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Folk Art Ceramics

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
Antique Medium-Tall Martaban Earthenware Urn
Antique Medium-Tall Martaban Earthenware Urn

Antique Medium-Tall Martaban Earthenware Urn

Located in Alhambra, CA

Asian Pacific, flared-lip earthenware urn. Late 18th century antique glazed ceramic with chrysanthemum flower details. Ceramic loop handles derailed with a dragon-head motif. Neutral...

Category

19th Century Philippine Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware

Artefact, Majapahit Terracotta Expressive Head, Java, 1300 AD
Artefact, Majapahit Terracotta Expressive Head, Java, 1300 AD

Artefact, Majapahit Terracotta Expressive Head, Java, 1300 AD

Located in Antwerp, BE

A figurative construction ceramic probably a water collector simply modeled, this head is very expressive and the details can clearly be seen. The Trowulan archaeological site, approximately 100 square kilometres, located in the Mojokerto Regency is believed to contain the remains of what was once the capital city of the Majapahit Empire, featured by 14th century poet Mpu Prapanca in his poem Nagarakretagama. The city was razed during a fight between Girindrawardhana and Kertabhumi in 1478. The Trowulan site is the only archaeological site dating to the Hindu-Buddha classical age to be found in Indonesia. Archaeological remnants and artefacts of the old city in the Trowulan Site were found buried underground as well as on the surface and are still being found today.rtefact:Majapahit terracotta...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Javanese Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Antique Ancient Sueki Sue Ware Wabi-Sabi Pottery Vase Vessel Urn
Japanese Antique Ancient Sueki Sue Ware Wabi-Sabi Pottery Vase Vessel Urn

Japanese Antique Ancient Sueki Sue Ware Wabi-Sabi Pottery Vase Vessel Urn

Located in Studio City, CA

A wonderful, unique, and handcrafted piece of ancient Japanese Sueki Sue ware pottery dating back to the 500-600s (6th-7th century). Sueki/ Sue pottery was a ...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Japanese Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Pottery, Stoneware

Antique Thai Fish Bowl, Sukhothai Kilns
Antique Thai Fish Bowl, Sukhothai Kilns

Antique Thai Fish Bowl, Sukhothai Kilns

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Antique Thai Fish Bowl, Sukhothai Kilns. A deep stoneware bowl with black slip painting of a fish with his tail extending beyond the concentric band on center, further band decoratio...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Thai Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Thai ceramic covered box from the Sawankhalok kilns
Thai ceramic covered box from the Sawankhalok kilns

Thai ceramic covered box from the Sawankhalok kilns

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Thai ceramic covered box from the Sawankhalok kilns of globular fruit form with pinched foliate rim and sepal stem finial on top decorated in brown...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Thai Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Handcrafted Japanese Ceramic Bowl Signed Jin Kobayashi
Handcrafted Japanese Ceramic Bowl Signed Jin Kobayashi

Handcrafted Japanese Ceramic Bowl Signed Jin Kobayashi

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Handcrafted Japanese ceramic bowl signed Jin Kobayashi. Large stoneware plate hand made and hand painted with autumn leaves design. Hand-carved ge...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Japanese Signed Mashiko Mingei Art Pottery Plate in the Manner of Shoji Hamada
Japanese Signed Mashiko Mingei Art Pottery Plate in the Manner of Shoji Hamada

Japanese Signed Mashiko Mingei Art Pottery Plate in the Manner of Shoji Hamada

Located in Studio City, CA

A quite beautiful, expertly crafted, sumptuously glazed large Japanese Mashiko Ware Mingei (folk craft/folk art) pottery plate/ charger quite similar to the works of master potter Sh...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware, Pottery

Antique Large Standing Martaban Earthenware Urn
Antique Large Standing Martaban Earthenware Urn

Antique Large Standing Martaban Earthenware Urn

Located in Alhambra, CA

Large sculptural Martaban glazed earthenware urn. Chinese or South-East Asian style, likely dating from the late 18th or early 19th Century. Heavy rough ceramic interior with glazed ...

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware

Charger Attributed to Shoji Hamada On Contemporary Stand
Charger Attributed to Shoji Hamada On Contemporary Stand

Charger Attributed to Shoji Hamada On Contemporary Stand

By Shoji Hamada

Located in Stamford, CT

Shoji Hamada Japanese clay charger with black glaze and terracotta toned glazed decoration, circa 1960s. On contemporary stand. The piece is unsigned and as such cannot definitively ...

Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Clay

Japanese Mashiko Mingei Bamboo Art Pottery Plate in the Manner of Shoji Hamada
Japanese Mashiko Mingei Bamboo Art Pottery Plate in the Manner of Shoji Hamada

Japanese Mashiko Mingei Bamboo Art Pottery Plate in the Manner of Shoji Hamada

Located in Studio City, CA

A quite beautiful and expertly crafted Japanese Mashiko Ware Mingei (folk craft/folk art) bamboo decorated pottery plate/low bowl quite similar to the works of master potter Shoji Ha...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Pottery, Stoneware

Antique ceramic covered box from the Sawankhalok kilns, Thailand
Antique ceramic covered box from the Sawankhalok kilns, Thailand

Antique ceramic covered box from the Sawankhalok kilns, Thailand

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Antique ceramic covered box from the Sawankhalok kilns, Thailand of squat globular persimmon form with pinched sepal ridge and curled stem finial top decorated in a caramel brown and translucent white glaze on the stoneware biscuit in a saw tooth design at the shoulder and foliate vine scroll pattern on the body, two incised bands near the foot with a trimmed countersunk unglazed base with traces of the pontil firing scar. The interior of the base with a thin translucent glaze the interior of the lid unglazed. Tight fit of top to bottom. Evidence of a repair to a large chip to the interior rim of the base and two further small chips unrestored, the top clean without any restorations, overall fine condition. Measuring 2-3/4 in. high x 4” in diameter. (7cm x 10.2cm) Weight: 11 oz. (300g.) 14th/15th century. Ex Collection: by descent, Don Christensen, Penang, Malaysia. For similar examples see: Siamese Pottery...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Thai Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Large Annamese Blue and Enameled Ceramic Box, Chu Dau kiln, Vietnam
Large Annamese Blue and Enameled Ceramic Box, Chu Dau kiln, Vietnam

Large Annamese Blue and Enameled Ceramic Box, Chu Dau kiln, Vietnam

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Large Annamese Blue and Enameled Ceramic Box, Chu Dau kiln, Vietnam, circa 1500. The cover with a flat top decorated with landscape design of mountains and tre...

Category

16th Century Vietnamese Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

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Located in Yonkers, NY

A large Thai hand-painted blue and white porcelain bowl from the 20th century with floral motifs. Created in Thailand, this porcelain bowl features a circular tapering silhouette wit...

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Han Style Sandcolor Vase Table Lamp
Han Style Sandcolor Vase Table Lamp

Han Style Sandcolor Vase Table Lamp

$1,654

H 22.45 in Dm 19.69 in

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Located in Vosselaar, BE

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Located in Oklahoma City, OK

Beautiful round porcelain dish or circular box with a cover in blue and white. This circular chinoiserie box with a cover is finely decorated with a crisp blue and white hue. This di...

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Japanese Haniwa Terracotta Head of a Warrior
Japanese Haniwa Terracotta Head of a Warrior

Japanese Haniwa Terracotta Head of a Warrior

Located in Hudson, NY

Japanese Haniwa terracotta head of a warrior, Haniwa figures are Japanese terracotta funerary figures that accompanied the dead buried in early Japan, ...

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15th Century and Earlier Japanese Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

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Antique Japanese Ceramic Bowl, Hand-Painted Dragon Design, 1900
Antique Japanese Ceramic Bowl, Hand-Painted Dragon Design, 1900

Antique Japanese Ceramic Bowl, Hand-Painted Dragon Design, 1900

Located in Alessandria, Piemonte

O/1393 - This bowl is more antique tha I wrote. This is one piece from a large collection of ancient pottery, gathered 35 years ago and never exhibited to the public. I woud like to sell...

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Japanese Contemporary Iga Stoneware Bowl by Shiro Tsujimura
Japanese Contemporary Iga Stoneware Bowl by Shiro Tsujimura

Japanese Contemporary Iga Stoneware Bowl by Shiro Tsujimura

By Shiro Tsujimura

Located in Atlanta, GA

A contemporary Stoneware Bowl made in the tradition of Iga ware by Japanese ceramic artist Shiro Tsujimura (1947-). In a slightly irregular round form, the de...

