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 Solid Wood Vanity or Console – Custom Hand-Painted Boho Tropical Décor
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A truly one-of-a-kind antique solid wood vanity or entryway console, thoughtfully reimagined with a custom hand-painted and decoupage boho tropical motif. This piece blends Old World...
Wood
Gerard Rigot, Peacock Dressing Table. Hand painted carved wood France, 1992
Located in Munster, NRW
There is Art Deco, Art Nouveau; there is design, modernism or Memphis… And then there are pieces that resist classification. Gérard Rigot’s creations, as if drawn from a fable, most ...
Wood, Paint
$450
H 81 in W 28.5 in D 13.25 in
Wrought Iron French Vanity Bakers Stand Rack Hall Tree Console Mirror
An interesting and elaborate French wrought iron Vanity of type Mirror stand. I believe could be used as a vanity or possibly a Hall tree for a hat rack on top. Not certain of exact ...
Wrought Iron
French Double Sided Dressing Table / Vanity
Located in Dallas, TX
Stunning Louis XVI style dressing table/vanity. Featuring a double sided mirror and painted metal legs, this dressing table is a stunning addition to any bedroom, dressing room or ba...
Metal
$3,475
H 28.35 in W 43.31 in D 19.69 in
Early 19th Century Walnut Wood Catalan Spanish Console, Desk or Vanity Table
Located in Miami, FL
A 19th century walnut console table with a slab top above a frieze with two drawers with front decorated with and edge in each drawer and a single original iron pull . The table is s...
Iron
$2,300
H 26.25 in W 59.5 in D 16 in
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Vanity, Console Table or Low Profile Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A simple modern Scandinavian design from Denmark circa 1970's. This piece features all teak wood construction with generous storage and a unique bowed front. A very versatile piece f...
Teak
French Art Deco Petit Dressing Table
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
ART DECO DRESSING TABLE A beautiful French Art Deco lift-up lid dressing table, a stunning piece crafted from solid walnut. The intricate carved details showcase the artistry of its...
Walnut
$5,104
H 55.91 in W 41.54 in D 16.54 in
ANTIQUE FRENCH EMPIRE HAND PAINTED 19TH CENTURY DRESSING TABLE + TRi FOLD MIRROR
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning original hand painted French Country dressing table which is part of a small suite Circa 1890-1910 I hav...
Mirror, Oak
Handcrafted Console Vanity Table, English Oak
Located in London, GB
Modernist console or vanity table designed and handmade in England using traditional furniture making techniques. Completely handcrafted from fully quarter-sawn English oak. Hand dov...
Oak
Quality Victorian Antique Carved Mahogany Dressing Table
Located in Suffolk, GB
Quality Victorian antique carved mahogany dressing table having an attractive shaped upper section, tilting mirror with elegantly scrolled carved supports. It has three small attract...
Other
Fine French Dressing Table
Located in Swadlincote, GB
A wonderful French kidney shaped dressing table, with parquetry veneers, U shaped undertier, wonderful mounts and swing mirror , some foxing to the original mirror (can be replaced ...
Walnut
Antiqued Serpentine Mirrored Vanity Dressing Table or Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A striking mirrored vanity dressing table or writing desk from the San Francisco estate of late California senator Dianne Feinstein, (1933-2023). The elegant piece features a scallop...
Metal
$3,191Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.93 in W 43.31 in D 19.69 in
Vintage 1950s Italian Vanity/Desk with Mirror, in Solid Wood, Gio Ponti Style
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Presented here is a rare and beautiful little vanity desk, designed in the style of Giò Ponti and produced in Italy during the 1940s. Skillfully crafted from solid wood, it is a time...
Wood
$4,284
H 70.08 in W 31.5 in D 16.54 in
1930s Art Deco Vanity, Solid Wood Base and Maple Veneer - France
Located in Girona, Girona
Splendid big Art Deco vanity, solid wood base and maple veneer, French polish. Original mirror (oxidation). France, circa 1930. Mirror width: 64 cm.
Mirror, Maple