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.
A Traditional Camel Saddle / Stool A Traditional Camel Saddle
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Traditional Camel Saddle / Stool A Traditional Camel Saddle constructed from several pieces of scratch carved olive wood, tied together with strips of...
Olive
Swedish Allmoge / Folk Art, Stool, Dated 1948
Located in Stockholm, SE
Charming Swedish Folk Art / Allmoge stool in pine, dated 1948. Three legs with a hole which makes it easy to move around. Beautifu patina.
Pine
Chunky oak stool, France 1950
Located in Amstelveen, NL
Interesting three legged naïve French stool in solid oak with beautiful patina. Colours vary from caramel to deep browns, almost black. A great esthetically interesting interior piece.
Oak
Scandinavian Almue Stool in Wood & Fabric, Late 19th Century
Located in Odense, DK
A charming little wooden stool with a square seat and four turned legs, each featuring subtle decorative shaping. The seat is covered with a patterned woven textile, showcasing a rec...
Fabric, Beech, Oak
$760Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Handcrafted Stool - Rustic Folk Art with Handwoven Wool Seat, Norway
Located in Skien, NO
Classic Style Mid-Century Norwegian Bench/Stool - Handcrafted Scandinavian Charm - Small Size Furniture Add a touch of vintage Scandinavian elegance to your home with this one-of-a-...
Pine, Wool, Beech
19th century folk art blue wooden stool or side table hand painted flowers
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
19th century folk art blue wooden stool or side table hand painted flowers
Hardwood, Paint
Late 18th Century Boldly Turned Windsor Stool in Old Red Paint
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Boldly turned 18th century Windsor stool in old red paint having a slightly dished circular seat with molded sides raised on three ring and ball legs with ball feet.
Wood
Beautiful Designer 3 Leg Stool, Pine, Austria, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A pine stool designed and produced in Austria, 1970s. The diameter on top is approx. 10 3/4". The stool has a strong sense of history, having been bought from an estate sale in Vienn...
Wood
Tribal Molave Wood Stool with Carved Male Head
Located in Kastrup, DK
Philippine Tribal Stool in Carved Wood. Unique small stool crafted from solid molave hardwood. The front features a striking, hand-carved male head – a prominent example of tradition...
Hardwood
Natural wooden stool 20th century period Italian
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Natural wooden stool 20th century period Italian
Wood
Pair of 20th Century Wabi Sabi 4 Leg Stool, Austria Around 1940s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This pair of 20th century wabi sabi 4 leg stools from Austria is an excellent example of this style. Each piece has a rustic-looking seat made of wood and ...
Wood
Antique English 19th Century Vernacular Cricket Table Side Table Stool
Located in London, GB
Antique English 19th century Vernacular cricket table side table stool Beautiful sculptural piece. Good colour and patina. In very good condition commensurate of age.
Birch
early 20th Century Wabi Sabi 3 Leg Workshop Stool, German Folkart Around 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This early 20th century wabi sabi 3 leg workshop stool from Germany is an excellent example of this style. The piece has a square, rustic-looking seat made of wood and is supported b...
Wood
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Dated 1951 Rare Kubbestol, Telemark Rosemaling by Jon Gjelstad, Norway
Located in Skien, NO
Vintage Norwegian Kubbestol by Jon Gjelstad, Drangedal 1951 A magnificent and authentic example of mid-century Norwegian folk art, this hand-crafted Kubbestol (or log chair / stump ...
Beech, Birch, Bentwood, Pine
A Traditional Camel Saddle / Stool A Traditional Camel Saddle
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Traditional Camel Saddle / Stool A Traditional Camel Saddle constructed from several pieces of scratch carved olive wood, tied together with strips of hide to form a saddle stool ...
Olive
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
1700s Rustic Pine Kubbestol, Primitive Stump Chair, Telemark Rosemaling, Norway
Located in Skien, NO
An 18th Century Antique Kubbestol from Telemark, Norway – A Sculptural Piece of Scandinavian Folk Art This exceptional Kubbestol, or traditional Norwegian stump chair, represents a ...
Pine, Wood
A Petit Point Embroidered Tapestry Upholstered Stool A Lovely piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Petit Point Embroidered Tapestry Upholstered Stool A Lovely piece, the stool has a geometric designed embroidered wool seat set on a dark blue background, it is set on walnut cabr...
Beech
$1,100Sale Price|21% Off
19th Century Folk Art Swedish Stool
Located in San Angelo, TX
A beautiful Swedish folk art stool from the early 19th century. This stool has the original worn patina of time and use which can be noticed on the seat and the stretcher where the f...
