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.
Alice In Wonderland Tea Party Chandelier
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is not the type of lighting you will normally find in my listing. I just couldn't help myself. The fixture has great style and a sense of humor. The lamp features a collection o...
Porcelain
Early 20th Century French Painted Chestnut Six-Light Chandelier from Brittany
Located in Dallas, TX
Add warmth and whimsical French country character to a breakfast room, wine cellar, or beach house with this interesting antique Breton chandelier. Crafted in Brittany, France circa ...
Chestnut
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Chandelier
Located in Allerum, SE
19th century Swedish folk art Chandelier in it's original condition. Turned and painted wood and metal. Ca 1800 - 1850 Sweden.
Iron
Arts & Crafts Folk Art Chandelier with Four Folkloristic Male Figures
Located in Lisse, NL
A museum-quality Arts & Crafts folk art chandelier, conceived and handcrafted in southern Germany in the early years of the 20th century. This exceptional sculptural pendant transcen...
Iron
Handcrafted Blown Glass "Grape Cluster" Pendant Lamp
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Exceptional handcrafted pendant lamp created circa 1960, composed of dozens of individually hand-blown glass spheres in a vibrant palette of green, blue, amber, smoky, and clear tone...
Art Glass
Vintage 70s Wrought Iron Chandelier Eight Candles Swedish Art Glass 2 Extenders
By Erik Höglund
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Add a touch of opulence to your home with this charming candle chandelier! This 60s Wrought Iron Chandelier with eight Swedish Art Glasses holds ball globe candles which are not incl...
Wrought Iron
Handcrafted Pendant Lamp Made from Antique Glass Bottle Stoppers
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Striking handcrafted pendant lamp entirely constructed from antique glass bottle stoppers. Each element preserves the natural bubbles, tonal vari...
Art Glass
Arts & Crafts Folk Art Chandelier w Music Making & Dancing Sculptures, Great Fun
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique and all handcrafted, practical size antique circular chandelier. Some chances you only get once in your life and that is exactly what we thought when we first saw this unique...
Metal, Iron
German Folk Art Pendant Light with Night Watchman Figure, 1950s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Expressive Night Watchman with Lantern Motif, Hand-Carved German Folk Art Pendant Light. This charming German Folk Art pendant light features a wooden figure depicting a traditional...
Metal, Brass
Antique Hand Carved Folk Art Pendant Light w. Accordion Playing 'Madchen' on Top
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and beautifully handcrafted Arts & Crafts light fixture for black forest enthousiasts. If you are looking for unique antiques that tell something about life in different parts ...
Rope, Wood, Oak
Antique Swedish Intricate Bronzed Chandelier
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish bronzed chandelier made during the mid 1800s, around 1850 to 1860. The chandelier is made in bronzed metal with a richly deco...
Metal
1960s Folk Art Antler Chandelier / Hanging Lamp
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
Large and impressive chandelier made of real antlers. The lamp has a central light fixture with a light green glass shade. The chandelier has been rewired and is ready for use. It da...
Brass
Swedish Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Chandelier, 1930s
Located in Hammarö, SE
A sculptural hand-forged wrought iron chandelier from Sweden, executed in a deeply atmospheric Nordic rustic style during the mid-20th century. The piece carries a strong architectur...
Wrought Iron
1930s Folk Art Home Made Chandelier
Located in Peekskill, NY
I love the fact that someone took the time to make this wedding cake of a lamp. Its highly decorative and dripping with floral details. Its almost funny and loaded with charm. Its no...
Iron
Flores Dome Pendant by Nani Goods in Red Clay & Cobalt Glaze
By Steven Lancaster, Nani Goods
Located in South Pasadena, CA
The Flores Dome Pendant draws inspiration from both Brutalist design and Mexican folk traditions, balancing sculptural strength with minimalist ornament. Hand-formed from red clay, t...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Handmade lamp made in cut steel
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970. We offer this Handmade lamp made in cut steel. Great vintage conditions.
Cut Steel
Seth of Three Mexican Pendant Lamps in Star Shape
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960, We offer this fantastic seth of three Mexican pendant lamps in star shape.
Art Glass
Medium Palapa Pendant By Nani Goods, Ceramic Raffia Pendant
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Inspired by warm summer nights under a traditional palapa, this sculptural pendant light plays with structure, organic textures, and the duality of perception. Its cage-like frame is...
Brass
Unique Handcrafted Wooden Pendant Light – Pine, Scandinavian Folk Art (1979)
Located in Skien, NO
Unique Handcrafted Wooden Pendant Light – Norwegian / Swedish Folk Art (1979) This one-of-a-kind ceiling lamp is a stunning piece of Scandinavian craftsmanship, hand-carved from pin...
