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Folk Art Ceramics

FOLK ART STYLE

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.

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Style: Folk Art
Set of 4 Hand-Painted Fruit Plates - Cidalia, Conimbricer Portugal
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A set of four hand-painted Portuguese ceramic fruit plates. Each plate is round and glazed in a bright white. Each piece is decorated with a different fruit on the vine. Fruits inclu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Portuguese Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

German Majolica Vintage Green Ceramic Deviled Egg Plate with Salt Pepper Shaker
Located in Nuernberg, DE
20th century German majolica plate platter for serving eggs with two chicken as salt and pepper shakers. Nice addition to your table or just to display. Please see detailed pictures ...
Category

1960s German Vintage Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Sarreguemines French Majolica Pair of Vases with Ships, Vintage France
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful pair of vases made by Sarreguemines France. Underglaze mark. Nice addition to your table or just to display. Please see detailed pictures for vintage as found condition. Ma...
Category

1930s French Vintage Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Sarreguemines French Majolica Pink Pig Pitcher, Vintage France
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Decorate a shelf or a kitchen counter with this elegant antique barbotine pitcher. Created by Sarreguemines, France in the 1930s, the pitcher depicts...
Category

1930s French Vintage Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Milk Bowl with Rooster Motif in Red, Green, and Br
Located in Grythyttan, SE
A large milk bowl crafted from ball clay features a rooster motif in red, green, and brown. This piece, originating from the mid-19th century, is adorned with engobe—a mixture of pip...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

19th century Italian glazed ceramic sardines jar
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid 19th-century Italian glazed ceramic sardines jar
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Majolica Milk Pitcher with Pewter Lid, Bird Motif antique 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Decorate a shelf or a kitchen counter with this elegant antique milk pitcher. Created attributed to Sarreguemines, France in the 1900s. The milk j...
Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

19th Century Montiel Family Studio Figurative Face Bowl
By Montiel Family Studio
Located in Springfield, OR
A fantastic and rare piece of history. Produced by the Montiel Family Studio sometime in the 1890s to early 1900s. A red clay body decorated in a beautifully lustered Majolica glaze. Very reminiscent in style to 1950s Italian ceramics...
Category

1890s Guatemalan Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Tonala Folk Art Pottery Charger, Hand Painted Rabbit, Mexico, circa 1970's
Located in Chatham, ON
Tonala folk art pottery charger or wall plate - large size - hand made and hand painted with a rabbit, bird and foliage - elaborate border - unsigned - Mexico - circa 1970's. Excellent vintage condition - no loss - no damage - no restoration - original metal hanger...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Italian Ceramic Mushroom Motif Serving Dish or Relish Tray in Green - Italy
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful example of Italian dipinto a mano, or hand-painted ceramics. This piece at first glance is reminiscent of an oyster tray or platter. It has five divided wells for serving...
Category

20th Century Italian Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Vintage Playful Teapot by Allan Hellman Sweden 1967
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This playful and unique teapot, has different sides to it. Sometimes it looks like just a quirky tea pot with a bright mustard yellow inside. But in the view from some angles, this t...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Clay

Vintage Playful Teapot with Crab-like Features by Allan Hellman Sweden 1982
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This playful and unique teapot, has different sides to it. Sometimes it looks like just a quirky tea pot with a bright green inside. But in the view from some angles , this three leg...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Clay

Late 20th Century Pottery Witch's Head Jack-o-lantern
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Late 20th century pottery witches head with hat jack-o-lantern, artist unknown. Ceramic pottery with glaze. Could be used with a candle. Likely crafted in the USA. Measures: 10....
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Pottery, Paint

