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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
Framed Antique Ottoman / Greet Embroidery Fragment, 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. 19th C. Turkey Ready to go on a wall. Framed Item...
Category

19th Century Turkish Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

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

Original Antique Print of a Racehorse, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a racehorse. Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after George Stubbs with original hand color. ...
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 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

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

Original Antique Print of Shells, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of shells. 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

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

Original Antique Print of Shells, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of shells. 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

Original Antique Print of Shells, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of shells. 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 Greek Embroidered Chemise Hem 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. Greece. Ready to go on a wall. Frame...
Category

19th Century Greek Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

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

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

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 Woodpeckers, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of woodpeckers. 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

Framed Antique Ottoman Embroidery 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. Turkey Ready to go on a wall. Frame...
Category

19th Century Turkish Antique 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 Print of Monkeys, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of monkeys. 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 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

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

1880s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Print of Baboons, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of baboons 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

Original Antique Prints of Butterflies, 1847
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great images of butterflies 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 Crocodiles, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of crocodiles and alligators. Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Cpt. Brown with original ha...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

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

Original Antique Print of an Elephant, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of an elephant. 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

Double Sailor's Valentine of Sea Shells with Heart and Star Designs
Located in Downingtown, PA
Double Sailor's Valentine of Sea Shells, Barbados, West Indies, Circa 1885 A double sailor's valentine with Spanish Cedar box with two sides. The right side is centered with a heart within within a ring of pink shells with beds of different colored sea shells at the border The left side has a star in the center and also with a circular ring of shells with alternating panels around the border Dimensions: Open: 18 1/2 inches wide x 9 inches x1 1/2 inches deep; Closed: 9 inches wide x 9 inches high x 3 inches deep See an article from the Seaport Museum, New York City, about the story and history of valentines. From Wikipedia A sailor's valentine is a form of shellcraft, a type of mostly antique souvenir...
Category

1880s Bajan Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Shell

Original Antique Framed Print of a Black Bear, 1847
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a black bear presented in an antique oak frame Lithograph after Cpt. Brown with original hand color. Please note the dark area to the right of the print is shadow P...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Oak, 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

Original Antique Animal Prints, Bugs/Beetles, 1847
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great images of beetles 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 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

Original Antique Print of an Eagle, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of an eagle 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 Ethnographical Print, Figures, New South Wales, Australia, 1809
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful ethnographical print. A copper-plate engraving after Lesieur Published by Sherwood, Neely & Jones. Dated 1809 Unframed.  
Category

Early 1800s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Print of Butterflies, 1847, Unframed
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of butterflies. 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

Vintage Charcoal Rubbing of Thai Musicians
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Thai Temple charcoal rubbing. Hand crafted temple scenes at the Wat Pho temple located in Phra Nakhon district in Bangkok Thailand...
Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Vintage Thai Temple Charcoal Rubbing on Rice Paper
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Thai Temple charcoal rubbing. Hand crafted temple scenes at the Wat Pho temple located in Phra Nakhon district in Bangkok Thailand...
Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Professionally Framed Antique Eastern European Sleeve, Bulgaria, 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

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

New England Quilt Drunkards Path Pattern Circa 1885
Located in Hudson, NY
Striking and beautiful New England quilt in the drunkards path pattern. Excellent condition with a highly modern design pattern. Found in Maine, this quilt made from blue and red pri...
Category

1880s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Cotton

Original Vintage Beatrix Potter Print. Peter Rabbit And Friends C.1905
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Lovely image by Beatrix Potter Rescued from an early edition of " The Tale of Two Bad Mice " Possibly a 1st edition from 1904 The measurement given is the paper size not the actua...
Category

Early 1900s British Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Print of Partridge, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of partridge. 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

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Print of Swans, 1847, 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of swans. 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

Original Antique Bird Prints, Oriole and Bee-eaters. 1847
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great images of 0riole and Bee-eaters 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

18th Century Dutch Delft Tile Painting of a Cat with Mouse
Located in Stamford, CT
18th Dutch century tile painting of a cat with holding a mouse in it's mouth. Depicted right after the catch, with paw lifted showing exposed claws. The yellow and manganese striped ...
Category

18th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

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. F...
Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Woven Textile Fragment. East European. 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Lovely textile sample Fabulous colours Great piece of folk art. Likely to be of East European origin. Possibly Balkan. In new white painted box fra...
Category

Late 19th Century Balkan Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Framed Antique Ottoman Embroidery 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. Turkey Ready to go on a wall. Framed...
Category

19th Century Turkish Antique 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 20th Century Turkish Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Professionally Framed Silk Ikat Fragment, Uzbekistan, 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 C. Uzbekistan. Ready to go on a wall. ...
Category

Early 20th Century Uzbek Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Original Antique Print of a Bee-Eater, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a bee-eater 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. Publ...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Print of a Hoopoe, 1847, Unframed
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a hoopoe. 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

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

18th Century Wax Butter Mold with Habsburg Imperial Coat of Arms
Located in Milano, MI
18th century dark wax butter mold with habsburg imperial coat of arms, diameter 20 cm with engraved inscription IG S and M S 1737. Good age related condition, this lovely Mittle-...
Category

Mid-18th Century Austrian Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Other

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 Bird Prints, Trogons and Purple Headed Pigeons. 1847
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great images of trogons and purple headed pigeons 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 Bird Prints, Parakeet. 1847
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great images of parakeet 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 Prints of A Zebra and An Ass, 1847
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great images of a zebra and a Mongolian ass 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 Grey Horse, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a grey horse Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after George Stubbs with original hand color. ...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Vintage Shooting Club Lodge Target Plaque German 1929, Carnival Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage Shooting Lodge Target Plaque dated 1929. A rare and beautiful wooden shooting target plaque with inscriptions. This rare kings plaque was issued by a shooting club...
Category

1920s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wood, Paper

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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