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.
Moroccan Berber Tuareg Brass Powder Flask, Hand-Carved Folk Art, 1920
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Great decorative Moroccan Berber Tuareg metal brass powder flask. African decorative brass with front richly decorated with Moorish embossed brass ocverlay. Moroccan tribal powder fl...
Brass
1890s Multicolor Folk Art Antique American Hooked Rug 2'3''x4'5'' Knotted Carpet
Located in New York, NY
Antique American Hooked rug, Measures: 2' 3'' x4' 5''. Antique American Hooked Wool Multicolor Jewel Tones Rug, Circa Date: 1890s. This charming piece exemplifies the tradition of A...
Wool
Early 20th Century American Hooked Rug ( 2'3" x 3' - 68 x 92 )
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th Century American Hooked Rug ( 2'3" x 3' - 68 x 92 )
Wool
Petite Turkish Embroidery Pillow
Located in Chicago, IL
This hand-crafted pillow was designed by a local Chicago artist and textile historian who lovingly repurposes the vintage fabrics, garments and embroidery fragments she collects duri...
Linen
Authentic Antique Folk Art Equestrian Horse Farm Sign
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Charming hand made vintage horse farm sign that is finished front and back. The horse and letters are black wrought iron, and the wood has a distressed paint...
Iron
NYC Artist MARGARET LAYTON, PAINTING AND Iron SCULPTURE "WINDOW WASHER"
Located in Buffalo, NY
Margaret Layton (American, 20th century)"Parker Street" New York City Gouache on board, Iron Sculpture "window washer " circa 1950s Amazing Greenwich Village Building by artist Ma...
Metal, Iron
$8,119Sale Price / item|20% Off
Contemporary Oval Rug with Geometric Pattern in Green Hues and Beige in Wool
Located in Vilnius, LT
Category: Rugs, Carpets, Decoration Dimensions: 1.95m x 1.65m Thickness: 0.015m Weight: 6.5kg Material: recycled used clothing, 100% cotton The technique combines crochet, embroidery, and quilting MADE TO ORDER Get in touch for trade pricing, bespoke options, project management and consolidated...
Cotton
Unique Folk Art Chair, early 20th Century
Located in Portland, OR
This chair came from a collector in the high desert of Southern California. Maker unknown. Crafted of scraps and oak wine barrels, it is a whimsical and spirited little chair. A conv...
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Hooked Rug
Located in New York, NY
Mid-20th Century American Hooked Rug 2'4" x 20'5".
Wool
Huge French Iron Pot Hanger, Kitchen Utensil or Game Hanger A great piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Huge French Iron Pot Hanger, Kitchen Utensil or Game Hanger A great piece with lots of Character, the design is based on traditional game hanger, it i...
Iron
Navajo Geometric Pattern Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Navajo Geometric Pattern Pillow. This pillow has soft earth toned colors. Light browns and whites. Great soft feel. Has a brown linen backing with a cu...
Wool
A 1950s Black Painted Terracotta. Dutch Figure of Two Childs
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This is a 1950s black-painted terracotta figurine depicting two Dutch children sitting together on a bench. The sculpture showcases a traditional European folk art style, with intric...
Terracotta
Black and White Hand-Crafted Ceramic Chicken Sculpture, Animal Figurine Folk Art
By Iittala
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern Iittala style black and white glazed ceramic chicken, handmade in the USA. Life-size stylized chicken animal sculpture for any interior design. A-595-335
Ceramic
Vintage Torch Cut Metal Pelican
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This whimsical vintage pelican sculpture is a captivating example of coastal folk art, expertly crafted using industrial torch-cut metal techniques. The piece features a dynamic silh...
Enamel, Iron
1970s Polish Handwoven Wool Tapestry Wall Hanging, Folk Art
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vintage Polish wool wall tapestry, produced during the 1970s. The handwoven textile depicts a stylized village scene with houses, figures and trees arranged in a naive folk art compo...
