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.
Antique Indonesian Copper Batik Printing Block Lombok Textile Wall Art
Located in London, GB
Antique Indonesian Copper Batik Printing Block Lombok Textile Wall Art. Bring the rich artistry of Indonesian textile heritage into your space with this antique copper batik printin...
Metal, Copper
Antique Indonesian Copper Batik Printing Block Lombok Textile Wall Art
Located in London, GB
Antique Indonesian Copper Batik Printing Block Lombok Textile Wall Art Bring the rich artistry of Indonesian textile heritage into your space with this antique copper batik printing...
Metal, Copper
Antique Indonesian Copper Batik Printing Block Lombok Textile Wall Art
Located in London, GB
Bring the rich artistry of Indonesian textile heritage into your space with this antique copper batik printing block from Lombok, now transformed into a sculptural artwork mounted on...
Metal, Copper
Antique Indonesian Copper Batik Printing Block Lombok Textile Cap Wall Art
Located in London, GB
Antique Indonesian Copper Batik Printing Block Lombok Textile Cap Wall Art. Bring the rich artistry of Indonesian textile heritage into your space with this antique copper batik pri...
Metal, Copper
Vintage Gujarat Saurashta Ethnic Beaded Textile India Framed
By Rajhastani
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage hand made Gujarat Saurashta Ethnic beadead textile India. Hand Beaded Guarat Indian panel textile framed in a lucite box. Amazing work of hand beading by Chakla Indian, Gujarat state, Saurashtra or Kutch region. Such a nice piece of visual interest, and a beautiful acquisition for any textile lover. Vintage Chakla hand-embroidered wall hanging, Rabari of Gujarat Beadwork, Patchwork. The method of work is a tri-bead system (tran moti-no thansiya), worked row-by-row, three beads being taken up at each stitch; on the return row, the stitching of the beads moves forward one position, so that as the work progresses row-by-row a close rhomboid network is formed.The beadwork is set into a frame of applique silk material Manufacturing Process: Handmade Materials: Cotton, silk. Period: Late 19th/ early 20th century. Most native beadwork...
Fabric
Mid century folk-inspired oil painting of twilight landscape with crescent moon
Located in Ebberup, DK
Original vintage oil on plate painting of a serene rural twilight landscape. The leafless trees are silhouetted against a sky in golden tones near the horizon and deeper blue-gray co...
Wood, Paint
Religious Brutalist Folk Art Mosaic Wall Decoration Tile
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
Vintage mosaic tile plaque depicting Jesus, crafted in a distinctive folk art style from the 1970s. The image is created with carefully inlaid mosaic pieces, giving the tableau textu...
Earthenware
Two Chamois Taxidermy Trophy on Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque from Austria
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This exquisite pair of chamois trophy mounts showcases beautifully preserved skulls and horns mounted on traditional Black Forest carved wooden plaques. Originating from Austria, the...
Antler, Wood
Majolica Deruta Raffaellesco Decorative Ceramic Wall Plate 14'75 inches
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A large vintage Deruta Raffaellesco decorative wall plate with scalloped rim. Majolica hand-painted with magnificent detailing and artwork, extraordinar...
Ceramic
Folk Art Gabon Styled African Tribal Wooden Mask Wall Sculpture (A)
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A nice sized carved and painted primitive Folk Art African mask that has been mounted and framed as a wall decoration. The mask is in the style that resembles the works of the Punu t...
Wool, Paint
Folk Art Yaure Styled African Ivory Coast Tribal Wooden Mask Wall Sculpture (B)
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A nice sized carved and painted primitive Folk Art African mask that has been mounted and framed as a wall decoration. The mask is in the style that resembles the works of the Yaure ...
Wool, Paint
Large Original Antique Natural History Print, Whales and Dolphins, circa 1835
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of whales and dolphins Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Cpt. Brown, Gilpin and Edwards wit...
Paper
Framed Antique Silk and Cotton Ikat Fragment, Uzbekistan
Located in Istanbul, TR
First the fragment has been hand backed on a linen fabric, then stretched over a wooden stretcher and finished with a wooden frame. Late 19th C. Tajikstan Ready to go on a wall. Fra...