Tonala Folk Art Pottery Charger, Hand Painted Swan, Mexico, Circa 1970's
Located in Chatham, ON
Tonala folk art pottery charger or wall plate - large size - hand made and hand painted with a swan and flowers - elaborate border - unsigned - Mexico - circa 1970's. Excellent v...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Set of TWELVE Ceramic Wall Tiles Square hand enamelled, circa 1930
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
These are a good set of twelve glazed ceramic wall tiles, hand enamelled with a bird theme, probably over an underglaze printed outline and dating to...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Tlaquepaque Tonala Jug, Tonalá, Jalisco, Mexico, C1940
By Pre-Columbian
Located in London, GB
A wonderfully decorative earthenware jug from the Tonala valley, depicting a ‘Tlaquepaque’ scene with the most beautiful glazed artisanal composition. Graphic vivid colours depicting...
Category

1940s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware, Pottery

Mocha Pottery Jug with Earthworm Designs
Located in Downingtown, PA
Mocha Pottery Earthworm Jug, circa 1820 The mocha pottery jug has two wide ocher bands each with an earthworm design. The top with a looping design and the lower one with a wavy ...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Creamware, Pottery

Abercrombie & Fitch Ceramic Piggy Bank
Located in Atlanta, GA
Abercrombie & Fitch ceramic piggy bank, England, circa 1950s. Modeled after their famous leather animal toys and footstools, this little ...
Category

1950s English Vintage Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

19Thc Sponge /Spatter Ware Water Pitcher
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Sponge ware soft paste water pitcher in fine condition.This pattern sponge is in a darker blue color.
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

1920s Belgian Decorative Ceramic Bowl
Located in High Point, NC
Delicate and whimsical, this vintage decorative ceramic bowl offers a woodland fantasy. Made in Belgium in the 1920s, the piece is shaped like a basket: but a basket composed of leav...
Category

20th Century Belgian Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Folk Art Pottery Charger, Hand Painted Sheep, Signed, Greece, Circa 1970's
Located in Chatham, ON
M. MIXA?HE - Vintage folk art pottery charger or wall plate - large size - hand made and hand painted and incised with a sheep and flowers - applied slip decorative scrolls to the ba...
Category

Mid-20th Century Greek Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Continental Terracotta Slipware Decorated Dish, Signed, 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage - Continental - clear glazed terracotta slipware baking dish - the terracotta ground decorated with a stylized flat fish in yellow slip - indistinc...
Category

Mid-20th Century Portuguese Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Terracotta

Set of 6 Handmade Vintage Cups, Pozdisovce Czechoslovakia, 1950s
Located in Zohor, SK
Unique and rare set of vintage cups. Produced in Pozdisovce region in Czechoslovakia which is famous for the style. It always has a black/dark background w...
Category

1950s Slovak Vintage Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Blue and White Delft Porcelain Spoon Rack
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning Vintage Delfts Blauw blue and white porcelain spoon rack in very good condition. Beautiful Dutch Delft hanging wall rack with blue and white han...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Sarreguemines French Majolica Corn on the Cob Lidded Tureen, Vintage France
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Serving bowl in the shape of a corn on the cob with a leaf. Underglaze mark. Nice addition to your table or just to display. Please see detailed pictur...
Category

1930s French Vintage Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Vintage Studio Pottery Unglazed Cream Ceramic Pitcher
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A pretty piece of studio pottery. Unglazed and unpainted, this pitcher is created from clay and has no signature. It would be a beautiful piece for display on a shelf or table. Dim...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

VIETRI - Vintage Hand Painted & Wheel Thrown Pitcher - Italy - 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
VIETRI - Vintage hand painted and wheel thrown terracotta pitcher - featuring a scenic view of the Amalfi coast - sponge decorated back with white glazed interior - signed on the bac...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Studio Pottery Green Leaf Platter, Unsigned, Canada, 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Large vintage studio pottery serving platter - realistically modelled/molded as a leaf - over-all dark green glaze with subtle iridescence - kiln/firing stilt marks to the base - uns...
Category

