This visually striking one of a kind example repurposed from an old fashioned cast iron Blacksmith's anvil stand, originally used for forging metalwork, now fashioned as a functional low table (end table - display pedestal - plant stand - stool) Sculptural tapering square pyramid shaped iron base with open arches, in later matte black paint retaining the original heavily worn patinated texture, accented with hand painted devil figure dancing in fire of red and orange hued flames, mounted on wood plank rail risers, topped with a round metal disc top. Artist signed to leg interior: "Painted by J.R. Lucie Christmas 1985" (James R. Lucie) Iron stamped: "CHI"? "1400 C" PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION: From the estate of the late Dr. James R. Lucie (United States; 1928-2020) A celebrated knifemaker, journeyman ironworker, talented physician, historian, collector and author. Highly respected by his family, friends, and colleagues for a life defined by deep intelligence, integrity, compassion and a tireless work ethic, Dr. Lucie was truly a master of many trades. The retired medical doctor had a several-year waiting list of people wanting to purchase his hand-forged knives at the time of his death. At one point, Dr. Lucie had the largest collection of knives and ironwork made by William Scagel, and is the author of "Scagel Handmade," published in 2010. Acquired from the above from the highly reputable auction house Austin Auction Gallery, est.1983, Austin, Texas DIMENSIONS (approx): 20" High × 17.5" Diameter CONDITION: Heavy-duty industrial quality, approx 60lbs, extraordinarily strong, sturdy, stable, structurally sound. Good original antique / vintage condition with nicely aged warm patina. Heavily patinated surface. Wear commensurate with age, use & handling, include minor nicks, abrasions, chippy paint losses, scuffing, fading, etc.. Overall in great shape with outstanding presence SHIPPING / DELIVERY quote for Contiguous US Pickup / Local delivery available around Dallas, Texas Additional keywords: Americana Blacksmithing forge tools farrier metalwork ironwork rustic industrial modern brutalist folk art furniture coffee table side table bench decor mens mechanical shop mancave steampunk lowrider street racing garage Victorian gothic grotesque devil painting...
Iron, Steel
Primitive Wabi Sabi Pine Farmhouse Side Table
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
This rough-hewn side table is crafted from a single piece of pine, preserving its natural bark. As a decorative piece of folk art, it makes a beautiful addition to both rustic and mi...
Pine
$850Sale Price|29% Off
Russian Khokhloma Red Lacquered Table, ca. 1900
Located in Astoria, NY
Russian Khokhloma Red Lacquered Side Table, circa 1900, hand-painted with a stylized floral design. 18" H x 16" Diameter. Provenance: From the Collection of Laura and Lewis Kruger.
Wood
Hand Carved Tobacco Smoking Small Pedestal Side Table, Sweden circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
This fascinating small side table originally served as a tobacco or smoking table. Note in photos the larger boxes for pipes/cigars, smaller storage boxes for tobacco/matches, also an ash tray and candle stick. It is the hand-carved elements that raise this table to a special folk-art find. Note the carved pipes...
Wood
Folk Art Table from Northern Sweden
Located in Houston, TX
Rustic folk art table from Northern Sweden circa 1820-1839. Venacular side table painted in faux grain. All original painted finish on apron and legs. Painted finish on top of table ...
Gold Leaf
Swedish Folk Art Side Table with Drawer dated 1840
Located in Round Top, TX
This delightful pine side table comes from the Swedish countryside and still maintains the original faux wood painted finish which was a traditional style of the era. The single draw...
Pine, Paint
Tramp Art Sewing Stand/Side Table
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
A hand-carved sewing box stand.
Wood
$7,960Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid-20th Century Pair of Large Southeast Asian Rain Drum Side Tables
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Awesome pair of Southeast Asian rain drum side tables made of bronze. They are absolutely gorgeous, they have a lot of great features, including two elephants going down. These side ...
Bronze
$4,158 / set
Antique Folk Art Side Table/Stools
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
Stunning and completely unique pair of side tables produced from timber salvaged from a mill with the most incredible character and presence. These could be used as nightstands, end ...
Padouk
Early 20th Century Antique Folk Art Colonial Elephant Side Table / Pedestal
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
A unique African side table, crudely and roughly carved from a single piece of wood in the shape of an elephant. The object has a beautiful, warm patina. Minor signs of wear and tear...
Hardwood
Studio Craft Solid Wood Coffee Table Mid-Century Modern, USA, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Studio Craft; Solid Wood; coffee table; Mid-Century Modern; USA; 1970s Wendell Castle; Roger Sloan; JB Blunk; Jawar; Richard Bronk; Gerald Mccabe; Bobby Falwell; David Scott; Charles Fischer; Howard...
Walnut
Small 18th Century Swedish Cabinet or Side Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Small cabinet or side table in folk art from the late 1700s. The table is a naive rustic folk art furniture from Sweden and would work well as both ...
Pine
Ostrich Pedestal Side Table, Taxidermy
Located in Forney, TX
An extraordinarily rare, interesting and highly unusual hand-sculptured Ostrich foot that creates a one of a kind work of both fine taxidermy and American folk art. Exceptionally...
Animal Skin, Organic Material, Wood
$250Sale Price|71% Off
Antique Folk Art Round Extendable Table
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Antique folk art round table extendable height. MADD of solid heavy wood.
Wood
Small Primitive Folk Art Table from Northern Sweden, Late 1700s in Solid Pine
Located in Kramfors, SE
Small folk art table with primitive construction from northern Sweden. The table is made by hand in solid pine during the late 1700s. Original condition and original paint with genui...
Pine
Antique Swedish Folk Art 'Hedna Table'
Located in Kramfors, SE
Very unusual primitive folk art table with the authentic patina after over 3 centuries of use. The table is an early example of the so called Hedna Table w...
Birch, Pine
Antique Swedish Primitive Folk Art Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish primitive table in folk art. The table is a country furniture with a simple construction and a charmingly primitive appearance. The table is made by hand and is not c...
Pine
$1,550 / item
Rustic French Tree Trunk Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Folk art side tables crafted from tree trunk pieces. The small diameter makes for a perfect cocktail table. Sold separately.
Wood
Antique English 19th Century Vernacular Cricket Table Side Table Stool
Located in London, GB
Antique English 19th century Vernacular cricket table side table stool Beautiful sculptural piece. Good colour and patina. In very good condition commensurate of age.
Birch
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Organic 1960s Folk Art Table with Hammered Nail Multi Color Leather Patchwork
By Paul Evans
Located in Ferndale, MI
Nicely executed folk art parsons style table. Covered in leather square patches of varying size and color in geometric design. Fine scale and nicely matched colors. Each piece hammer...
Leather, Wood
One Drawer Salmon Painted Side Table
Located in Nantucket, MA
One drawer with wooden pull with salmon sponge paint decoration on squared tapered legs. Original paint made of walnut and poplar. Berks County, circa 1820. Measures: 30 ½” x 24” ...
Poplar, Walnut
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Dated 1977 Unique Scandinavian Folk Art "Dancing Cat" Chest on Stand
Located in Skien, NO
One of a Kind – This unique Scandinavian/Norwegian folk art piece from 1977 is a true standout. Handcrafted from natural pine wood and accented with copper, this versatile side table...
Copper