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 Birdseye Maple Picture Frame. English, 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful birdseye maple frame With gilt slip. Original patina. A delightful colour The measurement given below is the outside of the frame Internally it measures 7.25 x 7.75 inc...
Birdseye Maple
$1,195 / item
Early Chihuahua Oil Painting W/ Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This folky & fun oil painting of a chihuahua on canvas in a old wood frame.The condition is very good.It is unsigned by the artist.
Wood, Paint
Antique Chocolate Mold, Santa Claus Belsnickle, Metal, 1890s, France
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique French Chocolate Mold by Matfer Paris, circa 1890–1900 A beautiful antique French chocolate mold crafted in metal, featuring a rich, naturally developed patina. Manufactured...
Metal
19Thc Original Cream Painted Quilt Rack
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 19thc Original cream painted quilt rack is in fine sturdy condition.Found in Pennsylvania.
Wood
Handpainted Folk Art Wedding Chest by Peter Hunt, Provincetown, D. 1948
By Peter Hunt
Located in Peabody, MA
A handpainted folk art wedding chest by the noted maker Peter Hunt of Provincetown, Massachusetts. Hunt was a charismatic figure who sold his colonial and Dutch revival decorated fou...
Wood, Paint
19Thc Children's Windsor Chairs in Original Paint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original Black Painted child's Windsor chairs.These chairs are in fine and sturdy condition.Sold as a pair.
Wood
Red & White Hawaiian Quilt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20Thc Hawaiian red & white applique quilt in fine condition.This quilt has fine echo quilting and fine stitching. The applique is quite geometric.
Cotton
David Eldreth Stoneware Crock Vessel Cobalt Blue Bird, Folk Art Pottery
Located in East Quogue, NY
Charming blue and gray vintage studio pottery crock made by noted American folk potter David Eldreth in Nottingham, Pennsylvania, dated 1996. This wheel-thrown stoneware vessel features a classic salt-glazed exterior and a hand-decorated cobalt blue...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
19Thc Hand Carved Dough Board
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic 19thc bread board with a handle and mortised in the back side.Found in the state of Maine.The board is in fine condition.
Wood
19thc Stoneware Two Gallon Decorated Crock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original decorated stoneware crock with handles in fine condition.This crock was found in Pennsylvania.Wonderful blue glaze decoration.
Pottery
19Thc Hand Carved Wooden Bowl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a hand carved or turned butter bowl.The condition is very good.
Wood
Original Antique Print of Deer, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of deer. Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Cpt. brown with original hand color. Published ...
Paper
Scandinavian folk art cabinet
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover a touch of history with this captivating 19th-century peasant cabinet, a testament to exquisite Scandinavian folk art. Exhibiting a beau...
Wood
Antique 1910s German Santa Claus Belsnickle Figure on Sleigh pulled by Pink Pig
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German Santa Claus Belsnickle Sleigh with Pig and Toys, circa 1900 A rare and charming example of early German Christmas craftsmanship, this Antique Santa Claus Belsnickle figure depicts Santa seated in a sleigh pulled by a pig, overflowing with miniature gifts, toys, and trees. The composition figure of Santa, marked Germany, measures approximately 7 inches high, while the papier-mâché pig is about 10 inches long. The entire display extends to an impressive 24 inches (60 cm). Beautifully detailed with cotton, porcelain dolls, wooden toys, and seasonal greenery, this unique piece embodies the nostalgic charm of old-world Christmas traditions. Discovered at an estate sale in Leipzig, Germany, it makes a museum-worthy addition to any collection of antique holiday decorations, Belsnickle figures, or Victorian Christmas ornaments...
Composition
Country English Painted Pine Trunk with Georgian House Facade
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming grand country English folk art blanket chest or trunk crafted from pine. The chest features a painted Georgian Manor house facade on three sides. The house is decorated with...
Iron
Framed Antique Ottoman Embroidery Fragment , Late 19th Century.
By Seref Ozen
Located in Istanbul, TR
First the fragment has been hand backed on a linen fabric, then stretched over a wooden stretcher and finished with a wooden frame. E 20th Century. Uzbekistan Ready to go on a wall....
Silk
Pillowcase Made from an Antique Crewel Embroidery, England
By Seref Ozen
Located in Istanbul, TR
It does not come with an insert. Linen in the back. Zipper Closure. Dry Cleaning recommended.
Wool
Country English Painted Pine Trunk with Georgian House Facade
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming grand country English folk art blanket chest or trunk crafted from pine. The chest features a painted Georgian manor house facade on three sides. The house is decorated with...
Iron
$4,311Sale Price|28% Off
Dutch 19th Century Folk Art Architectural Mansion Pigeon / Birdcage
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful and unique Dutch Folk art Pigeon/birdcage in the form of a manor . This type of birdcages were made in the North of he Netherlands . They were miniature versions of the ori...
Wood
Small Wrought Iron Martini Table, in stock
Located in Miami, FL
Small Martini Side Table in Wrought Iron, in stock Hammered and forged iron Hand Made in France Warm black patina that gives it a timeless aesthetic. Available as pair, priced indivi...
