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.
Antique Folk Art Franconia House Altar with Accessories Early 20th Century Wood
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A fascinating antique German Hausaltar (house altar) ensemble with an extensive collection of ecclesiastical accessories, offering a remarkable glimpse into historic private religiou...
Pewter
petite Antique Catholic Reliquary Box Crucifix Pendant with Relics of Saints
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This antique reliquary contains relics of Saints. It is hand made of metal. Perfect as a pendant for a rosary. This is a 3rd class relic. For a better understanding, Relics are divid...
Metal
Framed Mary and Jesus Child Wax Miniature Portrait, Brass and Glass Italy, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A lovely sentimental christianity portrait of Mary holding the Jesus Child. Framed in a beautiful brass or ormolu frame, circa 1930s or older. Portrait made of Wax. A very pretty pi...
Brass
Wood Fretwork House Altar with Accessories Black Forest Folk Art 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century fretwork hand crafted House Altar with a lot of Christianity miniatures and accessories. A wonderful decorative appeal!...
Pewter
Peruvian Retablo from the Evelyn Ackerman Estate
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Peruvian retablo purchased from the Evelyn Ackerman estate. This colorful piece features two hinged doors with floral paintings. The interior showcases small ceramic figurines in wha...
Wood, Ceramic
Original Mexican Retablo "Exvotos" Oil on Tin
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this original Mexican ex voto. Made with oil painting signed by Figueroa.
Metal
Reverse Glass Painting of Saint George and the Dragon
Located in Stamford, CT
Verre églomisé, or reverse glass painting with gilding of Saint George and the Dragon. St George shown riding his steed, slaying the dragon...
Glass
Bavarian Votiv Tablet early 19th century
Located in Wien, AT
Bavarian Votiv Tablet early 19th century. Jesus on the cross and poor souls in purgatory Oil in wood, early 19th century. Very nice original condition with...
Wood
$364Sale Price|43% Off
Antique Ottoman Inkwell Qalamdan and Pen Case in Brass, Turkey
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique Turkish Brass Pencil Case Qalamdan and Inkwell From The Ottoman Empire The interior of the brass case is divided into compartments to ho...
Brass
Christianity Monastery Work Wax Jesus Child in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition. T...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Unusual and truly Incredible Hand carved wood Crucifix c 1930's
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual and truly Incredible Hand carved wood Crucifix c 1930's... bEST Carving I have ever seen,,Amazing patina, finish . Minor damage to fi...
Wood
$400 / set
Set of three Mexican Retablos "Exvotos"
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this Set of three Mexican Retablos "Exvotos". The three pieces are prints with a finish that makes them look old.
Metal
Large Vintage Hand Carved Bas Relief of AGNUS DEI Altar Piece.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Large Vintage Hand Carved Bas Relief of AGNUS DEI Altar Piece. Large vintage Altar piece carving in low relief features the AGNUS DEI. This rare and meaningful piece from the first ...
Pine
Christianity Monastery Work Virgin Mary in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition. T...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Religious Chalkware Diorama
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Amazing religious chalkware wall hanging found in a Catholic church in Philadelphia. The pictures describe it all. Wonderful detail and dimension.
Plaster
Christianity Monastery Work Mother & Child in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition. T...
Glass, Wood, Paper
A Very Good 19th Century Hand Painted Mexican Retablo Dated 1884
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The naïve, hand painted vignette depicts a woman praying to the images of Saint Anthony holding The Christ Child, together with The Holy Mother, all shown hovering above a group of t...
Tin
Vintage Folk Art Odd Fellows Lodge Handcarved Gold Altar Cross with Stepped Base
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Odd Fellows Lodge hand-carved and painted wooden altar cross with stepped base (ca. 1950s, USA). Paint is all original, showing attractive, age-commensurate crackling/crazing...
Wood, Paint
$1,050Sale Price|30% Off
Original Mexican Retablo "Exvotos" Oil on Tin
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this original Mexican ex voto, due to the effects of time, the writing has been erased.
Metal
Vintage St. Therese Chalkware Bust
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Large St. Therese chalkware bust found on the east coast of the United States. Great early paint surface with the right amount of ware and age. Depicts ...
Composition
19th Century Mexican Folk Art Carved Wood Church Sculpture
Located in San Francisco, CA
An extraordinary one of a kind Mexican folk art carving of a church. Carved from a soft wood, possibly cactus, and having a beautifully aged patina. Everything thing about this pie...
Wood
The Jews In America by David Cohen Coffee Table Book
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
The Jews In America by David Cohen, hardcover coffee table book. Introduction by Chaim Potok. Photographic essay. From editor’s note: "To capture on film a cross section of the ...
