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.
Two Cheerful Santa Gnome or Elf Christmas Decoration Sweden 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming pair of Swedish Christmas figurines from the 1970s, beautifully crafted in bisque porcelain. These whimsical figures capture the nostalgic...
Porcelain
Cheerful Santa Gnome or Elf Riding atop a delightful Pink Pig Germany 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming early 20th-century German Christmas figurine Candlestick depicting a cheerful Santa gnome or elf riding atop a delightful pink pig. Beautifully crafted in bisque porcelain, the whimsical figure captures the playful character and nostalgic charm of traditional German Christmas decorations. Dating to the early 20th century, the piece is unmarked and is attributed to Hertwig & Co., Katzhütte, Germany, a well-known manufacturer of porcelain figures and holiday collectibles. The softly colored porcelain, charming expression, and unusual pig-riding motif make this a particularly delightful addition to a collection of antique Christmas decorations...
Porcelain
Late 19th Century Small French Normandy Marriage Chest
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
Late 19th Century Normandy Marriage Box Original condition, condition commensurate with age. France Circa 1890.
Pine
Tonala Mexico Art Pottery Set of 5 Owl Miniature Sculptures
By Ken Edwards, Tonala Pottery
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage ceramic or pottery set of owl figurines feature traditional rounded bodies, decorated with abstract graphic elements and floral motifs. The cohesive palette of pale coral pin...
Pottery, Ceramic
Vintage Carved Wood Japanese Kokeshi Doll - 13.5" Tall - Japan Folk Art, 1960s
Located in Fairfield, CA
A tall vintage wood Japanese kokeshi doll. Nice contrasting finishes between natural textured wood and smooth painted detailing. Head detaches. Measures 4.25"W x 3.75"D x 13.5"H
Wood
Vintage Nantucket Wicker Nesting Baskets Set of 4, Oval Design
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Magnificent vintage set of four oval Nantucket baskets, woven from natural wicker and arranged in a complete graduated nesting set. Each basket features an elegant oval form, a light...
Wicker
Iberian Style Green Unglazed Terracotta Handled Jar / Vase, Spain 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Stunning Iberian style handled jar or vessel in green unglazed terracotta. Spain, 1940s Catalan unglazed vase in green terracotta. Elegant piece, beautiful from all sides and in grea...
Earthenware, Pottery, Terracotta
Small Antique Faux Burr Walnut Picture Frame. English, 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful faux burr walnut picture frame Painted and gilt on gesso Original patina. A delightful colour The measurement given below is the outside of the frame Internally it meas...
Gesso
Antique Georgian Bleached Picture Frame. English, C.1830
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful plain Georgian picture frame Bleached tropical hardwood The measurement given below is the outside of the frame. Sight measures 9.5 x 7.5 inches. 24 x 19 cm Free UK ship...
Wood
A Family of Greenlandic Tupilak 's - Hand-Carved in Reindeer Stag & Bone
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A group of 5 Greenlandic Tupilaq 's - mythological shaman figurines hand-carved in Reindeer stag and bone. A tupilak is a traditional avenging monster and carved figure from Greenlan...
Bone
Vintage Dutch Beaded Mosaic Relief Biscuit Tin/Lidded Box with Floral Decoration
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage biscuit tin/vanity box (Holland, ca. 1960s). Composed of a pontillism-inspired or micro-mosaic style beaded lid (almost appearing like embroidery) forming a geometric floral ...
Tin
Large Vintage Hand-Carved Crocodile in Dark Wood
Located in Esbjerg, DK
85 cm long and lean crocodile in hand-carved wood. We have been told that it was brought home from Africa during the 1980s by a Danish Tourist. It has a screw to its back - allowing ...
Hardwood
19thc Blue Painted Firkin in Original Paint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19thc original Blue painted Firkin. Original Copper nail construction. Fantastic patina. Wonderful old blue paint, the interior is a beautiful natural color and in great condition.
