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Folk Art Decorative Art

FOLK ART STYLE

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.

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Style: Folk Art
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 ...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Framed Antique Ottoman Embroidery Fragment , Late 19th Century.
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....
Category

Early 20th Century Uzbek Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Original Antique Print of a Bat, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a bat. 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...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Professionally Framed Kaitag Embroidery Fragment, Daghestan, Late 19th Century.
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. Late 19th C. Kaitag, Daghestan. Ready to go on a w...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Framed Antique Ottoman Embroidery Fragment 19th century.
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. Late 19th C. Turkey Ready to go on a wall. Framed...
Category

19th Century Turkish Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Framed Antique Caucasian Metallic Embroidery Fragment
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. Late 19th Century. Daghestan Ready to go on a wal...
Category

Late 19th Century Caucasian Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Metallic Thread

Original Antique Print of a Fruit Crow, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a fruit crow 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. Pub...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Set of 3 Original Antique Prints of Shells, 1847
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great images of shells Unframed. Lithographs after Cpt. Brown with original hand color. Published, 1847. The measurement is for 1 print Free shipping
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Print of a Spotted Flycatcher, circa 1880, 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a Spotted Flycatcher Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Alexander Francis Lydon. Origina...
Category

1880s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Vintage 1960s Hand Sewn Framed Afghan Waistcoat
Located in Søborg, DK
Unique hand sewn and crafted 1960s Afghan waistcoat. This waistcoat is one of a kind and made with great skill and attention to detail. The colors a...
Category

Late 20th Century English Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Leather, Wool, Cotton

Professionally Framed Antique Ottoman Turkish Embroidery
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. Late 19th C. Ottoman Turkey Ready to go on a wall....
Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Mid Century Aztec Calendar Large Circular Inlaid Wood
Located in Bradenton, FL
Mid Century Aztec Calendar Large Circular Inlaid Wood Rare 72 Inch, Hand-Carved, Aztec Circular Wooden Calendar from Mexico. The calendar, or "Sun Ston...
Category

1960s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Original Antique Print of a Jaguar, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a jaguar. 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. Publis...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Framed Antique Ottoman Embroidery Fragment , Late 19th Century.
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. Late 19th Century. Turkey Ready to go on a wall. ...
Category

Late 19th Century Turkish Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Framed Antique Palestinian Embroidery Fragment , Early 20th Century.
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. Early 20thC.Palestine Ready to go on a wall. Fram...
Category

Early 20th Century Palestinian Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Framed Antique Moroccan Embroidery Fragment , Late 19th Century.
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. Late 19th Century. Morocco Ready to go on a wall....
Category

Late 19th Century Moroccan Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Professionally Framed Ottoman Embroidery Fragment, Turkey, Late 19th Century.
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. Late 19th C. Ottoman Turkey Ready to go on a wall....
Category

Late 19th Century Turkish Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Original Antique Print of a Racehorse, 1847
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a racehorse presented in an antique oak frame Lithograph after George Stubbs with original hand color. Published, 1847. Free UK shipping
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Oak, Paper

Original Antique Print of a Brown Bear, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a brown bear. Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Captain Brown with original hand color. ...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Print of Quail, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of quail. 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...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Antique Mexican Retablo "Exvoto" Oil on Tin, 1936
Located in Toronto, CA
Beautiful Mexican retablo or ex voto, painted in 1936, describing a mother giving thanks to the Virgin for the safety of her two boys. The crowned Virgin of Guadeloupe floats surroun...
Category

1930s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Tin

Framed Antique Silk and Cotton Ikat Fragment, 19th C.
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. Late 19th C. Uzbekistan Ready to go on a wall. Fr...
Category

19th Century Uzbek Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Large Original Antique Print of Hornbills, circa 1835
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of Hornbills 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. ...
Category

1830s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Framed Antique Ottoman Emboidery, L 19th C. Turkey
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. Late 19th C. Turkey Ready to go on a wall. Framed...
Category

Late 19th Century Turkish Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Silk Embroidery Needlework Mounted Picture Panel 19thC
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Silk Embroidery Needlework Mounted Picture Panel A continental needlework of figures in a romantic setting amongst a rural background in an ebonised and gilt frame mounted with red...
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk, Velvet

Set of 5 Original Antique Fishing / Angling Prints, Dated 1801
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great set of 5 fishing prints Copper-plate engravings Published by Bunney & Gold, London Unframed The measurement give below is for one print. Free shipping.  
Category

Early 1800s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Zabihi Collection Modern Persian Lion Souf Kilim
Located in New York, NY
A Modern Souf Persian carpet depicting a lion on an abrashed gray and ivory colored field Details rug no. j3780 size 3' 10" x 4' 5" (117 x 135 cm) Souf rugs are very rare technique...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Persian Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wool

Majolica Deruta Raffaellesco Decorative Ceramic Wall Plate 14'75 inches
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A large vintage Deruta Raffaellesco decorative wall plate with scalloped rim. Majolica hand-painted with magnificent detailing and artwork, extraordinar...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Original Antique Print of Toucans, 1847, 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of toucans 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. Publishe...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Lovely Carved Wooden Lady Towel Holder ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Lovely Carved Wooden Lady Towel Holder ca. 1900 A large unique towel rail, hand carved and painted around 1900. The artwork is modeled as a beautiful maid carrying a bar as a towel ...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