Silk
Mid Century Hand Painted Double Sided Pub Sign C1950
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Double sided pub sign from the United Kingdom. Hand Painted and in excellent condition. Rough hewn wood well constructed with a heavy duty frame ...
Iron
American Child's Sampler, Circa 1887 by "Clara R. Nolan"
Located in Incline Village, NV
Charming American Sampler by "Clara R. Nolan"; well made, bright and colorful, with an intricate needlepoint floral rose petal border in colors of red...
Linen
Framed Antique Silk Ikat Fragment , Uzbekistan early 20th C.
By Seref Ozen
Located in Istanbul, TR
First the fragment has been hand backed on a linen fabric, then stretched over a wooden stretcher and finished with a wooden frame. E 20th Century. UZBEKISTAN Ready to go on a wall....
Silk
Antique Mexican sunburst mirror Mexico, ca. 1960
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960. We offer this antique Mexican sunburst mirror, hand-carved from solid wood and finished with gold leaf. The piece features a dynamic, sculptural design with undulating ra...
Wood
Swedish 19th Century Folk Art Oil Painting With Kids
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish naive oil painting with the original frame, from the 2nd part of the 19th Century. This folk art work on canvas represents kids and a dog playing by a courtyard, opening the...
Canvas, Wood
Professionally Framed Greek Embroidered Chemise Hem Fragment, 19th C.
Located in Istanbul, TR
First the fragment has been hand backed on a linen fabric, then stretched over a wooden stretcher and finished with a wooden frame. Late 19th C. Greece. Ready to go on a wall. Frame...
Silk
M. YOUNG - Vintage Folk Art Landscape Painting - Signed - Canada - Late 20th C.
Located in Chatham, ON
M. Young - Vintage folk art landscape oil painting on canvas covered panel - signed lower right - unframed - Canada - late 20th century. Good vintage condition - scuffs and grime fr...
Canvas, Paint
Professionally Framed Silk Ikat Fragment, Uzbekistan, Early 20th Century.
Located in Istanbul, TR
First the fragment has been hand backed on a linen fabric, then stretched over a wooden stretcher and finished with a wooden frame. Early 20th C. Uzbekistan. Ready to go on a wall. ...
Silk
Original Antique Print of Woodpeckers, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of woodpeckers. Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Cpt. Brown with original hand color. Pub...
Paper
Vintage Boho 19th Century Folk Art Portrait of Man
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This captivating 19th-century American folk art oil portrait captures the essence of a bygone era, depicting a distinguished gentleman with a serious yet inviting gaze. Rendered with...
Textile, Giltwood, Paint
Indonesian Wild Boar Hunting Vest, Chinese Coin Armour, Lombok, Mid-20th Century
Located in London, GB
Indonesian Wild Boar Hunting Vest, Chinese Coin Armour, Lombok, Mid-20th Century This extraordinary and rare vest from Lombok, Indonesia, was traditionally worn during wild boar hun...
Metal
$428Sale Price|20% Off
Traditional Scandinavian wall decoration, known as a Laplandic Rana, Sweden
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
Vintage Swedish Handwoven WallVintage Swedish Wool Wall Hanging “Rana” — Rosengång Pattern by Lucia Hammarqvist, 1970s A beautiful vintage Swedish wall hanging, traditionally known ...
Wool
Vintage Framed Embroidered Needlepoint Folk Art Landscape Wall Hanging
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage original Folk Art landscape features a rural scene with people in horse-driven carriages arriving to and passing by the small stores, including bookstore and antiques store, ...
Fabric, Thread, Wood
Zabihi Collection Horse Pictorial Persian Wall Kilim
Located in New York, NY
Accent size Persian Kilim from the late 20th century with what looks like a colorful horse surrounded by small trees on a dark ground color Measures: 4'3'' x 7'2''. This was origin...
Wool
CAPPY - 'Camp Fire' - Vintage Watercolor Painting - Signed - Mid 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
CAPPY (Capella) - 'Camp Fire' - Vintage watercolor on paper - signed lower right - contained in a vintage photo frame with glass - mid 20th century. WATERCOLOR - Fair vintage condit...