Wood
Vintage Tonala Pottery Small Cat Sculpture, Hand-Painted Bird Decor
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Charming small Tonala pottery figurine depicts a reclining cat with folded front paws and raised head; the cat is looking forward with wide open, large eyes and a slightly surprised ...
Ceramic, Pottery
Monumental 19th Century Wooden Horse on Wheels with Original Polychrome Paint
Located in ALHAURÍN EL GRANDE, Malaga
A monumental wooden horse mounted on a wheeled base, dating from circa 1850. The horse retains its original, beautifully aged polychrome paint surface with extensive decorative detai...
Wood
Large Late 19th Century Wood Scandinavian Painted Swan Decoy Centerpiece
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very charming vintage wooden hand-carved swan sculpture with a detailed bill and raised wings. This European folk art swan features an aged white ...
Wood, Paint
Set of 2 Vintage Handmade Ceramic Riekko Bird Whistles from Finland, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Set of 2 Vintage Handmade Ceramic Riekko Bird Whistles from Punainen Paja and Lintupaja, Finland, 1970s
Ceramic
Antique American Tramp Art Carved Box, Early 20th Century Folk Art
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Folk Art Tramp Art Carved Box, probably Late 19th/Early 20th Century. A decorative box ornamented with layers of classic Tramp Art chip carved borders enclosing velvet ground panels centered by elongated star...
Velvet, Wood
Majestic Benin King Oba, Finely Carved Ebony Bust, Nigeria West Africa C1930s
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Truly a majestic Benin Oba. Beautifully and finely hand carved in Ebony hardwood from the 1930's A piece of this quality and stature holds enormous presence...
Ebony
Collectible spectacular rare box, casket, tramp art, folk art, 1890, Austria
Located in Wien, AT
This incredibly rare box is made in the famous tramp art around 1890 to 1900, its a richly decorated example of these boxes. The object is rectangular in s...
Brass
Large bent Wood Wicker Laundry Basket
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large natural wooden laundry basket. This basket is made from bent wood and is a strong ans sturdy piece.
Bentwood
Vintage Mid-Century Colima-Style Terracotta "Dancing Dogs" Sculpture, Mexico
Located in Rødding, DK
This vintage terracotta sculpture depicts a pair of dogs standing on their hind legs in the traditional Colima "dancing dogs" style of western Mexico—a celebrated form derived from a...
Clay
American Folk Art Large Painted Wrought Iron Sitting Cat Statue 1950s-1960s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage large American Folk Art statue features a large cat sitting with its tail raised up and slightly curled, looking straight forward with its ears perked up. The cat is sculpted...
Metal, Wrought Iron
Unicorn Mythical Creature Vienna Bronze Letter Opener, Antique Austria 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s Austrian letter opener. It has a nice patina. I did not clean it, so the next owner can decide what he wants to do with it. This highly collectible vintage piec...
Brass, Bronze
Large Swedish Hand-Carved Wooden Horse Model Sculpture, c. 1880
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A folk art sculpture of a horse from the 19th Century. This wooden horse has been scraped to original its color. This animal sculpture can nicely stand on a writing desk, a cupboard ...
Wood
Ken Edwards Signed Tonala Mexico Art Pottery Vase with Blue Bird
By Tonala Pottery, Ken Edwards
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage ceramic or pottery vase features traditional rounded body with elongated bulbous neck with flared rim; the shoulder is accented with textured band of abstract graphic element...
Ceramic, Pottery
Marble Camel Sculpture, Zoomorphic Carved Figurine, Morocco 1970s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Marble Camel Sculpture, Zoomorphic Carved Figurine, Morocco 1970s Folk Art piece from Morocco made of marble. Hand-crafted object, finely engraved with geometric patterns on both s...
Limestone, Marble, Sandstone
$1,590 / item
19th Century Swedish Painted White Mora Clock
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish 19th Century painted long case clock or Grandfather clock. This Scandinavian folk art clock is from the region of Småland, where the village of Lönshult is (see the name of t...
Pine, Paint
Vintage Large American Hand Woven Gathering Buttocks Basket
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage or antique oversized gathering basket features traditional rib or buttocks shape with the bent wood ring rim and handle. The plaited splints are carefully interwoven to carry...
