Folk Art Wall Decorations
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
Outsider Art "Animal Parade" Oil on Panel by Bruno Del Favero
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Circa 1970 oil on panel depicting a traveling pack of animals by acclaimed outsider artist, Bruno Del Favero (b. Italy 1910, d. USA 1995).
Fine example sho...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Paint
Harvey Milligan Amish Farmhouse Pastoral Scene Oil on Canvas
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Americana Amish "farmhouse" oil painting by Harvey Milligan, circa 1950s. Charming character scale and composition (figures are very small). Although n...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Paint
Bali Hindu Textile Framed 'Kamasan' Painting, Indonesia C. 1900
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This Antique Balinese Kamasan painting, rendered on handwoven cotton, beautifully captures the timeless elegance of classical Wayang-style storytellin...
Category
Early 1900s Balinese Antique Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Cotton, Paint
Bali Hindu Textile Framed 'Kamasan' Painting, Indonesia C. 1950
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This striking vintage Balinese Kamasan painting, rendered on handwoven cotton, beautifully captures the timeless elegance of classical Wayang-style st...
Category
1950s Balinese Vintage Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Cotton, Paint
Chinese Reverse Painting of a Dog
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Antique Chinese reverse painting on glass of a dog or spaniel painted in a charming naive manner with vibrant colors, slightly oxidize...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Glass
Watercolor Painting "Antique Perù and Magic Bolivia"
By Pit Piccinelli 1
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
"Antique Peru' and magic Bolivia", by Pit Piccinelli, an Italian painter who lived almost all his life in those countries, among indigenous people -
O/8171.
Category
Late 20th Century Peruvian Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Paper
Early 20th Century Hand-Painted Hanging Wall Cabinet with Folk Art Detailing
Located in Northport, MI
This charming hand-crafted wall cabinet, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century, is a fine example of Central European folk art—likely originating from Hungary or the Transylv...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Wood
Vintage Boho Original Purvis Young Painting on Door
Located in west palm beach, FL
This captivating vintage painting by Purvis Young showcases the artist’s signature expressive style, with dynamic brushstrokes and vibrant colors that bring life and movement to this...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
Handmade, Midcentury, Three Dimensional Wooden Sign, Die Lorelei, 1950-60's
Located in Vienna, Austria
Cruising on a riverboat, on the Rhein, especially the Mittel Rhein, is a popular day time excursion trip in Germany. The famous Lorelei Rock
being a popular destination. The Rock, was made famous from a poem, written by Heinrich Heine...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Wood
1915 ‘Carter the Great’ Banner by Otis Lithograph, Cleveland
Located in Surrey, BC
A large and early Folk Art paper banner (on linen backing) promoting famous American magician, Charles Joseph Carter (1874-1936), known as 'Carter the Great...
Category
1910s American Vintage Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Linen, Paper
Purvis Young Original Painting "Procession" in Series #3, Signed
By Purvis Young
Located in North Miami, FL
Depiction of a procession in oil on recycled curtain vinyl by acclaimed Miami street artist Purvis Young. Gustavo Olivieri sourced directly from Mr. Young while he was alive and enjo...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Canvas
Framed Portrait Painting of a Young Boy in Red and Blue with Gilt Frame - Signed
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A large framed portrait painting of a boy in red and blue. The piece features a young boy or teen wearing a white collar shirt with a red overcoat. He has short blonde hair with hints of brown and auburn. He wears a blue newspaper boy cap...
Category
1990s American Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Metal
Tapestry Peacock, Girafe, Lion, Deer, Exotic Birds Floral Folk Naive
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Rare folk, naive, vernacular tapestry
- Mythical quality depicting reminiscent of a garden of paradise with the animals and birds in harmony with each other.
- Charming tapestry de...
Category
1880s French Antique Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool
Folk Art Greyhound Bus Lines Logo Hooked Rug or Wall Hanging
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This unique and colorful Folk Art hooked rug was designed and crafted sometime between 1970 and 1980 and could be easily be adapted for use as a wall hanging. This rug is presumably made from synthetic wool and employs five colors to represent the Greyhound Bus...
Category
Late 20th Century Canadian Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Synthetic
Nantucket Whaling Scene, by Red Tordoff, (Anglo-American: b. 1939), circa 1980
Located in Nantucket, MA
Nantucket Whaling Scene, by Red Tordoff, (Anglo-American: b. 1939), circa 1980, an oil on plywood panel depicting two whale ships in the Arctic, with two whale boats lowered, one app...
Category
1980s Vintage Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Plywood
Large Hand-Painted Venetian Carnival Sun Mask Folk Art Wall Sculpture
Located in London, GB
Venetian Carnival Sun Mask, Venetian Carnival Sun King Wall Sculpture, Sun King Mask, Venice Carnival Mask, Venetian Antique, Folklore Sun Mask, Folk Art Sun Mask, Theatre Mask, Mask...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Fiberglass, Paint
Susani Embroidery suitable for Wall, Bed , Table Cover, Curtain
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Festive and elegant Susani embroidery, suitable for bed or table or wall.