20th Century Canadian Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Large Vintage Ceramic Plate Blue and White Dutch Holland Delft Charger
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning large vintage Dutch Holland Delfts blue and white decorative plate. Beautiful charger, the painting depicts a fisherman smoking a pipe. It is signed by the artist, "Volen...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Large Ceramic Plate Blue and White Dutch Boch Delft Charger
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning Boch Delfts blue and white plate in very good condition. Beautiful charger that is in perfect condition. The painting depicts a lady and some gentlemen in a tavern. It is...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Rare Sgraffito Redware Slip Decorated Pottery Charger Large Plate, 19th Century
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
A large charger plate made of Redware pottery, all hand decorated in the Sgraffito Slip Decorated technique, with a stylized floral pattern. Thi...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware

Kähler, Denmark, Bowl in Black Glazed Ceramics with Blue and White Waves
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kähler, Denmark. Bowl in black glazed ceramics with blue and white waves along the edge, 1930s-1940s. Measures: 17 x 7 cm. In very good condition. Signed.
Category

1930s Danish Vintage Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage American Hand Thrown Art Pottery Jug Artisan Stoneware
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage American hand thrown art Pottery Jug Artisan stoneware This is a vintage handcrafted American studio art Pottery blue glazed small pitcher. Superb pottery jug immaculate hand thrown studio...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

19Thc Marbleized Stone Ware Piggy Bank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a very early stone ware glazed piggy bank from New England. This is a handmade piggy bank in very good condition.
Category

1870s American Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Round Decorative Ceramic Maroon Blue and Yellow Floral Motif Dish, Portugal
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful round decorative dish with scalloped pierced edges. The center of this piece is hand painted with green, maroon, yellow, and blue design. The edges are scalloped and outl...
Category

20th Century Portuguese Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Portugese Garland Flower Motif Decorative Vide-Poche, Portugal
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A whimsical flower motif decorative plate. This piece was hand painted in Portugal. It features scalloped pierced edges in a blue glaze. The center is decorated with floral garlands ...
Category

20th Century Portuguese Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Whimsical Ceramic Pink and Green Spring Theme Platter Made in Portugal
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A whimsical round ceramic platter made in Portugal. The decorative plate is decorative in whimsical design of Spring. A rabbit in gray, castle and bird are surrounded by hand painted flourishes and stylized flowers. A braided ceramic...
Category

20th Century Portuguese Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

German Antique Handmade Salt Glazed Fruit Patterned Stoneware Bottle
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional and unusual antique German salt glazed hand worked stoneware bottle decorated with stylised fruit designs dating from the 19th centur...
Category

1870s German Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Brown Ceramic Oyster Dip and Chip Serving Platter
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A cream and brown serving platter for dip and chips. Created to look like an oyster shell, this unique serving platter features a mini version of itself at the center for dip or sals...
Category

1980s American Vintage Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

20th Century Ransbottom Cookie Jar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20th century Robinson Ransbottom cookie jar. 2qt canister. Beautiful condition.
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Mid Century Ceramic Vessel Vase or Carafe in Blue and Brown, Signed
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A unique ceramic jug or vase with a handle. This piece is created from ceramic and circular in form. The body is decorated in a textured blue and brown design. The neck is narrow, an...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Michael Andersen Ceramics from Bornholm, a Pair of Heads, National Costume
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Michael Andersen ceramics from Bornholm. A pair of heads, national costume, hand painted. Measures: 14.5 x 12.5 cm. Perfect condition.
Category

20th Century Danish Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

1880 French Country Pair of Navy Blue Edged Folk Art Majolica Decorative Plates
Located in New York, NY
Two quite rare earthenware sculptural decorative plates in barbotine, dated 1880, handcrafted in Clermont Ferrand, central part of France, by Charles ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Majolica

Folk Art Sussex Pottery Pig Jug and Cup from the Belle-Vue Pottery, Rye
Located in Downingtown, PA
Best example I've ever had. Folk Art Sussex pottery pig jug and cup, from the Belle-Vue Pottery, Rye, UK, circa 1870. This Sussex pig from the Bell...
Category

1870s English Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Large Red and White Hand Painted Ceramic Italian Soup Cup, Italy
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful large hand painted soup cup with handle made in Italy. Italian folk pottery has become highly coveted in recent years. This piece features a hand ...
Category