Wicker, Oak
19th Century Swedish Hand-Carved Oak Dough Bowl, circa 1850
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautifully hand-carved Swedish oak dough bowl, or tråg, dating to around 1850. Hewn from a single solid piece of oak, this authentic country piece displays a wonderful sculptural ...
Oak
„Caffeol Moretto Bricco“ Advertising Coffee Tin Box Can Vintage Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming and highly collectible Italian coffee advertising storage tin, dating to the 1940s or earlier. This decorative canister features richly detailed coffee-themed imagery, evo...
Tin
Collection of Eight Piece Wooden Fruit & Bowl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20Thc Collection of seven pieces of wood carved & painted fruit in a large wooden bowl.The bowl has its original label on the base.Sold as a eight piece collection.
Wood
STELIO MOLA - Hand Painted Majolica Sardinian Figure - Italy - Mid 20th Century
By Mola
Located in Chatham, ON
STELIO MOLA - Vintage hand painted majolica figure of a Sardinian gentleman - medium size - featuring elaborate hand crafted and hand painted details throughout - signed on the base ...
Ceramic
1950 South African Handmade Colorful RAKU Ceramic Lion Animal Sculpture Folk Art
Located in Miami, FL
Raku Pottery Lion Figurine crafted in South Africa, featuring a multicolored design with yellow, blue, green, and red sections. The handmade ceramic piece is created using the tradi...
Ceramic
Vintage Native American Knitting Basket with Cover and Handles, Adirondack Regio
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage knitting basket with lid and braided strap handle is strikingly similar to the one in Ethnographic department collection of the Peabody...
Wicker, Rattan
Vintage Circa 1930s English Fairground Carousel Horse, Attr. Orton & Spooner
Located in Centennial, CO
Original circa 1930s or 1940s vintage English Fairground Carnival Carousel Horse or Noah's Ark ride horse with a polychrome golden yellow painted wooden body and a cushioned red upho...
Iron
Large English Cast Iron Scottie Terrier Dog Door Stop Sculpture
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Cast iron sculpture of a Scottie terrier door stop with original black paint. Fantastic patina on this doorstop with great age and wear. Wonderful addition to an existing collection ...
Iron
19 th c Antique American Folk Art Woof Bucket with Covet
Located in Boca Raton, FL
19 th c Antique American folk art wooden backer with cover and handle.
Wood
American Folk Art Door Stop in the Form of a Sitting Cast Iron Tuxedo Cat
Located in Downingtown, PA
Cast Iron Charm: American Folk Art Cat Doorstop This charming piece of American folk art is a cast iron doorstop modeled in the form of a black and white tuxedo cat. Doorstops like ...
Iron
Large Santa Claus Candy Container Figure GDR Vintage Earthenware
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural Santa Claus statue in the Style of the well known German Garden or Yard Gnomes. This character statue has been made by unknown Company in Germany...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Hand-Painted Enameled Pewter Frog Trinket Box Accented Green Austrian Crystals
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a hand-painted enameled pewter frog trinket box accented with green Austrian crystals and a gold-tone finish.It features a hinged opening, designed to store s...
Enamel
Collection of 3 Found Object Antique Clock Hand Sculptures on Stands
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A wonderful rare set of antique clock hands that have been mounted on custom stands to make a fascinating collection of 3 original found objects sc...
Metal
Mexican Terracotta Articulated Doll Figure, Folk Art, Circa 1900
Located in Stamford, CT
Amusing Mexican terracotta doll figure with articulated limbs. Since it is solid terracotta it is likely this is a mold from which other dolls were made. As a folk art sculpture it i...
Terracotta
Native American hand Woven Basket
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This hand woven geometric coiled Navajo Indian Pima basket is in fine condition.It has a geometric pattern.The condition is very good.Great addition to any collection.
Hemp
Mackenzie-Childs Flower Market Set of Oval Tray and Box, Retired Pieces
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage MacKenzie-Childs set of oval tray and square box with lid is decorated with Flower Market pattern on white background; the steel underbodies are color-glazed in white and de...