Paper
$1,385Sale Price|20% Off
Early 19th Century Religious Folk Art Scene
Located in London, GB
Early 19th century religious folk art scene We share what we love, and we love this early 19th century folk art hand carved example of a painted shepherd religious scene. Detailed on pine base with a cow, angel, house, and shepherd holding a walking stick. Naïve in construction yet a piece of religious art in our opinion. Likely to have been part of a religious display...
Pine
Exceptional Vintage Antique Mercury Glass Crucifix Statue Germany 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A striking Antique Patinated Mercury Glass Crucifix Statue dating to the turn of the century, early 20th century. Beautifully crafted from moulded glass with a silvered interior, thi...
Glass
Exceptionally rare cross, tramp art, 1900, Schwarzwald / Austria
Located in Wien, AT
Exceptionally rare cross, made in tramp art style, in Austria or in Schwarzwald, Germany, around 1890 / 1900. The cross has a typically Latin shape and stands on a semicircular bas...
Wood
Early 20th Century Bezalel Jerusalem Shabbat Tray
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th century Bezalel Jerusalem wooden tray inlaid with Jerusalem stone and mother of pearl. The large tray is carved with the Seven Species on its...
Marble
Exceptional Vintage Antique Mercury Glass Jesus Statue Germany 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A striking Antique Patinated Mercury Glass Jesus Statue dating to the turn of the century, early 20th century. Beautifully crafted from moulded glass with a silvered interior, this i...
Glass
18th Century Carved Wooden Angel
Located in Houston, TX
Carved wooden angel from Private Chapel in Provence. Wonderful detail in Angel's hair and draped dress. Figure is mounted on an iron stand.
Iron
Exceptional Vintage Antique Mercury Glass Madonna Statue Germany 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A striking Antique Patinated Mercury Glass Madonna dating to the turn of the century, early 20th century. Beautifully crafted from moulded glass with a silvered interior, this impres...
Glass
Antique Asian Hindu Bronze Temple Toy Camel on Wheels
By Rajhastani
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Inspired by a scene from Ramakian or Ramayan, the Indian epic Rama and Sita. Antique Indian Temple Toy bronze camel on wheels. Antique hindu bronze temple camel with rider statue toy on wheels. Commonly known as "Temple Toys...
Bronze
Sculpted And Gilded Statue Of Saint Augustine, 18th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
"Sculpted And Gilded Statue Of Saint Augustine, 18th Century" Southern Germany or Austria, circa 1700–1750 Carved oak, original water gilding and polychromy traces Height: 36.5 cm A...
Wood
Exquisite Italian Nativity Scene in Gilt Wood Shrine, circa 1900
Located in ALHAURÍN EL GRANDE, Malaga
A beautiful Italian Christmas nativity scene dating to around 1900, presented within an elaborately decorated and gilded wooden shrine. The finely modelled terracotta figures depict...
Terracotta, Wood
Abstract Cubist Iron American Church Crucifix
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Vintage iron abstract cubist crucifix from American Church. Found in the midwest. Great detail. Quite heavy.
Iron
Original Mexican Retablo "Exvotos" Oil on Tin
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this original Mexican ex voto of San Lazaro saint. Guanajuato México 1958. Damos gracias a San Lazaro por el alivio de mis piernas. Esperanza Rodriguez y Jesus Amezquita. ...
Metal
Ex-Voto on a Wooden Shoe Last, Mexico, 1945
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
An extraordinary and deeply evocative piece of Mexican folk art, this unique hand-painted ex-voto is executed on an antique wooden shoe last. Dated 1945, the work stands out not only...
Metal
Folk Art Franconia House Altar with Accessories Early 20th Century Wood Carved
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century hand crafted and hand painted House Altar with a lot of Christianity miniatures and accessories. A wonderful decorative...
Pewter
19th Century Original Mexican Retablo "Exvoto" Oil on Tin
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Dated 1870, we offer this 19th century original Mexican retablo "Exvoto" oil on tin, due to the effects of time, the writing has been erased but we can read the nex: “Le aconteció esta desgracia al niño Monico Rico el día 26 de Diciembre de 1870 que lo tumbo un caballo le quebró una pierna “This misfortune happened to the child Monico Rico on December 26, 1870, when a horse knocked him down and broke his leg Votive paintings...
Metal
Beautiful Black Forest Frame Antique Folk Art with Jesus Child Picture, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A lovely picture frame made of hand carved wood, made in Germany with a picture of Jesus and a Child. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. It is not marked. A nice addition...
Glass, Wood
Antique Ex voto Male Figure, Infant, Infant Jesus, Silver Italy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique and large ex voto in the shape of a male figure, in silver, from the 1890s to the 1900s, Italy. Perfect vintage condition, there are no breakages or signs of repairs. Beautiful face expression and a wonderful patina of time. At the top there is an eyelet to pass a ribbon or to hang the object directly on the wall. A cute petite religious Ex Voto...