20th Century Italian Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Black Clay Barro Negro Pottery Hot Chocolate Set Oaxaca Mexico Mugs & Fish Tray
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome black clay or barro negro pottery hot chocolate set most likely from Oaxaca, Mexico consisting of 4 mugs, tray with Fish design, and wooden ...
Category

20th Century Mexican Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Clay

English Pottery Pearlware Botanical Plates, circa 1840
Located in Downingtown, PA
English pottery pearlware botanical plates, circa 1840     The folky painted plates have a scalloped rim. In the center of each plate is a large...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Pearlware, Pottery

18th Century European Earthenware Pitcher with Blue Colored Decoration
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An 18th century European ceramic pitcher, most probably from Germany, with glazed decoration in blue colour representing flowers on a beige background. It has most probably been used...
Category

Late 18th Century German Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware

Collection of 19th Century Spatter Ware / Soft Paste Pitchers, 3
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Collection of three 19th century spatter ware water pitchers in pristine condition. The shorter of the three is really quite unusual and is more of a desi...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

19th Century Sponge Ware Bulbous Soft Paste Pitcher
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century sponge ware soft paste design sponge soft paste pitcher. The condition is very good and this is most unusual.
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Mochaware Mug Banded with Brown Slip Made in England, circa 1815
Located in Katonah, NY
A Mochaware mug decorated with bands of slip in light and midnight brown. Between the midnight and light brown slip bands are three bands of inlaid rouletting decoration in geometric patterns. Although made circa 1815, the inlaid rouletting gives the mug a surprisingly modern look. The applied handle has exceptionally crisp acanthus leaf terminals. Dimensions: 4.9" tall x 4.9" deep from spout to handle, 3.25" diameter Condition: Excellent Price $1600 Background of Mochaware: Mocha decorated...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware

1970 Outsider Art Figural Stoneware Decorative Plate
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Charming outsider art charger / decorative plate depicting a jovial young girl. Pleasant color palette and figure with age-appropriate crazing to the glaze...
Category

1970s American Vintage Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Rare Large Mochaware Bowl with Cable Decoration England Circa 1830
Located in Katonah, NY
We are pleased to offer this exceptionally large and rare mid-19th century English mochaware bowl. Each piece of mochaware is unique. Made in England ci...
Category

1830s English Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Creamware

18th Century Faience Jug
Located in Copenhagen, K
Beautiful German faience jug from one of the Northern German factories.
Category

18th Century German Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Faience

Kähler, HAK, Jug in Glazed Stoneware, Flowers on a Cream Colored Background
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kähler, HAK. Jug in glazed stoneware. Flowers on a cream-colored background, 1930s-1940s. Measures: 15 x 12 cm. Signed. In excellent condition.
Category

1930s Danish Vintage Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Piggy Bank for Charity
Located in Copenhagen, K
Lovely piggy bank with inscription aiming to collect money for the society for children’s footwear. This union was established in 1889 and was still active ...
Category

1910s Danish Vintage Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Iron

Danish Piggy Bank for Charity, circa 1920s
Located in Copenhagen, K
Lovely piggy bank with inscription aiming to collect money for the society for children’s footwear. This union was established in 1889 and was still active in mid-1930s.
Category

1910s Danish Vintage Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Iron

Antique Christmas Elf On Goose Money Bank
Located in Copenhagen, K
The Elf or "Nisse" as they are called in Denmark, used to live in every farmhouse, and you had to treat them nice to make them stay. Later on they became associated with Christmas an...
Category

1890s Danish Antique Folk Art Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware

Folk Art ceramics for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art ceramics for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage ceramics created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, folk art, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, pottery and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art ceramics made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original ceramics, popular names associated with this style include Delft, Royal Copenhagen, Sarreguemines, and Tonala Pottery. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for ceramics differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $60 and tops out at $5,500 while the average work can sell for $493.

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