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.
19th-century American Cherry Folk Art Table
Located in San Francisco, CA
It’s hard to imagine a more quintessential expression of American rural tradition in furniture than this down-to-earth, hardworking table. No nonsense. No elaborate carving of shells...
Cherry
19th Century Mahogany Faux Bamboo Butler Tray Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century George III style Mahogany butler Tray Table. This can may be used as two separate pieces as the base may be used as a stand alone table. Tray is 27.5" in width, 17" in...
Mahogany
English Painted Tole Tray Table, 19th Century
Located in Cypress, CA
English 19th century painted round tall tray with sixteen sides. The tray is beautifully hand painted tole with floral and leaf motif, resting on later ebonized and parcel gilt bamb...
Metal
19th Century English Mahogany Butlers Tray Table
Located in Montreal, QC
Mahogany folding butlers tray on stand tray has four folding sides with inset brass hinges. Supported on folding stand with decorative turned supports. The dimensions are with the ...
Mahogany
19th Century English Tiger Oak Butler's Tray Table
Located in Louisville, KY
This rare tiger oak Butler's Tray with folding base, leather stand-straps and iron corners is a stunning example of smart functionality and beautiful design. This sturdy and uniquely...
Iron
$1,835
H 22.05 in W 27.56 in D 17.72 in
Antique English 19th Century Sheraton Revival Mahogany Tray Table
Located in London, GB
Antique English 19th century Sheraton Revival Mahogany Tray Table. circa 1890. In very good condition commensurate with age.
Brass
Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze-Mounted Tea Table
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Fantastic Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Louis XV Style Two Tier Parquetry Tea Table With inlaid diamond parquetry top...
Bronze
19th Century lacquered hand painted tray table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Chinese black lacquered tray table circa 1880. Beautifully hand painted and decorated tray table. Black lacquered base colour, profusely painted in gold leaf, depictin...
Softwood, Lacquer, Paint
19th Century French Lacquered Tray
Located in Stockbridge, GA
19th century French tole lacquered tray
Metal
English 19th Century Coaching Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A handsome English circa 1880 coaching table. Hand-crafted in 19th century England of solid mahogany, this table stands on shaped X-form legs that feature three turned baluster stret...
Wood, Mahogany
19th Century English Butlers Tray Table
Located in Pomona, CA
A mid-19th century English mahogany butlers tray on the stand features a rectangular tray with a surrounding gallery. On a folding X-frame stand with woven straps to accommodate the ...
Mahogany
$4,032 / set
H 31.89 in W 31.5 in D 20.08 in
19th Century Victorian Mahogany Faux Bamboo Butler's Tray Table
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Antique English Victorian Mahogany Faux Bamboo Folding Butlers Tray With Turned Legs & Stretchers. Complete With A Scalloped Shaped Portable Serving Tray Extra Dimensions Frame al...
Brass
19th Century English Mahogany Butlers Tray Table
Located in Water Mill, NY
19th century English mahogany butlers tray table on a bar height stand with brass hinges.
Brass
Vintage Asian Brass Tray Table with Folding Bamboo Base
Located in Doylestown, PA
Beautiful hammered and engraved brass Asian tray with a folding bamboo base, c. 1940's. Tray depicts floral and animal scenes throughout the intricate design. It is removable and inc...
Brass
Folk Art Red Painted Round Fluted Ribbed Tray Top Pedestal End Table Base MCM
Located in Dayton, OH
A very unique Primitive red painted Folk Art bowl or tray top table or base. Features a round bowl shaped top compartment supported by turned ribbed columns arranged in a fluted circ...
Hardwood, Paint
Green Painted Antique Tray, Tyrol, 1880
Located in Vo', Veneto
Antique Tyrolean painted tray Measures: L 63 cm – P 43 cm Refined Tyrolean painted tray, with green bottom and base. Decorated in the center with natural motifs. With handles....
Fir
Antique Tyrolean Painted Tray, Red
Located in Vo', Veneto
Antique Tyrolean painted tray. Measures: L 36 cm, P 25 cm Refined Tyrolean painted tray, with red bottom and green base. Decorated in the cente...
Fir
Vintage Metal Hand Painted Folk Art Mackenzie Style Tole Tray Table
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage hand painted metal tray table. Features black and white painted tole tray and base. Measures: Base: 12" x 12" x 20", Tray: ...
Metal
Asian Dragon Antique Round Brass Tray
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Asian antique round brass tray. The handcrafted circular metal brass platter is decorated and hammered with Asian designs. Heavy brass plate with very fine hand chased floral and g...
Brass
Antique Painted Tray Table
Located in Houston, TX
Antique painted tray table from Belgium. Tray raised upon hand carved faux bamboo legs and stretcher. Serves as a charming, distinctive side table. Can b...
Wood