Silk embroidery on a cotton ground.
B/ 2003 - cm. 213x 177.
Category
1960s Turkmen Vintage Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Cotton, Silk
Peter Arvidson Post Modern Modernist American Painter 'the Lovers" 1993, Oil
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original oil on canvas painting by listed Contemporary artist Peter Arvidson.
The thick imposto and color choices create a whimsical but striking ...
Category
1990s American Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Large 18th Century Italian Oil On Canvas Painting Of Christ
Located in London, GB
A large scale (life size) 18th Century Italian oil on canvas.
'THE BODY OF THE DEAD CHRIST IN THE TOMB' after Hans Holbein the Younger, showing Christ lying in the tomb. His head re...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Greenlandica, wood relief of a Greenlandic woman. Greenlandic craftsmanship.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Greenlandica, wood relief of a Greenlandic woman.
Greenlandic craftsmanship. Hand-carved.
From the 1960s.
In excellent condition.
Dimensions: H 25.0 cm x W 15.0 cm x D 2.5 cm.
Category
1960s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Wood
Naive Ethiopian Painting Hospital Scene, 1970s
Located in Budapest, HU
Naive Ethiopian Painting Hospital scene, 1970s
with Ge'ez language inscriptions.
Category
1970s Ethiopian Vintage Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Canvas
Welsh River Landscape with Fly Fisherman, by S. Thompson, 19th Century
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Welsh River landscape with Fly Fisherman, by S. Thompson, 19th century, entitled "View Near Stamdrinidad sic South Wales," an English School folk...
Category
Late 19th Century Welsh Antique Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Canvas
Unusual carved oak Modernist / Architectural Wall Hanging .signed dated 1962
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual carved oak Modernist / Architectural Wall Hanging .signed (monogramed) dated 1962..Not sure who created or it's origin? Very Japanese ? Wonderful patina. dark rich oak.
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Oak
19th Century Seascape with Cutter-Rigged Sloop by N.H. White, 1898
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Seascape with Cutter-Rigged Sloop by N.H. White, 1898, looks American but could possibly be English North Sea or Dutch School, an oil on canvas stormy seascape with a cu...
Category
1890s Unknown Antique Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Canvas
Watercolor of Nantucket Railroad, by Doris and Richard Beer, circa 1940
By Doris Beer
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage Watercolor of Nantucket Railroad, by Doris and Richard Beer, circa 1940, a watercolor on paper view of the Nantucket narrow gauge "Dummy...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Paper
California or Spanish Mission Signed Oil On Burlap Folk Art Painting Tapestry
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful, unique and special Spanish or California Mission vintage oil Folk Art painting/tapestry/wall hanging on burlap with fringe. We have not seen anything quite like it befo...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Burlap, Paint
Large Contemporary / Modernist Folk Art Oil on Canvas by M J Meyrs, c.2008
By M J Myers
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large oil on canvas painting by M J MYERS... depicting bar scene,, Amazing use of color ,space and texture,,, Born in Buffalo, NY and raised in the city of Tonawanda, MJ Myers attended the State University at New Paltz where he received a Bachelors of Fine Arts with a concentration in Drawing and Painting and a minor in Art History.
Deeply embedded in the Buffalo art world, Myers works as an art handler for the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, UB Anderson Gallery, and Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D.Martin house. His work has been shown at multiple galleries as well as in many performances by the Buffalo, NY performance troupe Torn Space Theater.
In 2014, MJ performed his first wedding painting...
Category
Early 2000s American Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Block Print in Unique Samuel Peck Co. Negative Printing Contact Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover a unique blend of art and history with this captivating block print of an animal. Set against a soothing green matte, this vintage piece stands as an intriguing dialogue bet...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Wood, Paper
Monumental Micro Triangular Cut Feed Sack Folk Art Quilt Mounted on Canvas
Located in Buchanan, MI
Monumental micro triangular cut feed sack Folk Art quilt mounted on canvas. All hand stitched, amazing details. Perfect for great room with high ceilings. ...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Fabric
Nantucket Old North Slip Watercolor by Doris & Richard Beer, circa 1940
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage Nantucket Old North Slip watercolor by Doris & Richard Beer, circa 1940, a watercolor on paper view of Old North Slip (Wharf), signed in pencil power right. Doris and Richard Beer (1898-1967 and 1893-1959 respectively) produced a well-known series of watercolor miniatures featuring popular Nantucket scenes. Working at their Wharf Head Studio on Old North Wharf for 18 years, the couple worked together on these copyrighted creations, photo-duplicating Doris's line sketch and Doris and Richard completing the watercolor.