Silver, Sheet Metal
Christianity Monastery Work Framed Wall Decoration Antique German 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century framed wall decoration with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition. This is a truly fine antique old piece. Great Item in your home. As seen there are imperfections to the brass on the top, also at little color loose to the little accessories and flowers. This is old-age and gives the piece in total a great antique look. These are often displayed with wax Jesus...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Christianity Monastery Work Arch Angel in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition. T...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Christianity Monastery Work Mother & Child in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic late 219th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition. T...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Icon "Saint Nicholas the Miracleworker", Russian Empire, 19th century
Located in Rīga, LV
Russian Orthodox icon “Saint Nicholas the Miracleworker,” made in the Russian Empire in the middle of the 19th century. The icon depicts Saint Nicholas in bishop’s vestments, blessin...
Wood
Christianity Monastery Work Mother & Child in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition. T...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Christianity Monastery Work Mary & Jesus in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition. T...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Monumental 19th Century Dutch Church Painted Wood Cross
Located in Forney, TX
A massive nearly 10 foot tall by 5.5 foot wide antique Dutch ecclesiastical wooden cross. Hand-crafted in the Netherlands in the 19th century, very large sculptural Celtic cross for...
Iron
$45,000 / set
18th Century Flemish Wood Carved Nativity Angels
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Superb pair of nativity angels. Wood carved with layers of original paint and gesso. Found in a church attic in Belgium. Fantastic craftsmanship and emo...
Gesso, Wood
Bavarian Votiv Tablet 19th century
Located in Wien, AT
Bavarian Votiv Tablet 19th century. Jesus at the scourge pillar, Oil on wood, dated 1840. Very nice original condition.
Wood
19th Century Spanish Colonial Religious Folk Art Santo Altar Figure
Located in Forney, TX
An antique Spanish Colonial period hand carved and painted santo church altar figure. Born in Mexico in the first half of the 19th century, the religious...
Wood, Paint
$552Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Christmas Tree Village Train Surround Painted Wooden Fence Gate
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This lovely, vintage Victorian style Christmas tree surround fencing will create an old fashioned quaint decoration or display. There are four sides that each measure 40 inches to 42...
Wood, Paint
$1,750Sale Price|50% Off
19th Original Mexican Oil on Canvas of San Juan Nepomuceno
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this 19th original Mexican oil on canvas of San Juan Nepomuceno. About John of Nepomuk: Is the saint of Bohemia (Czech Republic) who...
Canvas
Our Lady of Guadalupe Carved Wood Hanging Wall Sculpture or Plaque
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A hand-carved Virgin of Guadalupe Wood Plaque. This beautifully crafted wooden hanging plaque features the iconic image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Carved with intricate detail, it c...
Wood
$2,095Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Italian Hand Carved Folk Art Santos Doll, circa 1840
Located in London, GB
We are proud to offer a mid-19th century hand carved figure of a Santos doll. The figure is made using pine wood and section constructed with pinned wooden...
Pine
1941 Folk Art Patience Bottle Signed And Dated
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A symbolic Christian patience bottle with a cross flanked by miniature bells, the front with a ladder, tools, plants and rooster. The bottle contains a signed paper label, dated Octo...
Other
$992Sale Price|20% Off
Early 19th Century Italian Hand Carved Italian Folk-Art Figure of Christ
Located in London, GB
Early 19th century hand carved Italian Folk-art Figure of Christ For sale in this LOT is a wonderful early 19th century religious Italian church artifact...
Wood
Antique Large Folk Art Handcrafted Wooden Fretwork Crucifix or Cross and Stand
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This extremely detailed and ornately handcrafted wooden Folk Art Crucifix is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Eastern Europe, possibly Aus...
Softwood
Antique Asian Bronze Chariot with Dragon Head Pulled by Horses
By Rajhastani
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
From the Ramakien a Thai Ramayana. A scene from Ramakian or Ramayan, the Indian epic Lakshman riding in a chariot along with Rama and Sita sitting in the back. After his victory over Ravana, Sri Rama prepares to leave for Ayodhya, Rama now told Vibheeshan that there was just one more day...
Bronze
$780Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Large Wood Logs Cross with Metal and Glass decorations
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage Large Wood Logs Cross with Metal and Glass decorations. $975 This large cross is made of a beautiful pair of dark wood logs, then extensively decorated with metal elements ...
Metal
Set of Three Mesquite Wood Crosses Found in Zacatecas, circa 1900
Located in Guadalajra, Jal
Set of three mesquite wood crosses with colorful indigenous fabrics, quite rare, circa 1900.
Wood
Indian Goddess Figurine Statue
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully authentic hand carved statue of an Indian deity goddess. Distressed paint finish.
Paint