Wood
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
1800s Scandinavian Stump Chair, Museum-Quality Hand-crafted Folk Art, Norway
Located in Skien, NO
**Step into the Past with a Rare 1800s Norwegian Folk Art Rustic Stool / Stump Chair / Kubbestol** Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Norwegian craftsmanship with this extraordinary 19th-century kubbestool, a true masterpiece of folk art. Hand-carved from a single tree stump, this museum-quality piece hails from the heart of Telemark, Norway, and embodies the rustic charm and artistry of a bygone era. **A Visual Symphony of Carved Wildlife** This exceptional stool is adorned with a captivating array of relief carvings depicting a menagerie of animals and birds, each rendered with remarkable detail and character. Marvel at the majestic peacock, the loyal dog, the graceful fish, the enchanting birds, and the regal elephant—each figure telling a story of the artisan's imagination and skill. The original painted surface, with its harmonious palette of red, yellow, green, black, and white, has been lovingly preserved, showcasing the vibrant colors and intricate patterns that define traditional Norwegian folk art. **A Unique Piece of History** What sets this kubbestool apart is its unparalleled uniqueness. No comparable piece has been found in museums or private collections, making it a truly one-of-a-kind treasure. The exquisite patina, born from over a century of use and care, adds depth and character to the stool, enhancing its rustic elegance and historical significance. **A Statement Piece for Your Home** Whether placed in a cozy cabin, a farmhouse, or a country-style interior, this stool brings a touch of timeless charm and cultural heritage to any space. Its functional yet artistic design makes it a versatile addition to your decor, serving as both a conversation-starting accent and a functional seat. **Own a Piece of Norwegian Heritage** This rare and collectible antique is more than just a stool—it’s a piece of history, a work of art, and a testament to the skill and creativity of Norwegian artisans. Elevate your collection with this extraordinary kubbestool, and let it transport you to the rugged landscapes and rich traditions of 19th-century Norway. **Key Features:** - Handcrafted from a single tree stump in Telemark, Norway, circa 1800s - Intricately carved reliefs of a peacock, dog, fish, birds, and elephant - Original painted surface in traditional Norwegian folk art colors - Exceptional patina and museum-quality craftsmanship - A truly unique piece with no known parallels Don’t miss the opportunity to own this remarkable slice of Norwegian heritage—a piece that transcends time and captures the essence of rustic elegance and artistic mastery. Dimensions ca.: Height: 87cm / 34.25 inches (Seat height 45.5cm / 17.91 inches) , Width: 41cm / 16.14 inches, Depth: 38cm / 14.96 inches. Text inside / under with previous owners' name. Wood Tree Stump / Wood Log Chair...
Wood, Birch, Pine
$240Sale Price|20% Off
Beautiful Hand Painted 20" Thai Woman Wooden Sculpture
Located in Pasadena, TX
This beautiful sculpture is hand carved and painted. It depicts a beautiful Thai woman dress in adornment. It's beautifully painted and hand carved.
Wood, Paint
19th Century Ash and Elm Cricket Table Stool, Antique Folk Art Style
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Ash and Elm Cricket Table Stool This is a very rare country piece, the stool is made in ash and elm, the seat is made from a solid slice of the tree you can see by th...
Elm
$291Sale Price|50% Off
Vintage Screw Stool - 1970s Solid Beech
Located in Manzano, IT
Wonderful example of industrial/craft design from the 1970s. This screw stool is not just a piece of furniture, but a sturdy and functional item, perfect for studios, professional st...
Beech
1930s Italian rustic wood low stool
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
1930s Italian rustic wood low stool
Wood
Studio Furniture American Craft Stool Mid-century modern 1960s USA
Located in Antwerp, BE
Walnut stool, hand-crafted, studio craft, USA Wendell Castle, Roger sloan, JB Blunk, Jawar, Richard Bronk, Gerald Mccabe, Bobby Falwell, David Scott, Charles Fischer, Howard Osinski...
Walnut
"Art Populaire" Folk Art Stool from the Auvergne, Mid-Century Rustic 1800's
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid-century; rustic; "Art Populaire"; Folk art; Stool ;Auvergne; France; 1800s Mid-century rustic "Art Populaire" Folk art stool. This chair is from the Auvergne, France and we da...
Wood
Vintage Wood Slab Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This unique vintage side table is a masterful celebration of nature's geometry, perfectly capturing the spirit of Organic Modern and Rustic design. Crafted from a substantial, cross-...
Wood
Folk Art Wrought Iron Stool with Tractor Parts, France, circa 1950s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Unique sculpturesque artist's stool made out of assembled wrought iron tractor parts.