Glass, Wood, Paint, Paper
Zabihi Collection Pictorial Turkish Deer Bird Square Rug
Located in New York, NY
One of a kind hand-knotted Turkish Anatolian Rug in pale peach, brown, and green accents depicting 3 deers and 2 birds, circa 1940. Square Shape too Measures: 4'6” x 4'8”.
Wool
19th Century Espalier Rake on Custom Wall Mount
Located in Chicago, IL
Originally a working tool, this late 19th-century garden rake has been reimagined as a sculptural wall piece. The handle, formed from an espaliered branch, rises cleanly before natur...
Wood
Lorenzo Prato Signed American Folk Art Village Scene with Cranes in Flight
Located in Morristown, NJ
Lorenzo Prato, American, (1911-1999), Folk Art Village Scene with Cranes, Signed “L. Prato” lower right Dimensions: Canvas: 19.75" H x 27.75" W Frame: 27" H x 34.5" W A vibrant and...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Ira Yeager Corgi Dog Oil on Canvas Folk Art Painting 2005
By Ira Yeager
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A charming painted portrait of a corgi dog by artist Ira Yeager (American 1938-2022) dated 2005. The expressive painting depicts a standing corgi in Yeager's loose, gestural hand aga...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Framed Antique Ikat Fragment, Uzbekistan, Early 20th C.
By Seref Ozen
Located in Istanbul, TR
First the fragment has been hand backed on a linen fabric, then stretched over a wooden stretcher and finished with a wooden frame. E 20th Century. Uzbekistan Ready to go on a wall....
Silk
Original Antique Bird Prints, Quails and Partridge. 1847
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great images of quails and partridge Unframed. Lithographs after Cpt. Brown with original hand color. Published, 1847. The measurement is for 1 print Free shipping
Paper
$4,680Sale Price / item|20% Off
1920 Antique English Needlepoint Tapestry 3x5 Fine 3'3" x 4'10" 99cm x 148cm
Located in New York, NY
Antique English Needlepoint Tapestry Scenic Design Wool "Beautiful English antique needlepoint tapestry with an exotic, scenic design . Creating dimension in any room!"-ARC PRODUCT...
Wool
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
Bright Impressionist Oil painting of French Town Signed A. Roubaud Gilded Frame
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This vivid Impressionist oil painting beautifully captures the charm of a French townscape, signed by the artist A. Roubaud. The composition is alive with color, movement, and textur...
Canvas
Original Antique Bird Prints, Oriole and Bee-eaters. 1847
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great images of 0riole and Bee-eaters Unframed. Lithographs after Cpt. Brown with original hand color. Published, 1847. The measurement is for 1 print Free shipping
Paper
M. LAWRENCE - Tyrolean Folk Art Painting on Panel - Signed - Late 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
M. LAWRENCE - Vintage Tyrolean style folk art oil painting on plywood panel - untitled - finished sides and back - Christmas/winter theme - signed low...
Plywood, Paint
Vintage Caribbean Watercolor Painting on Paper - Initialed - Unframed - C. 1994
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage Caribbean watercolor painting on paper - initialled lower right and dated - unframed - circa 1994. Good vintage condition - no loss - no damage - no restoration - bright & s...
Paint, Paper
Original Antique Print of a Dusky Grebe, circa 1880, 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a Dusky Grebe Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Alexander Francis Lydon. Original color...
Paper
Vintage Wildlife Picture Trio, Australian Interest, Framed Prints, Animal Art
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a trio of vintage Australian wildlife pictures. An English, framed print of a Koala, Kangaroo and Emu, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1990. Skilfully observed and sk...
Glass, Paper
Professionally Framed Silk and Cotton Ikat Fragment, Uzbekistan, E 20th C.
Located in Istanbul, TR
First the fragment has been hand backed on a linen fabric, then stretched over a wooden stretcher and finished with a wooden frame. E 20th C. Uzbekistan. Ready to go on a wall. Fram...
Silk
Original Antique Ethnographical Print, Figures, New South Wales, Australia, 1809
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful ethnographical print. A copper-plate engraving after Lesieur Published by Sherwood, Neely & Jones. Dated 1809 Unframed.