Wool
Art Populaire Workbench or Counter, France, 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Art populaire workbench, a timeless piece steeped in history and character, featuring three spacious drawers and the versatility to serve as a sideboard, counter, or workbench. Its a...
Wood
Hand-Carved Balinese Mask Sculpture on Steel Base, Folk Art, 1960
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Masque Topeng de l'île de Bali. Ce masque sculpté à la main est utilisé dans le théâtre Topeng, une forme de spectacle mêlant danse, chant et pantomime qui relate les légendes du roy...
Steel
John Taylor Pen & Watercolor Self Portrait, Albany NY c1805-06
Located in Milford, NH
A wonderful American folk art pen and watercolor self portrait of John Taylor, Albany, NY, circa 1805-6. Taylor has drawn himself as a fashionable, industrious young man seated at hi...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Turuza Wauja. Two-headed bird Sculpture-Bench, 2024 Brazilian wood
Located in PARIS, FR
Turuza Wauja – Two-headed Bird Sculpture-Bench, 2024 Hand-carved by Indigenous Wauja artisans from the Xingu region in Brazil, this remarkable sculpture-bench represents a two-heade...
Hardwood, Shell, Paint
Vintage Moroccan Kilim Rug by Berber Tribes, Wool & Goat Hair, 1960s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large handwoven vintage Moroccan Berber Tribal kilim rug, nicely aged with washed out cors.Handwoven by the Berber tribes in south Morocco with traditional geometric tribal designs.S...
Wool, Goat Hair
1930s Grenfell Rug of Dog Sled Team, Mounted and Framed
Located in Peabody, MA
A framed Grenfell rug depicting a dog sled team, ca. 1930s. One of the finest we’ve ever seen, the maker ingeniously used patches of seal fur to represen...
Wool, Glass
1930s Hubbly Horse and Carriage Door Stop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1930s Original Hubbly painted horse and buggy carriage in all original paint. Double sided. Great size with wonderful colors. On the side of the buggy carriage inscribed is as follo...
Iron
Hand Carved Tobacco Smoking Small Pedestal Side Table, Sweden circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
This fascinating small side table originally served as a tobacco or smoking table. Note in photos the larger boxes for pipes/cigars, smaller storage boxes for tobacco/matches, also an ash tray and candle stick. It is the hand-carved elements that raise this table to a special folk-art find. Note the carved pipes...
Wood
18th Century Swedish Trompe L'Oeil Commode Bed, Hand-Painted Wood
Located in PARIS, FR
This charming Swedish trompe-l’œil commode is a masterpiece of both design and functionality. Painted with a faux wood patina, it cleverly mimics the appearance of a traditional thre...
Wood
19th Century Zanzibar Trunk with Brass Fretwork and Folk Art Design
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A 19th century Zanzibar trunk. A superb piece showing the wonderful craftsmanship of the brass workers This hardwood chest which originally was p...
Brass
Rare 19th Century Large Original Painted Lightning Rod on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic folky oversized 19th century mustard over copper Lightning rod ball on a professional iron stand. The base is a plank of original work that the...
Copper
The Seven Stars Cookbook Recipes from World-Class Casino Hardcover Book
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
The Seven Stars Cookbook: Recipes from World-Class Casino Restaurants. Harrah's Entertainment Presents The Seven Stars Cookbook: Recipes from World-Class Casino Restaurants. John S...
Paper
Stunning Earthy Brown With Reds and Blues Antique American Hooked Folk Art Rug
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th Century American Hooked Rug, Size: 2' 8" x 4' 10"
Wool
1930s Ivory European Floral Antique American Hooked Rug 2'8"x4'8" Woven Carpet
Located in New York, NY
Antique American Hooked rug, size: 2'8" x 4'8". This late 19th-century American hooked rug is a sophisticated example of “transatlantic” folk art, where the rugged, domestic craftsm...