Wrought Iron
Early 20thc Wooden Salmon Sled
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century original painted and decorated sled from New England. Stamped/Signed By the maker under the body. In Very good condition.
Metal
Navajo Indian Weaving Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine Navajo Indian weaving pillow is a Chinlie Indian weaving with a mustard mohair backing.The insert is down & feather fill.
Wool
Amish Wool Mounted Nine Patch Postage Stamp Crib Quilt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20Thc All wool Amish postage stamp crib quilt chain from Lancaster County ,Pennsylvania.This quilt is mounted and wired for hanging.
Wool
Mid-Century Nautical Buoy From the S.S. Normandie The French Line
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Very special piece with alot of history behind it. Looks to be accurate from many perspectives, physical appearances show it was repainted over what was the original coat of paint wi...
Canvas, Rope, Paint
Pillowcase Made from an Antique Crewel Embroidery, England
By Seref Ozen
Located in Istanbul, TR
It does not come with an insert. Linen in the back. Zipper Closure. Dry Cleaning recommended.
Wool
Folk Art Bridal Chest, circa 1950
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This vintage pine chest from the mid-20th century is a real eye-catcher. It is richly decorated with hand-painted folkloric decorations, executed in a traditional color scheme of war...
Pine
19thc Mini Pieced Birds in Flight Patchwork Quilt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine mini pieced birds in flight quilt was found in Lancaster County,Pennsylvania.The condition is mint and probably never used.This early 19thc quilt is quite amazing made up o...
Cotton
Painted Folk Armoire, Southern Germany, circa 1800
Located in Greding, DE
Light blue hand-painted fir-wood armoire with two doors, arched pediment, and a molded cornice. The chamfered corners and doors feature four landscape scenes with Christian symbolism...
Brass
$1,150 / set
Pair of Wood and Leather Snow Shoes
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amazing Leather & wood snow shoes from the North East.The condition is very good and have a amazing crackle varnished service.
Leather, Wood
Antique Tramp Art Double Picture Frame With Original Portrait Photographs C 1890
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE FOLK ART CARVED PHOTO FRAME Typically notched hand-crafted tramp art picture frame of unusual form. Charming original black and white family photographs with characterful ...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Kentucky Burley Tobacco Basket with Original Red Rim, Horse Cave, c. 1880-1910
Located in Louisville, KY
A monumental Southern folk art tobacco basket hand-woven from split white oak, originating from Horse Cave, Kentucky, a historic center of burley tobacc...
Oak
19th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Hand-Painted Chest Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive hand-painted Folk Art box from the Late 19th Century. The box has been hand-painted in black, red, blues and green. There appears to be either twos horses or maybe unicorn...
Metal
Hand-Painted Folk Armoire, Franconia, First Half of the 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Hand-painted two-door armoire in fir wood with a dark base color and red accents. The door panels feature geometric and floral motifs, echoed on the chamfered corners. The flat, slig...
Brass
19Thc Child's Walnut Rocker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Walnut child's rocking chair upholstered in a suede leather.The condition is very good and sturdy.
Leather, Wood
Antique Vintage Spun Cotton Stork Bird Christmas Ornament Germany 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Rare Wire and Cotton Christmas Ornament A rare and charming antique Christmas ornament crafted from delicately formed wire and cotton, sho...
Wire
Hand-Painted Folk Armoire, Franconia, Dated 1836
Located in Greding, DE
Hand-painted two-door folk armoire from Franconia, crafted from fir wood and finished with traditional beer glaze. The fronts feature light-blue diamond motifs with floral decoration...
Iron
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
Hand-Painted Folk Armoire in Red, Franconia, Dated 1773
Located in Greding, DE
Hand-painted two-door folk armoire from Franconia, crafted in fir wood, featuring panelled doors adorned with figural scenes and birds. The piece is painted in a deep red ground with...
Iron
Sailor's Keepsake: Edwardian Shellwork Valentine Diorama of Ship
Located in Downingtown, PA
Sailor's Keepsake: Edwardian Shellwork Valentine Diorama 🐚 ________________________________________ This is a charming and historically evocative Edwardian Shellwork Diorama, a clas...
Shell
$1,427Sale Price|47% Off
Swedish 18th Century Bentwood Travel Box or Chest
Located in Buisson, FR
Rare and very beautiful Swedish travel box with stunning patina and hand forged iron details. Working lock and key ( bronze key from the 19th century). Sweden, circa 1750-1800. Weath...
Iron
1950s Lacquered Wood Italian Articulated Mannequin
Located in Catania, Sicilia
A charming vintage mannequin from the 1950s, beautifully crafted figure is a perfect blend of functionality and folk art, making it a unique and striking decorative piece. The manneq...
Wood, Lacquer
Tramp Art Jewelry Box - Wooden Decorative Box - Green Velvet Top - America 1910s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Tramp Art Jewelry Box - Wooden Decorative Box with Green Velvet - America 1910s Striking American Tramp Art jewelry or decorative box, hand-carv...