One of a large collection of beer watercolors...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Paper
Portrait Miniature In Graphite American 19th Century
Located in Hudson, NY
This is a very beautiful , highly detailed and well executed portrait of a woman. Created in the early nineteenth century with graphite on paper. The sitter can be seen with a book in her hand and a ring on her finger. She is sitting in a painted fancy chair by the window with the drape pulled back...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Wood, Paper
Modernist Folk Art Acrylic on Canvas "Quincy Market" W.N.Y. Artist George Grace
Located in Buffalo, NY
Quincy Market by George Grace,, western New York Artist..Amazing use of space ,,color.. shadows,,,
George Grace
Drawing, Painting, Sculpture
In June 2...
Category
1980s American Vintage Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Acrylic
2 Heavy Cast Iron Horse’s Head Wall Brackets
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
2 Heavy Cast Iron Horse’s Head Wall Brackets
The statues are of a sculptured horse’s head supporting a bracket on the top
There are 2 of these supe...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Iron
Sixteen Whales by Max Tannahill
Located in Basildon, GB
Max Tannahill "Sixteen Whales" painted and carved wood mounted to a driftwood backing which has been signed, titled and dated. Approx 50cm x 75cm overall
Category
Early 2000s British Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Driftwood
Vintage Cast Iron Tropical Yellow and Green Pineapple Coat Hook
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Cast Iron Yellow and Green Pineapple Coat Hooks.
Large vintage rustic wall mounted coat or bag hangers pineapple form cast iron hook set.
Tropical B...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Iron
Colorful Still Life Portrait of Table and Grapes in Blue Purple Red and Brown
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Beautifully rendered still life of an artist's tablescape with grapes and painting materials. Striking textural background on walls. Oil on board, unsigned, mid-20th century. Dimensi...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Pablo Picasso Portrait 1970's Charcoal Drawing
Located in Vancouver, BC
An interesting charcoal portrait of Picasso from the year of his death, presumably on the day of his passing - a sort of framed obituary of the famous Catalan painter.
There is inf...
Category
1970s British Vintage Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Paper
Quirky Wall Hanging Hat and Coat Rack on a Nautical Theme
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Quirky wall hanging hat and coat rack on a nautical theme.
A great looking piece made from decorative dingy parts in Teak, Chrome and Sisal, it even has a dated shield at the bott...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Teak
Painted, Cloth, Wallhanging, 20th Century, Scandinavian, Folk Art
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Painted cloths were fashionable wall-hangings in the 17th century as they much cheaper than tapestries and woven textiles. Very few survive from this per...
Category
Early 20th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Linen
Large University Chart “Physical Map of Africa” by Bacon
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large university chart “Physical Map of Africa” by Bacon
W&A K Johnston’s Charts of Physical Maps By G W Bacon,
This is colorful Physical map of North America, it is large lithograph set...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Linen
Vintage Boho Folk Art Blade Sign
Located in west palm beach, FL
An extraordinary vintage blade sign. A chic Folk art pieces from the early 20th century. Acquired from a prominent folk art collector.
Category
Early 20th Century North American Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Wood
1900s, French Zinc Shop Sign
Located in High Point, NC
This enigmatic shop sign was produced in France, circa 1900. A large zinc wall decoration hanging on a small chain, which may or may not be a piep, features a jug extremity with a lo...
Category
20th Century French Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Zinc
Oil on Canvas Signed "P. Freedman, 1974"
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Colorful island scene depicting roadside stand by P. Freedman, 1974. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer.
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Canvas
Midcentury Cork Art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Folk Art style mosaic made of wine corks.
(Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).
Category
1960s Vintage Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Cork
Robert Taylor Original Handrawing Portrait by Mármol, Spain, 1939
Located in Madrid, ES
John Barrymore portrait handrawed by Mármol in 1939.
Ink on paper with wooden framed.
Category
1930s Spanish Vintage Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paint, Paper
Framed Sepia Tone Watercolor Landscape, 1887
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A framed original watercolor landscape painting. Sepia tone watercolor depicting a tree alongside a riverbank. Illegible signature, dated 1887. Professionally framed and matted with ...
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Exceptional Tramp Art Mirrored Wall Cabinet
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
An antique Tramp Art hanging cabinet with mirrored panel doors that open to a single shelving unit, over one long drawer over two short drawers.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Wood
Portrait of Elizabeth Van Dyck Vosburg by Pieter Vanderlyn (The Gansevoort Limne
By Gansevoort Limner
Located in West Chester, PA
Portrait of Elizabeth "Betje" Van Dyck Vosburg., c. 1725. Unsigned, in original frame; accompanied by a Van Dyke family bible printed in Amsterdam in 1702. Condition: Minor repairs, ...
Category
18th Century and Earlier American Antique Folk Art Wall Decorations
Materials
Canvas
Folk Art wall decorations for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art wall decorations 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 wall decorations created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, folk art, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art wall decorations made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original wall decorations, popular names associated with this style include Berber Tribes of Morocco, Purvis Young, Alejandro Rangel Hidalgo, and Arthur Nevin. 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 wall decorations differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $20 and tops out at $48,000 while the average work can sell for $949.