Wool, Fabric
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Vessel
Located in Allerum, SE
19th century Swedish Folk Art dug out tree trunk vessel. Ca 1850 Sweden.
Wood
Vintage Cotton Elephant Covered in Indian Textiles
By Harrods
Located in Chireno, TX
Vintage cotton elephant, covered in Indian textiles, retailed in the 1950s by Harrods. Interior frame composed of wire and straw. Textiles originally s...
Wire
Antique Wrought Iron and Walnut Handpainted "Pledge of Allegiance" School Desk
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a statement piece for all American Patriots. Its the Pledge Of Allegiance handpainted on an antique school desk. The desk dates the early 20th century. Its made of wrought Ir...
Wrought Iron
Russian Matryoshka Nestled Dolls 'Czar Nicholas II and Family'
Located in Asheville, NC
Hand-painted and carved neastled dolls of Alexandra and Nicholas II and their four daughters, the Grand Duchess Olga in 1895, the Grand Duchess Tati...
Vintage Moroccan Silver Fibula Collectible Ethnic Jewelry Talisman
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Moroccan Silver Fibula Collectible Ethnic Jewelry Talisman. Circa 1960's. Beautiful vintage Moroccan fibula. Nice Folk Art. A fibula was used t...
Metal
Vintage Hand Carved Wooden Rabbit Wall Hooks, Coat Rack, Pair, Philippines
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A charming pair of vintage hand carved wooden rabbit wall hooks, handcrafted in the Philippines. Each whimsical rabbit is beautifully carved from solid wood and dressed in period-sty...
Wood
Great White Tan and Brown Color with Florid Desing Antique American Hooked Rug
Located in New York, NY
Antique American hooked rug, measures: 3'10" x 6'3".
Wool
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
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
Zabihi Collection Gray Floral Folk Style Vintage Throw Turkish Rug Dated 1969
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Turkish Anatolian rug with a trapezoid shaped medallion on a grayish blue field, accents in beige, rust red and green. Measures: 2'11" x 3'8".
Wool
Japanese Midcentury Earthenware Art Pottery Vase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Interesting, midcentury, Japanese, matte tan, earthenware, art pottery vase features a tapered body, intricately carved and incised in a leaf pattern with Japanese markings on it's u...
Ceramic
19thc Original Painted Blue Pantry Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This early original blue painted panty box from New England has early hand made nails.The condition is very good and great undisturbed paint.
Wood
Set of Seven Vintage Trench Art Brass Goblets with Bakelite Card Suit Bases
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique set of seven diminutive trench art goblets in brass (circa 1930s, USA). Formed from artillery shell stems supported by black bakelite bases. Bases are both card suit-forms (tw...
Brass
Unusual 19th Century Windsor Arm Chair With Rush Seat..
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual 19th Century Windsor Arm Chair With Rush Seat.. Retains original patina, Great quality,, tight, Wonderful original patina.
Rush, Wood
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Scandinavian Farmhouse Butter Bucket, Hand-crafted, Gudbrandsdalen Folk Art
Located in Skien, NO
A Masterpiece of Gudbrandsdalen Craftsmanship: Exceptional Carved Oak Butter Bucket Presenting a superb example of Norwegian folk art, this hand-carved oak butter bucket (or porridg...
Bentwood, Oak
Greenlandica, Sarak, Greenlandic woman in profile, sculpture in soapstone.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, Sarak, Greenlandic woman in profile, sculpture in soapstone. 1970/80s. In excellent condition. Signed. Dimensions: H 14.0 cm x L 12.0 cm x W 6.0 cm. Soapstone - also kn...
Soapstone
$1,500Sale Price / set|20% Off
Collection of Four 19Thc Buttocks Baskets
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Early hiney basket collection, All in very good condition.These were from a collection in Pennsylvania. Measurements are as follows - Large basket - 13.5d x 14h x 16w Medium ...
