Folk Art
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.
19th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art
Wood, Paint
1950s American Vintage Folk Art
Canvas
20th Century African Folk Art
Zebra Hide, Wood, Paint
17th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art
Wood
2010s American Folk Art
Metal, Steel
1920s American Vintage Folk Art
Copper
20th Century Indian Folk Art
Textile, Silk, Paint
1970s American Vintage Folk Art
Suede, Nylon, Yarn, Plastic
1930s German Vintage Folk Art
Wood
Early 2000s Folk Art
Clay
Mid-20th Century Gabonese Folk Art
Wood
Mid-20th Century European Folk Art
Brass
1950s Vintage Folk Art
Wood
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art
Wood, Paint
1950s American Vintage Folk Art
Copper
20th Century Congolese Folk Art
Terracotta
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Pine
1930s German Vintage Folk Art
Wood
Early 20th Century American Folk Art
Pine
1960s Vintage Folk Art
Clay
Mid-20th Century Folk Art
Wool
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art
Wood
1930s British Vintage Folk Art
Pine, Paint
Early 20th Century American Folk Art
Pine
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art
Metal
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art
Wood, Paint
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Pine
Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art
Softwood
1870s American Antique Folk Art
Brass
1930s Unknown Vintage Folk Art
Wood, Masonite, Paint
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art
Maple, Walnut
Early 20th Century Folk Art
Metal
20th Century American Folk Art
Driftwood
1950s American Vintage Folk Art
Wood, Birch
Early 20th Century French Folk Art
Pine
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Berlin Iron
1860s English Antique Folk Art
Wool
1830s Italian Antique Folk Art
Fir
Early 20th Century Spanish Folk Art
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Folk Art
Wire
Mid-20th Century Nigerian Folk Art
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art
Wool
19th Century American Antique Folk Art
Iron
1780s French Antique Folk Art
Wood
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art
Canvas, Wood
18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art
Linen, Fruitwood
Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art
Canvas, Paint
2010s American Folk Art
Steel
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art
Iron
1860s English Antique Folk Art
Wool
19th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art
Metal, Tin
1970s Spanish Vintage Folk Art
Straw
19th Century American Antique Folk Art
Copper, Steel, Tin
Early 20th Century French Folk Art
Mirror, Wood
Early 20th Century Dutch Folk Art
Birch, Walnut
19th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art
Metal, Tin
19th Century American Antique Folk Art
Wrought Iron, Iron
19th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art
Metal, Tin