Metal, Enamel
Antique Original Clock Cabinet from Sweden, Hand-Crafted Untouched Veneered Elm
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish antique clock cabinet made during the early to mid 1800s, circa 1820 to 1840. The cabinet is veneered and waxed elm. The lower cabinet is...
Elm
Antique 19th-Century Carved Wooden Printing Block – Paisley Textile Motif
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A rare 19th-century wooden printing block featuring a finely carved paisley motif, designed for textile printing. This rectangular block measures 12.5 x 11 cm and showcases the exqui...
Wood
3 Antique Tibetan Wood Yak Butter Churn Buckets
Located in Dayton, OH
Three Antique Tibetan butter churns (butter barrels / milk buckets) made from wood and bound with willow or wooden bands. Cylindrical body with traditional exterior binding loops / ...
Hardwood
19th Century Swedish hand painted pine storage box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century hand painted pine storage box circa 1840. We are pleased to offer this original painted storage box. Hand painted florals to the lid with initials mjd and an anno date...
Pine
Japanese Tall Ikebana Basket, Bamboo, Suruga Sensuji Style
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage bamboo Ikebana basket features tall cylindrical shape with prominent rounded handle. The basket is woven of thin round bamboo strips that are secured with light brown fiber, ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
$119Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Folk Art Hand Painted Flower Design Serving Bowl
Located in San Carlos, CA
🌼 Beautiful Vintage Folk Art Pottery Serving Bowl – Signed by Artist 🌼 Add a touch of vintage, Mid Century charm and artistry to your collection or home decor with this gorgeous v...
Pottery
$409Sale Price / item|20% Off
Victorian Treenware Hanging Salt Box, 19th Century.
Located in Hannover, DE
I present to you a set of beautiful hanging salt box from the 19th century. The two are made out of wood, rich in colour and patination, They can be left standing but the intention b...
Wood
24" Tall Antique Swedish Large Wooden Horse Carved Hand-Painted 19th Century
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Tall antique Swedish horse in carved wood with original patinated paint in off-white color with blue dots. Made circa end of the 19th century. Th...
Leather, Wood
Set of two Swedish Root Basket from 19th-20th century
Located in Farsta, SE
Set of two Swedish Root Basket from 19th-20th century Made from pine and spruce roots, these are very strong yet lightweight, with a beautiful pattern on the bottom. Height: 12-14....
Pine, Spruce
18th Century Original Blue Painted Swedish Wood Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Swedish original painted blue pine wood box from the countryside of Sweden. Based on the flower decoration style, probably from Centre-North Sweden. The Rococo-period in the Folk A...
Iron
Handpainted traditional Swedish Dala horse by Grannas Olsson, Nusnäs
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
An authentic hand-carved Dala horse by Grannas A Olsson, produced in the 1950s in the village of Nusnäs, the historic center of Sweden's most iconic folk art tradition. Hand-carved ...
Wood, Pine
Large Antique Primitive Wooden Vessel / Decorative Folk Art Object, 19th Century
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful antique primitive wooden wabi sabi vessel/pot, dating from around the turn of the 20th century. Made from a large piece of naturally curve...
Wood
Vintage Porcelain Cat Sculpture, Blue & White Chinoiserie
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Charming vintage porcelain figurine depicts a reclining cat with folded front paws and raised head; the cat is slightly curled, in a resting position, looking forward with wide open,...
Ceramic, Pottery
$4,550Sale Price|30% Off
Ralph Gallagher Hand Carved Cigar Store Indian Statue Native American Chief 60"
Located in Dayton, OH
This 60-inch vintage hand-carved solid wood cigar store Indian statue by renowned woodcarver Ralph Gallagher is an exceptional example of mid-to-late 20...
Hardwood
Antique Chalkware Statue of The Sacred Heart of Jesus - Penna Statuary Company
Located in Chicago, IL
This devotional bust by the Penna Statuary Company presents a serene image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, rendered with quiet reverence and rustic charm. Measuring 12 inches high by 9...
Plaster