Willow
"Protector One" Folk Art Crow Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Richly textured with whimsical appeal, this late 20th century wooden crow is a delightful example of naive American sculpture. Poised mid-caw, the crow's wings are outstretched, read...
Wood
1930s Multi Stripe Folk Art Antique American Rag Rug 5'5"x5'5" Woven Wool Carpet
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th Century American Rag Rug ( 5'5" x 5'5" - 165 x 165 ) Antique American Rag Rug Small Scatter Size Cotton Ivory, Circa Date: 1930s. ...
Wool
Antique Set of Mexican Papier-Mâché Masks 3
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960. We offer this antique set of 6 Mexican papier-mâché masks 100% handmade and paited with anilina (natural pigments).
Paper
$1,020Sale Price|44% Off
Rare Swedish Travel Box, Hand Forged Iron Details, Circa 1800-1850
Located in Buisson, FR
Rare Swedish travel box with stunning patina and hand forged iron details. Sweden, circa 1800-1850. Weathered H:21cm W:37cm D:29cm
Wood
Megladon Teeth Mounted on Pecky Cypress Board
Located in High Point, NC
RARE Megladon teeth mounted on a pecky cypress board. There are three Megladon teeth in varying sizes, in graduated order for a lovely visual. The pecky cypress board is a perf...
Bone, Cypress
Beaded Ndebele Fertility Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire. This colorful example of African beadwork is a fertility doll...
Cotton, Wood
$410Sale Price|20% Off
Folk Art Jewelry Box from the 1940s in Copper with Women Nude
Located in Berlin, DE
This charming jewelry box from the 1940s was made out of copper and is hand-dented. It shows a nudist art of a woman. It is in a beautiful original condition. A unique piece whic...
Copper
Early Navajo Fly Foot Weaving Rug
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This weaving is a evenly faded weaving but the body of the weaving is very good with minor edging wear as most early weaving's are.This fly foot or whirling logs weaving is early 190...
Wool
$992Sale Price|20% Off
Dated 1850 Museum-Quality Antique Tine Box with Rosemaling, bentwood, Nordic
Located in Skien, NO
Museum-Quality Antique Norwegian Tine Box with Rosemaling, Dated 1850 This is an exceptional and highly collectible antique tine box, a premier example of mid-19th century Norwegian...
Bentwood, Pine
Early Navajo Indian Weaving Saddle Blanket
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20Thc Navajo Indian weaving in fine condition with minor edge wear.These soft colors are amazing and super graphics.This weaving would make a great wall mounted weaving.
Wool
Original Hand Painted Swedish Cabinet Cupboard, Dated 1818
Located in Round Top, TX
Beautifully crafted large Swedish painted pine cabinet with curved upper bonnet and graceful panel doors standing over 7' tall. The original hand-painted finish is in excellent condi...
Pine, Paint
1960s Moroccan Berber Rug in Royal Blue, Pink and Orange Colors
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
1960s vintage authentic Moroccan Berber Rug in Orange Blue and Pink cors.For centuries the tribal people of Morocco's Atlas Mountains have passed down the delicate art of rug-weaving...
Wool, Cotton
Signed 19th Century Nantucket Lightship Basket by Rowland Folger
Located in Nantucket, MA
7 ½” open round Nantucket lightship basket with brass ears , “R Folger Maker Nantucket, Mass” is stenciled on the interior bottom, circa 1875 Rowland Folger (1803-1883).
Brass
Antique & Rustic Swiss Bird Whistle in Hand-Carved Cedar Wood
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Folk art piece in the shape of this charming little whistle. Hand-carved in rustic fruit or cedar wood and featuring one end shaped as a bird head. Measurements: L/H: 17.5 cm, Diam...
Cedar
$2,636Sale Price|20% Off
Navajo Manta Shoulder Blanket (Eye Dazzler)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand Woven. Navajo geometric eye dazzler with unusual color pallets. The eye dazzlers go throughout the entire weaving. Circa 1910-1920
Wool