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Early 2000s Japanese Folk Art Ceramics

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Satsuma Earthenware Vase and Cover, Japanese, Meiji Period
Satsuma Earthenware Vase and Cover, Japanese, Meiji Period

Satsuma Earthenware Vase and Cover, Japanese, Meiji Period

By Satsuma

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A Satsuma Earthenware vase and cover, Japanese, Meiji period, (1868-1912) decorated in polychrome enamels and gilt over a clear, crackled glaze, delicately painted with samurai on ...

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1890s Antique Folk Art Ceramics

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Japanese Asian Signed Studio Pottery Wabi-Sabi Ceramic Glazed Chawan Tea Bowl
Japanese Asian Signed Studio Pottery Wabi-Sabi Ceramic Glazed Chawan Tea Bowl

Japanese Asian Signed Studio Pottery Wabi-Sabi Ceramic Glazed Chawan Tea Bowl

Located in Studio City, CA

A stunning Japanese stoneware studio pottery chawan tea bowl that features a beautiful, heavy and sumptuously multi-glaze with wonderful shifts in color and texture. This bowl is wit...

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20th Century Japanese Folk Art Ceramics

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Japanese Asian Style Signed Studio Pottery Wabi-Sabi Ceramic Chawan Tea Bowl
Japanese Asian Style Signed Studio Pottery Wabi-Sabi Ceramic Chawan Tea Bowl

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Located in Studio City, CA

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Large Chinese Porcelain Famille Rose Fish Bowl Planter
Large Chinese Porcelain Famille Rose Fish Bowl Planter

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Located in Bradenton, FL

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Massive Antique Chinese Earthenware Martaban Dragon Jar
Massive Antique Chinese Earthenware Martaban Dragon Jar

Massive Antique Chinese Earthenware Martaban Dragon Jar

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

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Previously Available Items
Thai ceramic covered box from the Sawankhalok kilns
Thai ceramic covered box from the Sawankhalok kilns

Thai ceramic covered box from the Sawankhalok kilns

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Thai ceramic covered box from the Sawankhalok kilns of globular persimmon form with pinched foliate rim and sepal stem finial on top decorated in i...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Thai Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Early 20th Century Porcelain Maneki Neko, Japan
Early 20th Century Porcelain Maneki Neko, Japan

Early 20th Century Porcelain Maneki Neko, Japan

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Early 20th century porcelain Maneki Neko, Japan This porcelain Maneki Neko, the good fortune beckoning cat, is a molded seated form with the right raised paw closely to the side of ...

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Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Ceramics

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Porcelain

Pair of Large 19th Century Chinese Glazed Pottery Camel Figures
Pair of Large 19th Century Chinese Glazed Pottery Camel Figures

Pair of Large 19th Century Chinese Glazed Pottery Camel Figures

Located in Middleburg, VA

By the late Qing Dynasty, camels had long been iconic in Chinese art because of their role in the Silk Road trade routes. For centuries, Bactrian camels were prized for their enduran...

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Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Folk Art Ceramics

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Annamese Blue and White Ceramic Jar, Chu Dau kiln, Vietnam
Annamese Blue and White Ceramic Jar, Chu Dau kiln, Vietnam

Annamese Blue and White Ceramic Jar, Chu Dau kiln, Vietnam

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Annamese Blue and White Ceramic Jar, Chu Dau kiln, Vietnam, circa 1500. A globular form with narrow neck decorated in under glaze cobalt blue of lotus petals, ...

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16th Century Vietnamese Antique Folk Art Ceramics

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Ceramic

Pair of Large Japanese Ceramic Shi-Shi Dog Roof Tiles, Bizen Kiln, 20th Century
Pair of Large Japanese Ceramic Shi-Shi Dog Roof Tiles, Bizen Kiln, 20th Century

Pair of Large Japanese Ceramic Shi-Shi Dog Roof Tiles, Bizen Kiln, 20th Century

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Pair of Large Japanese Ceramic Shi-Shi Dogs roof tiles, Bizen kiln, 20th c. Bizen kiln is one of the oldest and well known kilns in Japan. This is a very unusual pose of Shi-Shi Do...

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20th Century Japanese Folk Art Ceramics

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Clay

Set of Shipwreck Bottles from Indonesia c. 1600
Set of Shipwreck Bottles from Indonesia c. 1600

Set of Shipwreck Bottles from Indonesia c. 1600

Sold

H 6.89 in Dm 2.37 in L 6.89 in

Set of Shipwreck Bottles from Indonesia c. 1600

By Asia Rattan

Located in Jimbaran, Bali

A set of 3 shipwreck bottles from a Shipwreck off the Coast of the Indonesian Island of Batam. Batam was one of the most substantial and influential ...