Framed Antique Moroccan Embroidery Fragment , Late 19th Century.
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. Late 19th Century. Morocco Ready to go on a wall....
Category

Late 19th Century Moroccan Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

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...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Pair of Large Original Antique Natural History Prints, Shells, circa 1835
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great images of shells Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Cpt. Brown, Gilpin and Edwards with original h...
Category

1830s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Fraamed Antique Silk Ikat Fragment, Uzbekistan, 1900s
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....
Category

Early 20th Century Uzbek Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Original Antique Print of A Colour Chart . C.1900
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a colour chart Unframed. Chromo-lithograph Published, C.1900 The measurement is the paper size of the print Free shipping.
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Professionally Framed Silk and Cotton Ikat Fragment, Uzbekistan, E 20th C.
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 C. Uzbekistan. Ready to go on a wall. Fram...
Category

Early 20th Century Uzbek Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Framed Antique Silk and Cotton Ikat Fragment, 19th C.
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. Late 19th C. Uzbekistan Ready to go on a wall. Fr...
Category

19th Century Uzbek Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

19th Century French Folk Art Painted Wooden Panel With Baby Christ Figure
Located in Buisson, FR
Very beautiful Folk Art wooden panel with a very rich decoration full of flowers and a Christ figure in the center France, dated 1823. Weathered. H:64,5cm W:92cm D:3,5cm .More photo...
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Antique Folk Art Painted Picture Frame. English, Circa 1830
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Lovely painted picture frame Great piece of folk art Original paint. Painted on pine. The measurement given below is the outside of the frame Internally it measures 9.75 x 8.25 i...
Category

1820s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Pine

Original Antique Print of Fish, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of fish. 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 ...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Framed Antique Kalamkari Fragment, Late 19th C
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. Late 19th C. India. Ready to go on a wall. Framed...
Category

Late 19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Cotton

Original Antique Print of Lions and Tigers, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of lions. 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. Pub...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Professionally Framed Indian Kashmir Shawl Fragment, India, 19th Century.
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. 19th C. India Ready to go on a wall. Framed Item ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wool

Framed Antique Silk and Cotton Ikat Fragment, 19th C.
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. Late 19th C. Uzbekistan Ready to go on a wall. Fr...
Category

19th Century Uzbek Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Professionally Framed Antique East European Embroidery, 19th C.
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. Late 19th C. Bulgaria. Ready to go on a wall. Fra...
Category

Late 19th Century Bulgarian Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Framed Antique Eastern European Embroidery Fragment , Early 20th Century.
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. Early 20th Century. Bulgaria Ready to go on a wall...
Category

Early 20th Century Bulgarian Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wool

Set of 16 Large Original Antique Exotic Bird Prints, 1830s
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great set of bird prints Lithographs after the drawings by Cpt. brown. Original hand color. Unframed The measurement given below is for one print.
Category

1830s Scottish Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Antique Block Printed Quilt Top, Uzbekistan, Early 20th C.
Located in Istanbul, TR
These quilt tops are supposed to be from Tashkent of Uzbekistan and mostly used for the purpose along with as lining for a group of chapans from the area. This is for sure is a pro...
Category

Early 20th Century Uzbek Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Cotton

Original Antique Print of Hummingbirds, 1847, 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of hummingbirds 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. Pub...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Set of 6 Large Original Antique Prints of Birds of Prey, C.1835
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great set of birds of prey Lithographs after the drawings by Turvey, A. Wilson and Cpt. Brown. Original color. Unframed The measurement given below is for one print.
Category

1830s Scottish Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Professionally Framed Ottoman Embroidery Fragment, Turkey, E 20th Century.
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 C. Ottoman Turkey Ready to go on a wall. ...
Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

American Applique Picture of a Basket of Strawberries
Located in Downingtown, PA
American oval shadow box felt picture depicts strawberries in an openwork straw basket with the large long handle rising above. Within an oval gilt frame...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Felt

Original Antique Print of an Owl, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of an owl. 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. Publishe...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Professionally Framed Silk and Cotton Ikat Fragment, Uzbekistan, E 20th C.
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 C. Uzbekistan. Ready to go on a wall. Fram...
Category

Early 20th Century Uzbek Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Professionally Framed Antique Ottoman Turkish Embroidery
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. Late 19th C. Ottoman Turkey Ready to go on a wall....
Category

Early 19th Century Turkish Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Original Antique Astronomy Print. C.1900
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of the solar system Unframed. Chromo-lithograph Published, C.1900 The measurement is the paper size of the print Free shipping.
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Print of Parrots, circa 1850, 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of parrots. 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. Publish...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Print of A Bat, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a bat. 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...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Set of 4 Large Original Antique Prints of Cats, Circa 1835
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great images of cats Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithographs after Cpt. Brown, Gilpin and Edwards with original ha...
Category

1830s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Large Antique Renaissance Style Carved Wood Picture Frame. English, 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful carved wood frame in renaissance style I particularly like the Greek key ornament Carved tropical hardwood Chipped to one of the corners The measurement given below is ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Folk Art decorative art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art decorative art for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, decorative objects, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art decorative art made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Africa pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative art, popular names associated with this style include Familia Lorenzo , and hettler.tüllmann. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for decorative art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $300 and tops out at $2,931 while the average work can sell for $1,300.

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