Paper
Naive Ethiopian Painting, Traffic in Addis Ababa, 1970s
Located in Nagykovácsi, Central Hungary
Naive Ethiopian painting, Traffic in Addis Ababa, 1970s. with Ge'ez language inscriptions.
Canvas
Professionally Framed Silk and Cotton Ikat Fragment, Uzbekistan, E 20th C.
Located in Istanbul, TR
First the fragment has been hand backed on a linen fabric, then stretched over a wooden stretcher and finished with a wooden frame. E 20th C. Uzbekistan. Ready to go on a wall. Fram...
Silk
Vintage Aboriginal Man Portrait, Indigenous Australian Framed Art Print, Picture
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Aboriginal man portrait. An English, framed print of an indigenous Australian first nation male, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1990. Skilfully observed an...
Glass, Paper
Large Original Antique Natural History Print, Ostriches, circa 1835
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of ostriches Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Cpt. Brown with original hand color. ...
Paper
Original Antique Bird Print, the Savi's Warbler, circa 1870
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a savi's warbler Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph with original hand color. Published,...
Paper
Deborah Barrett "Woman in Animal Suit" Graphite Mixed Media on Paper / Collage
By Deborah Barrett
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Title: Woman in Animal Suit Artist: Deborah Barrett Medium: Mixed Media Collage on Paper Signed and date to the lower right and bearing an old Susan...
Gesso, Paper
Original Antique Print of a Cat After Landseer, Early 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a cat presented in an antique distressed pine frame Copper-plate engraving after Landseer Published About 1840 There is a single horiz...
Pine, Paper
American Folk Art Oil Painting of a White Cow or Bull Signed Graves Dated 1931
Located in Litchfield, CT
American Folk Art oil painting of a white cow or bull signed Graves and dated 1931 lower right. The significance of a white bull centers on themes of divinity, supreme power, purity ...
Paint
Framed Original Antique Print of A Brown Bear, circa 1900
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a brown bear Copperplate photogravure engraving by Walter L. Colls. Good quality wove paper Published C.1900 In an antique oak frame
Paper
Original Antique Print of a Hereford Bull, 1847 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a Herefordshire bull. Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph with original hand color. Published 1...
Paper
Americana Antique Store Hand Carved Wooden Sign
Located in Redding, CT
Antique Store Hand Carved Wooden Sign. Clover shaped solid wooden hand painted sign that reads Antiques Open. Lovely hand carved wooden bird as the centerpiece . Great piece of Ameri...
Wood, Paint
Framed Antique Eastern European Embroidery Fragment , Early 20th Century.
Located in Istanbul, TR
First the fragment has been hand backed on a linen fabric, then stretched over a wooden stretcher and finished with a wooden frame. Early 20th Century. Bulgaria Ready to go on a wall...
Wool
Great Oil Painting of a Garden Scenery, Alexander Michael 1997
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Oil Painting of a Garden Scenery, Alexander Michael 1997 A framed oil painting depicting a colorful, vibrant garden scene filled with greenery, flowering plants and a garden h...
Wood, Paint
Framed Antique Silk and Cotton Ikat Fragment, 19th C.
Located in Istanbul, TR
First the fragment has been hand backed on a linen fabric, then stretched over a wooden stretcher and finished with a wooden frame. Late 19th C. Uzbekistan Ready to go on a wall. Fr...
Silk
Original Antique Print of a Parrot Crossbill, circa 1880, 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a Parrot Crossbill Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Alexander Francis Lydon. Original ...
Paper
Early 19th Century Antique Brass Apple Cake Pan with Handle, Denmark
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very charming Antique Danish apple cake pan featuring 3 molds to make Æbleskivers. This particular pan is made in a fashion that a wooden stick can be inserted into the handle in ord...
Brass
Professionally Framed Silk and Cotton Ikat Fragment, Uzbekistan, E 20th C.
Located in Istanbul, TR
First the fragment has been hand backed on a linen fabric, then stretched over a wooden stretcher and finished with a wooden frame. E 20th C. Uzbekistan. Ready to go on a wall. Fram...
Silk