Wood, Pine
Chandelier Wood Rustic Swedish 18th Century, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Chandelier wood rustic Swedish 18th century, Sweden. A chandelier made in Sweden during the 18th century. Body in wood with candleholders in metal for 16 candles.
Metal
Deer Antler Chandelier antique Austria, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Large chandelier. The Fixture requires an European E27 / 110 Volt Edison bulb, up to 60 watts. Beautiful in his shape and design. It gives a very warm light and represents the Mounta...
Metal
Small Palapa Pendant By Nani Goods, Ceramic Raffia Pendant
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Inspired by warm summer nights under a palapa, this pendant light fixture plays with structure, organic textures, and the duality of perception. The cage-like frame is hand built wi...
Brass
Timeworn Tole Chandelier With Glass Grape Clusters And Figural Panel
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A six light tole chandelier in verdigris painted finish. With a center shaped frame and attached center platform for a dark painted flat figural panel- two seated figures enjoying dr...
Metal
Accordion Pendant by Nani Goods, Contemporary Ceramic Pendant
Located in South Pasadena, CA
The Accordion Pendant is a sculptural light fixture inspired by the classic accordion often featured in Tejano and Ranchero music. Its unique folded form is accented with a playful p...
Wire
Superb Large Brass Sextant Ceiling Light from the Captains Cabin
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Superb large brass sextant ceiling light from the captains cabin A very good quality lamp it has been made in the form of a brass sextant, it is centrally hung with a large shade at each end (like a snooker table light...
Brass
Chandelier Green Painted Gilded Iron Dutch 16 Branch 3 tier Folk Vernacular 30"
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
RARE FOLK OR VERNACULAR, 19TH CENTURY, GREEN PAINTED AND GILDED, 3 TIER, CHANDELIER WITH 16 BRANCHES OR ARMS, 76cm., 30” high Exudes folk/vernacular charm, character and atmosphere ...
Wood
Antique Copper Ships Mast Head Lights, Folk Art, Mid-20th Century
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Pair of Copper Ships Mast Head Lights The lamps are round with thick bowed and ridged glass, they are original nautical pieces with excellent character A great decorators ceiling ...
Copper
$11,660
H 26 in W 75 in D 18 in
Bonnie Config 2 Large, Contemporary LED Chandelier, Brass or Nickel, Large, Art
Located in Torslanda, SE
The Bonnie range is designed around the stylized form of a Saffron flower, known around the world for its valuable beauty, fragrance and essence. Each organic flower-like form is ...
Brass
Vintage French Wrought Iron Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Vintage circa 1950's French nine-light wrought iron chandelier. Measurements: Diameter: 24" Current Drop: 30"
Wrought Iron
Early 20th c. Iron and Rock Crystal Six Light Chandelier
Located in Hudson, NY
This interesting and decorative light fixture made in the great decades of silent films and the first motor cars shows many fine features. The iron is forged and worked in the fashio...
Amethyst, Crystal, Rock Crystal, Iron
$2,204
H 23.63 in Dm 17.72 in
Erik Höglund for Boda Smide, Iron & Glass Chandelier, Sweden, Circa 1965
By Erik Höglund
Located in FR
A striking mid-century chandelier designed by renowned Swedish artist Erik Höglund for Boda Smide, circa 1965. Crafted from black-lacquered iron, this sculptural piece features six a...
Iron
$8,360
H 23 in W 16 in D 51 in
Bonnie Config 2, Small Contemporary LED Chandelier, Brass or Nickel, Small, Art
Located in Torslanda, SE
The Bonnie range is designed around the stylized form of a Saffron flower, known around the world for its valuable beauty, fragrance and essence. Each organic flower-like form is st...
Brass
$5,900 / item
H 28.5 in W 5.75 in D 5.75 in
Alice Vertical Pendant Hanging Fixture Glass Cubes in Solid Brass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Alice collection is inspired by Brutalist modular architecture. The textured hand blown glass cubes are sandblasted to create a soft glow and stacked together to diffuse light in...
Brass
$6,000 / item
H 28 in W 5.5 in D 5.5 in
Alice Pendant Hanging Fixture Handblown Glass Cubes in Solid Brass, Matte Black
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Alice collection is inspired by brutalist modular architecture. The textured hand blown glass cubes are sandblasted to create a soft glow and stacked together to diffuse light in...
Brass
Antique Folk Art Horse Sculpture
Located in Sheffield, MA
Wonderfully charming hand-carved 19th Century American folk art horse sculpture on stand. Pay special attention to its face and the carved details to appreciate this fine specimen. ...
