Folk Art Religious Items
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
Mounted Antique Distressed Wooden Santo c.1890-1940 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A distressed painted carved wooden Mexican Santo. Carved areas exist where the head and articulating arms would have been. The appearance of a "dress" suggests that it was cov...
Category
Late 19th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Steel
Christianity Monastery Work Virgin Mary in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition.
T...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Christianity Monastery Work Mother & Child in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition.
T...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Christianity Monastery Work Mary & Jesus in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition.
T...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Christianity Monastery Work Arch Angel in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition.
T...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Christianity Monastery Work Mother & Child in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic late 219th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition.
T...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Paper, Wood, Glass
Christianity Monastery Work Mother & Child in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition.
T...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
A Very Good 19th Century Hand Painted Mexican Retablo Dated 1884
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The naïve, hand painted vignette depicts a woman praying to the images of Saint Anthony holding The Christ Child, together with The Holy Mother, all shown hovering above a group of t...
Category
Late 19th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Tin
Antique Catholic Virgin Mary Figure Glass Dome Monastery Work, Germany Altotting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An antique glass dome with Virgin Mary figure and some other wooden and glass parts. It has also a touch relic of Agnus Dei. Found at an estate sale...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Composition
Holy Water Font with Virgin Mary and Jesus Child in wood, Gilded 1980s
By ANRI
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A wood carved holy water font. Attributed to an Italian or german wood carver. Made probably in the 1970s - 1980s. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. A nice addition to y...
Category
1980s German Vintage Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood
Antique Ottoman Inkwell Qalamdan and Pen Case in Brass, Turkey
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique Turkish Brass Pencil Case Qalamdan and Inkwell From The Ottoman Empire
The interior of the brass case is divided into compartments to ho...
Category
Mid-19th Century Turkish Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Brass
Monumental 19th Century Dutch Church Painted Wood Cross
Located in Forney, TX
A massive nearly 10 foot tall by 5.5 foot wide antique Dutch ecclesiastical wooden cross.
Hand-crafted in the Netherlands in the 19th century, very large sculptural Celtic cross for...
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Iron
Antique Ex voto Male Figure, Infant, Infant Jesus, Silver Italy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique and large ex voto in the shape of a male figure, in silver, from the 1890s to the 1900s, Italy.
Perfect vintage condition, there are no breakages or signs of repairs.
Beautif...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Silver, Sheet Metal
19th Century South America "Slave" shrine
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Solid wood, with original patina from the time.
Made by slaves, during the dark slavery times, to worship and pray.
Dimensions: 18,70 inches W x 33,26 inches H x 10,62 inches D.
...
Category
Mid-19th Century Brazilian Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Cedar
Original Mexican Retablo "Exvotos" Oil on Tin
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this original Mexican ex voto. Michoacán México 1958
J. Jesus Huaracha Orejel da gracias a dios nuestro señor que por intersección de San Nic...
Category
1950s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Metal
Bavarian Votiv Tablet early 19th century
Located in Wien, AT
Bavarian Votiv Tablet early 19th century.
Jesus on the cross and poor souls in purgatory Oil in wood, early 19th century.
Very nice original condition with...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood
Beautiful Black Forest Frame Antique Folk Art with Jesus Child Picture, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A lovely picture frame made of hand carved wood, made in Germany with a picture of Jesus and a Child. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. It is not marked. A nice addition...
Category
1890s German Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Glass, Wood
Bavarian Votiv Tablet 19th century
Located in Wien, AT
Bavarian Votiv Tablet 19th century.
Jesus at the scourge pillar, Oil on wood, dated 1840.
Very nice original condition.
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood
Midcentury European Brown and Green Ceramic Cross Otherworldly Christ Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
With a wink to brutalism, this wall cross is a unique midcentury work by Flemish artisans. The dark brown hue, reminiscent of weathered patina, adds a sense of history to the cross, while the textured slate-like ceramic further enhances its character.
The focal point of this cross is the subtle and mysterious Christ figure at its center. As if worn down by the passage of time, the relief of the outline hints at a transcendent presence. The blend of dark brown and green tones creates an ethereal quality, evoking a sense of otherworldliness and inviting contemplation.
Our cross collection encompasses a wide range of styles, from futurist modernism to raw brutalism, offering many possibilities for creating a custom wall of modernist crucifixes...
Category
1950s European Vintage Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Bezalel Jerusalem Shabbat Tray
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th century Bezalel Jerusalem wooden tray inlaid with Jerusalem stone and mother of pearl.
The large tray is carved with the Seven Species on its margins, while the center is...