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16th Century Indonesian Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

19th Century Sake Bottles, Collection of Three Japan 1850s
19th Century Sake Bottles, Collection of Three Japan 1850s

19th Century Sake Bottles, Collection of Three Japan 1850s

Located in Hudson, NY

A lovely set of three Japanese mid 19th century sake bottles, circa 1840-50's, each with distinctive decoration and construction. These can be used as lamps, vases, or even for deca...

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1850s Japanese Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Provincial Chinese Blue and White Plate, c. 1850
Provincial Chinese Blue and White Plate, c. 1850

Provincial Chinese Blue and White Plate, c. 1850

Located in Chicago, IL

Calligraphic sweeps of blue bring this 19th-century footed plate to life, brushed atop a blue-grey glaze that cloaks its simple ceramic form. Once used as an everyday serving dish, t...

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Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Folk Art Ceramics

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Ceramic

Jerusalem Polychrome Hand Painted Ceramic Plate
Jerusalem Polychrome Hand Painted Ceramic Plate

Jerusalem Polychrome Hand Painted Ceramic Plate

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Vintage hand painted and handcrafted ceramic wall decorative plate with polychrome deer scene. It has a beautifully hand painted scene with deers enjoying the outdoors , surrounded by flowers in blue and white, turquoise, light and dark green foliage. An Islamic ceramic...

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Mid-20th Century Israeli Folk Art Ceramics

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Ceramic

15th-16th Century Vietnamese Antique Bowl/ Old "Cyawan"/ Southeast Asian Potte
15th-16th Century Vietnamese Antique Bowl/ Old "Cyawan"/ Southeast Asian Potte

15th-16th Century Vietnamese Antique Bowl/ Old "Cyawan"/ Southeast Asian Potte

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This is an old Vietnamese bowl from the 15th-16th century. It is very old pottery, so there are some minor glaze flakes. Please check the photos. However, the condition is relativ...

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16th Century Vietnamese Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Thai Antique Bottle 15th Century / Old Vase / Southeast Asian Antiques
Thai Antique Bottle 15th Century / Old Vase / Southeast Asian Antiques

Thai Antique Bottle 15th Century / Old Vase / Southeast Asian Antiques

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

A bottle baked in Thailand around the 15th century. Trade with Southeast Asia has been active in Japan for a long time. Many ceramics were imported from Thailand and Vietnam. Also, in the 1900s, many ceramics were excavated in Thailand and imported by the Japanese. This is also an excavated pottery. By applying a glaze containing iron and baking it, it turns into such a dark brown color. A bottle with a unique shape in Thailand. It is very nice. It is stored in a special wooden box. There are small scratches, but it did not leak even if I put water in it. However, if you put water in it for a long time, it may ooze from the bottom, so it is recommended to put water in another container and put it in the jar when decorating flowers, just in case. The same thing was published in an art book on Vietnamese pottery...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Thai Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Vietnamese Antique Bowl 16th Century / Old "chawan" / Southeast Asian Pottery
Vietnamese Antique Bowl 16th Century / Old "chawan" / Southeast Asian Pottery

Vietnamese Antique Bowl 16th Century / Old "chawan" / Southeast Asian Pottery

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

We have an aesthetic sense peculiar to Japanese people. And we introduce the unique items that only we can do, the route of purchasing in Japan, the experience value so far, and the way that no one can imitate. A bowl made around the 16th century in Vietnam. In Japan, trade with Vietnam has been active since the Muromachi period (around the 16th century). Many Vietnamese bowls have also been imported into Japan. Vietnamese bowls are greatly influenced by Chinese bowls, and there are many items with similar designs to China. This is a unique Vietnamese glaze, design, and clay that is a little different from Chinese bowls. It is a very simple and nice bowl. You can still use it enough. It is in good condition. Please use it with soup, tea, rice, etc. The same thing was published in an art book on Vietnamese pottery...

Category

16th Century Vietnamese Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Folk Art ceramics for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art ceramics for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage ceramics created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, pottery and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art ceramics made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 ceramics differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $150 and tops out at $4,545 while the average work can sell for $995.