Wood
Bonnie Config 3 Contemporary LED Chandelier, Brass or Nickel, Art
Located in Torslanda, SE
The Bonnie range is designed around the stylized form of a saffron flower, known around the world for its valuable beauty, fragrance, and essence. Each organic flower-like form is s...
Aluminum, Nickel, Brass
Contemporary Pendant Lamp Blown Glass and Brass
Located in Guadalajara, Jal.
Our inspiration is an instant of rain caught in time. Through the blown glass the light bathes the space with golden sparkles coming from the brass. Gota lamp gets together two tr...
Brass
$1,952 / set
H 28.75 in W 21.66 in D 21.66 in
Minimalist LED Pendant Light - Handcrafted Opal Glass Geometric Lamp
Located in Vilnius, LT
This Ukrainian origin word "Na Linii” means “on the line”. It is a charismatic product that should not be perceived literally, but with a goal to distinguish ...
Steel
$625
H 15 in W 11.25 in D 10 in
1970s Acrylic Grape Cluster Swag Corner Hanging Pendant Chandelier Light
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
1970s acrylic and driftwood swag grape cluster pendant chandelier light. The chain has a patina from age and measures 139" long; the cord is...
Acrylic, Driftwood
Pair of Petite Murano Caged Glass Pendant Light, 1930s Italy vintage
By Seguso
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Gorgeous pair of chandeliers in bubble-wrapped Murano glass with cage. The glass is hand-blown with a amber tint and was created by Giorgio Seguso during the 1930s in Italy. These M...
Metal
Mid Century French Wicker Fish Ceiling Light
Located in Hastings, GB
Superb 1950’s wicker fish ceiling light, French. Due to their nature these original ceiling lights are incredibly rare to find from this period and especially in such good condition....
Wicker
Cuna Ceramic Pendant By Nani Goods Contemporary Folk Art
By Nani Goods, Steven Lancaster
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Cuna Pendant Light – Watermelon Red The Cuna Pendant Light draws inspiration from the designer’s Mexican heritage, fused with a minimalist Scandinavian silhouette to create a piece t...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Sold
H 19.69 in W 21.65 in D 11.81 in
Hanging lamp, chandelier, deer horn optics, tramp folk art, 1900s, Austria
Located in Wien, AT
Highly decorative chandelier, hanging lamp, with a wonderful whole deer horn look, made in Austria around the 1900s. The object is likely to be made in Austria or in South Germany ...
Metal
Sold
H 19 in W 18.13 in D 19.5 in
Small Swedish 12 Arm Red Wood and Wire Chandelier Light, 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A charming Swedish folk art candle chandelier in turned wood with a rusty red painted finish. 12 metal arms support the wood candle holders. As illustrated in Milieu Magazine (Winter...
Metal, Wire
Folk Art Carved Wood Four “Arm” and Four Light Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
20th Century Folk Art four light chandelier of wooden hand-carved black and cream painted cuffed wrists with stained fists holding wired sockets. The fixture is trimmed with brass fi...
Wood
19th Century Toleware English Folk Art Candelabra
Located in London, GB
19th Century Toleware English Folk Art Candelabra An unusual and highly decorative one-off example of a late 19th Century folk art hand crafted English toleware...
Sheet Metal
19th Century Italian Tole Chandelier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Whimsical Italian 19th Century polychrome tole 12 light chandelier, with bacchanalian theme, featuring clusters of grapes in embossed tin, the whole retaining original paint and all ...
Metal
Artisan woven natural fiber pendant lamp, 1950s
Located in ECHT, NL
Wabi sabi style pendant lamp. It is hand woven from natural fiber giving it a pure and natural appearance. The shape resembles an antique fishing pod or fruit pickers basket. It is f...
Natural Fiber
Alice In Wonderland Tea Party Chandelier
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is not the type of lighting you will normally find in my listing. I just couldn't help myself. The fixture has great style and a sense of humor. The lamp features a collection o...
Ceramic
1969 Handmade Porcelain Owl Swag Lamp Pendant Light
Located in Waxahachie, TX
DOB 1969 Signed. Puts out a large amount of light. Beautiful little piece, lots of character. Statement piece. Switch on cord. 8' chained cord.
Porcelain
Mid Century Modern Set of three Glass Pendant Light, 1960s Germany
By Hillebrand
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Set of Three Biomorphic Glass Pendant Lights with Nickel Fixtures, Germany, 1970s Elegant and sculptural, this set of three pendant lights features large biomorphic glass globes sus...
Metal, Nickel