Category
Early 20th Century Israeli Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Marble
House Altar Accessories Early 20th Century Pewter Tin Dollhouse Doll Toys, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century selection of House Altar Christianity miniatures and accessories. A wonderful decorative appeal! Each was made in Germa...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Pewter
19th Century Napoleonic Prisoner of War Folk Art Corpus
Located in London, GB
19th century Napoleonic Prisoner of War Folk art Corpus
A rare and unusual example of a 19th Century hand crafted Napoleonic folk art prisoner of war corpus Christi. Later added ...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Bone
Vintage Hanging North African Hanukkah Menorah
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage hannukah menorah. This piece is cast brass that has aged beautifully with an ornate design that is beautiful and inspiring. The pati...
Category
1960s Central African Vintage Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Brass
Folk Art Franconia House Altar with Accessories Early 20th Century Wood Carved
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century hand crafted and hand painted House Altar with a lot of Christianity miniatures and accessories. A wonderful decorative...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Pewter
18th Century Carved Wooden Representing Christ on the Cross Folk Art
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Latin American 1700s wooden crucifix. Carved face and body features. Beautiful patina. Jesus on the Cross Folk Art.
Category
Mid-18th Century Paraguayan Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood
Carved Wood Polychrome Virgin Mary Statue
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite and compelling wood statue of the Virgin Mary with polychrome paint finish. Well executed, and finely carved we believe it's 19th C Continental, or possibly US in origin. U...
Category
19th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood, Paint
Large Antique Mexican Architectural Religious Niche Altar
Located in Forney, TX
An antique Mexican hand-crafted architectural church cathedral carved, distressed painted white wooden religious folk art niche - altarpiece from the early 20th century. Use for home shrines, votive offerings, display Retablo, Santo figures, candles.
Very good quality and craftsmanship. Rustic, elegantly aged, some chippy paint. No figures are included, we have some available separately as well as other religious relics...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood, Paint
Wood Fretwork House Altar with Accessories Black Forest Folk Art 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century fretwork hand crafted House Altar with a lot of Christianity miniatures and accessories. A wonderful decorative appeal!...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Pewter
Early 19th Century Religious Folk Art Scene
Located in London, GB
Early 19th century religious folk art scene
We share what we love, and we love this early 19th century folk art hand carved example of a painted shepherd religious scene. Detailed on pine base with a cow, angel, house, and shepherd holding a walking stick. Naïve in construction yet a piece of religious art in our opinion. Likely to have been part of a religious display...
Category
1820s Spanish Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Pine
Vintage Large Wood Logs Cross with Metal and Glass decorations
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage Large Wood Logs Cross with Metal and Glass decorations. $975
This large cross is made of a beautiful pair of dark wood logs, then extensively decorated with metal elements ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Metal
19th Century Original Mexican Retablo "Exvoto" Oil on Tin
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Dated 1870, we offer this 19th century original Mexican retablo "Exvoto" oil on tin, due to the effects of time, the writing has been erased but we can read the nex:
“Le aconteció esta desgracia al niño Monico Rico el día 26 de Diciembre de 1870 que lo tumbo un caballo le quebró una pierna
“This misfortune happened to the child Monico Rico on December 26, 1870, when a horse knocked him down and broke his leg
Votive paintings...
Category
1870s Mexican Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Metal
Original Mexican Retablo "Exvotos" Oil on Tin
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this original Mexican ex voto, due to the effects of time, the writing has been erased.
Category
1930s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Metal
Midcentury African Hand Carved Wood Sculpture of Maria with Child
By Par Makengo
Located in Antwerp, BE
Midcentury African wood sculpture wonderfully hand carved depiction of the Virgin Mary with Child, with great detailing and beautiful face sig...
Category
Mid-20th Century Congolese Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood
Framed Mary and Jesus Child Wax Miniature Portrait, Brass and Glass Italy, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A lovely sentimental christianity portrait of Mary holding the Jesus Child. Framed in a beautiful brass or ormolu frame, circa 1930s or older. Portrait made of Wax.
A very pretty pi...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Brass
Antique Asian Bronze Chariot with Dragon Head Pulled by Horses
By Rajhastani
Located in North Hollywood, CA
From the Ramakien a Thai Ramayana.
A scene from Ramakian or Ramayan, the Indian epic Lakshman riding in a chariot along with Rama and Sita sitting in the back.
After his victory over Ravana, Sri Rama prepares to leave for Ayodhya, Rama now told Vibheeshan that there was just one more day...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Spanish Colonial Religious Folk Art Santo Altar Figure
Located in Forney, TX
An antique Spanish Colonial period hand carved and painted santo church altar figure. Born in Mexico in the first half of the 19th century, the religious...