Velvet, Wood, Fruitwood, Pine
19th Century American Copper Bull Weathervane
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully weathered 19th century American copper bull weathervane, now presented on a newly fabricated black metal display base. This sculptural s...
Copper
Antique Ceremonial Jaguar (Tigre) Mask, Zitlala, Guerrero, Mexico
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960. We offer this exceptional ceremonial Tigre (the Mexican colloquial term for jaguar) mask originates from Zitlala, Guerrero, and represents a powerful example of one of Me...
Leather
Original Antique Print of An English Sporting Dog, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a sporting dog, a bloodhound. Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Cpt. Brown with original...
Paper
Zabihi Collection Crazy Animal Motif South Persian Pictorial Rug
Located in New York, NY
a crazy late 20th-century one-of-a-kind Animal motif rug. It seems like every animal you can think of is in this rug. Every animal is spelled out as well. The weaver made a lot of sp...
Wool
Farmhouse Chicken Wire Egg Fruit Basket Carry All, Vintage Industrial Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful chicken wire made Basket, circa 1930s. Made of wire and wooden handles. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria. Nice addition to any Country Kitchen. Size given in meas...
Metal, Wire
$965Sale Price|37% Off
French, 19th Century Folk Art Iron Shoemakers Shop Trade Sign Circa 1800-1850
Located in Buisson, FR
One of a kind folk art riveted sheet iron shoemakers shop sign. Amazing item that was once the trade sign of a boot/ shoe maker or shoe shop in the early 19th century. Great piece in...
Iron
Folk Art Bridal Chest, dated 1795
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This pine bridal chest from 1795 is a beautiful and authentic example of late 18th-century folk furniture. The chest is richly painted with traditional floral motifs, symbolizing lov...
Iron
Native American Indian Large Shipibo-Conibo Peruvian Amazon Pottery Jar Vase
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful geometric patterned and designed hand painted and glazed Native American large earthenware jar/vase/pot made by the Shipibo-Conibo people, an indigenous people along the ...
Earthenware, Pottery, Paint
19Thc Original Painted Sailor Iron Bank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original painted sailor coin bank.The condition is very good.
Iron
Large Early 20th Century Hand Woven Winnowing Basket Folk Art Wall Sculpture
Located in Red Lion, PA
Large Early 20th Century Asian Hand-Woven Winnowing Basket – Folk Art Wall Sculpture This large early 20th century hand-woven winnowing basket is a striking example of traditional A...
Rattan
Folk Art Jewelry Box - Sewing Box, Wooden House Model, Mid-Century France 1950s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Folk Art Jewelry Box or Sewing Box, Wooden House Model, France 1950s Charming mid-century French wooden box in the shape of a small house, handcrafted in the 1950s. A unique piece o...
Wood, Birch, Plywood
Vintage Cast Iron Patinated Green Eyed Black Cat Doorstop / Sculpture by Hubley
By Hubley Manufacturing Company 2
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Cast Iron Patinated Green Eyed Black Cat Doorstop / Sculpture by Hubley, circa 1930s. Super cool vintage cast iron cat doorstop / sculpture manufactured by Hubley. The piece ...
Iron
Antique Black Forest Hand-Carved Wooden Indoor Pet House, circa 1880–1910
Located in Bilzen, BE
Rare hand-carved wooden indoor pet house for a cat or small dog, typical of Black Forest craftsmanship, circa 1880–1910. Made from solid wood with finely carved bark and branch motif...
Wood
German Wedding Cabinet, dated 1850
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This characterful pine cabinet from rural southern Germany, dated 1850, is a special piece with a romantic history: it was once given as a wedding gift. The cabinet is hand-painted i...
Pine
Lot of two Deer Antler Mount Trophy Black Forest Wood Plaque Austria Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of 3 vintage deer antler trophies on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaques. Most of them are dated on the backside, it tells they are from the 1920s or older. Measurement's ...
Antler, Wood
Deer Antler Mount Trophy on Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque Austrian Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An antique Austrian deer antler trophy on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaque. We believe its from 1910s or older. A nice addition to your hunters lo...
Antler, Wood
Mid-Century C1940 Wooden Airplane Propeller
By Fahlin Production
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous hand crafted wooden airplane propeller from the mid century c1940. Oak and ash carved wood with brass protection on the thin edges on both ends. Original Fahlin decals and h...
Ash, Oak
The Folk Painter’s Hand: 19th Century Painted Armoire
Located in New York, NY
This painted armoire, dated 1819, is a vivid example of early 19th-century European folk art furniture. Set against a deep blue ground, it is richly decorated with hand-painted flora...
Wood, Pine
With the help of a new director, the Virginia institution's folk art and decorative arts museums are undergoing extensive upgrades.
The French designer, stylist and creative director offers an inside look at the cabinets of curiosities he calls home in Paris and Nice.
Designers are beginning to see this enigmatic form of folk art in a whole new light.