Category
19th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood, Paint
16-17th Century Burmese Carved Sandstone Sculpture of Cow
Located in Kastrup, DK
400-500 old Burmese sandstone "Holy Cow" sculpture with beautifully detailed carvings. Very decorative with natural patina.
Mounted on a base of light sandst...
Category
16th Century Burmese Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Sandstone
Antique Large Folk Art Handcrafted Wooden Fretwork Crucifix or Cross and Stand
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This extremely detailed and ornately handcrafted wooden Folk Art Crucifix is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Eastern Europe, possibly Aus...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Softwood
19th Original Mexican Oil on Canvas of San Juan Nepomuceno
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this 19th original Mexican oil on canvas of San Juan Nepomuceno.
About John of Nepomuk:
Is the saint of Bohemia (Czech Republic) who...
Category
Late 19th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Canvas
Antique Asian Hindu Bronze Temple Toy Camel on Wheels
By Rajhastani
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Inspired by a scene from Ramakian or Ramayan, the Indian epic Rama and Sita.
Antique Indian Temple Toy bronze camel on wheels.
Antique hindu bronze temple camel with rider statue toy on wheels.
Commonly known as "Temple Toys...
Category
Late 19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Bronze
The Jews In America by David Cohen Coffee Table Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Jews In America by David Cohen, hardcover coffee table book.
Introduction by Chaim Potok.
Photographic essay.
From editor’s note: "To capture on film a cross section of the ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Paper
Religious Chalkware Diorama
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Amazing religious chalkware wall hanging found in a Catholic church in Philadelphia. The pictures describe it all. Wonderful detail and dimension.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Plaster
Early 19th Century Italian Hand Carved Italian Folk-Art Figure of Christ
Located in London, GB
Early 19th century hand carved Italian Folk-art Figure of Christ
For sale in this LOT is a wonderful early 19th century religious Italian church artifact...
Category
1850s Italian Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood
Hand Carved & Polychrome Folk Art Santo Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand carved and painted santo with child, possibly John The Baptist. The vivid polychrome colors and primitive wood carving make for a striking...
Category
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Religious Items
Rare Italian Hand Carved Folk Art Santos Doll, circa 1840
Located in London, GB
We are proud to offer a mid-19th century hand carved figure of a Santos doll. The figure is made using pine wood and section constructed with pinned wooden...
Category
1840s Italian Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Pine
Amazing Arma Christi, circa 1850
Located in London, GB
Amazing Arma Christi, circa 1850
We are proud to offer an amazing museum quality circa 1850 Arma Christi. Likely German or Austrian in origin, an excepti...
Category
1850s German Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood
Vintage St. Therese Chalkware Bust
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Large St. Therese chalkware bust found on the east coast of the United States. Great early paint surface with the right amount of ware and age. Depicts ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Composition
Abstract Cubist Iron American Church Crucifix
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Vintage iron abstract cubist crucifix from American Church. Found in the midwest. Great detail. Quite heavy.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Iron
Set of Three Mesquite Wood Crosses Found in Zacatecas, circa 1900
Located in Guadalajra, Jal
Set of three mesquite wood crosses with colorful indigenous fabrics, quite rare, circa 1900.
Category
Mid-19th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood
18th Century Carved Wooden Angel
Located in Houston, TX
Carved wooden angel from Private Chapel in Provence. Wonderful detail in Angel's hair and draped dress. Figure is mounted on an iron stand.
Category
18th Century French Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Iron
18th Century Flemish Wood Carved Nativity Angels
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Superb pair of nativity angels. Wood carved with layers of original paint and gesso. Found in a church attic in Belgium. Fantastic craftsmanship and emo...
Category
18th Century Belgian Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Gesso, Wood
Reverse Glass Painting of Saint George and the Dragon
Located in Stamford, CT
Verre églomisé, or reverse glass painting with gilding of Saint George and the Dragon. St George shown riding his steed, slaying the dragon...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Glass
A Wooden Doll for a Religious Procession
Located in Washington, DC
A Wooden Doll for a Religious Procession.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Wood
Indian Goddess Figurine Statue
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully authentic hand carved statue of an Indian deity goddess. Distressed paint finish.
Category
18th Century and Earlier Indian Antique Folk Art Religious Items
Materials
Paint
Folk Art religious items for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art religious items 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 religious items created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, folk art, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art religious items made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original religious items, popular names associated with this style include Rajhastani, and Par Makengo. 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 religious items differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $135 and tops out at $45,000 while the average work can sell for $1,556.
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