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.
Early Folk Art Clown Bicycle
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a very unusual and memorable clown bicycle with boots for back wheel. Its also a wonderful and inventive piece of early folk art and was once part of the Metz Museum for many...
Steel
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Wood, Paper
Vintage Copper Horse & Sulky Weathervane
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A vintage copper Horse and Sulky Weathervane with good size and fine traditional form mounted on a faux finished wood plinth base. Dimensions: Base - 25 3/4" L x 9 1/4" W Horse - 3...
Copper, Brass, Wire
1940's "Fool the mad genius" SIT ON Carnival Scale / Amusement Park /
By Frederic Allen Williams
Located in Buffalo, NY
Seldom seen Fool the Mad Genius” Carnival Scale, America, 20th century, wooden tripod stand supporting an oak armchair and 21-in. dia. silvered brass scale marked Frederick C. Allen,...
Metal, Steel
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Wood, Paper
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Wood, Paper
Stunning Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage stunning large model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German scho...
Wood, Paper
19th C. German Stag Horn Thermometer and Barometer
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A remarkable German Folk Art Weather Station in the Black Forest Style. Elaborate and sinuous construction with stag horns of various sizes, boar tusk...
Antler, Horn
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Wood, Paper
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Wood, Paper
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Wood, Paper
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Wood, Paper
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Wood, Paper
$108Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Woman Figurine Lady Sewing Tailor Tape Measure
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very charming small figurine of a lady that functions as a tape measure. This vintage piece was commonly found on a sewing table and has both centimeters as well as inch measurements...
Plastic
Rare 19th Century Large Original Painted Lightning Rod on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic folky oversized 19th century mustard over copper Lightning rod ball on a professional iron stand. The base is a plank of original work that the...
Copper
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Wood, Paper
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Wood, Paper
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Wood, Paper
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Wood, Paper
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Wood, Paper
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Wood, Paper
$1,400Sale Price|56% Off
18th Century Carpenters Hand Plane Tool, Signed and Dated 1791
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Rare Museum-level 18th Century carpenters tool, an antler hand plane, hand-carved to look like a lion. Signed with initials and dated 1791.
Metal
Set of Two Mushrooms Scientific Models Europe , Germany 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage set of two different types of mushrooms, show Models which are native to middle Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools. Colorful...
Wood, Paper
Danish 19th Century Brass Surveying or Level Tool on Tripod
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Surveyors tripod level tool from the late 19th century. The tripod is made of wood and the level is brass. The wood tripod is 39.75in high.
Brass
Emile Deyrolle 19th Century Plaster, Wire and Wood Didactic Germination Models
Located in Buffalo, NY
Les Fils D'Emile Deyrolle, Paris. Extremely rare set of five 19th century French painted plaster, wire and wood Didactic models depicting progression, Anatomie Vegetalf, beautifully ...
Wire
$2,126
H 3.94 in W 7.09 in D 3.35 in
Italian Sterling Silver Sulky with Horse and Driver by La Medusa, 1986
Located in VALENZA, IT
Made in Italy sterling solid silver sulky with horse and driver. The sulky, the horse and the driver are made with the casting method and finished with chisel. The bridles are in lea...
Sterling Silver
$300
H 1 in W 22 in D 18.75 in
Vintage Handmade Red and Mustard Backgammon Board, Folk Art Decor, Graphic Art
Located in Chicago, IL
Colorful and graphic hand-crafted vintage backgammon board for function or decor. Would make striking wall art in a primitive or folk art setting. Origin unknown. Does not fold. Made...
Paper
Vintage Boho Glazed Cermic Horse Statue
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This glazed ceramic horse channels the regal spirit of ancient Tang dynasty artistry with a strikingly rich palette of amber, jade, and cream. Its flowing saddle and ornate tack appe...
Ceramic, Paint
Wood Carved American Folk Art Muscle Car
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Hand carved Folk Art American Muscle car. Wood carved with original paint surface.
Wood
$1,620 / set
H 19 in W 14 in D 8 in
Antique Folk Art Franconia House Altar with Accessories Early 20th Century Wood
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A fascinating antique German Hausaltar (house altar) ensemble with an extensive collection of ecclesiastical accessories, offering a remarkable glimpse into historic private religiou...
Pewter
Folk Art Maquette of a Church, France circa 1900
Located in Culver City, CA
France, 1900 Architectural church model with weathered wood construction, Gothic arched window openings and tall steeple. 15”w x 38”d x 27”h Ref. O2253 $ 4,600
Wood
19th Century English Folk Art Encased Ship Diorama
Located in London, GB
19th Century Folk Art Encased Ship Diorama A delightful and highly decorated example of a late 19th century English folk art ships model diorama...
Glass, Wood
Vintage English Sowter & Co Horse Saddle
Located in Palm Beach, FL
English hunting or show horse saddle handcrafted by London Saddle maker J. I. Sowter & co in a lush brown leather, slightly used and well cared for.
Leather
MAD Works MAD Architects
Located in New York, NY
The first complete overview of the most important contemporary architecture practice ever to have emerged from China The skylines of modern China are punctuated by architecture that amazes, inspires, and awes. Many of these structures are the work of new, experimental practices like China-based MAD Architects...
Paper
Vintage Huckley Barrel Carnival Game
By St. Louis Carnival Co.
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Vintage carnival game made by the Saint Louis Carnival company. We also have the original paper game rules signs with these. Please note that not all crates are painted St. Louis Car...
Clay, Wood
Folk Art Handcrafted Wooden Farmhouse Architectural Model
Located in Dekalb, IL
Handcrafted architectural folk art house model constructed from wood with hand-drawn architectural details throughout. The model depicts a two-story frame residence with a wraparound...
Wood, Paint
'The Wonder Horse' Child Rocking Horse
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This 1950s wooden rocking horse brings nostalgia back for new generations! Bright red painted galloping horse with black detailing. Please confirm location with vendor NY or NJ
Wood
$1,687
H 35.44 in W 43.31 in D 18.12 in
Vintage French Blond Polychromed Rocking Horse Mid 20th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful vintage French blond polychromed rocking horse, circa 1940 in date. The intricately carved and hand-painted horse displaying a remarkable attention to detail wi...
Oak
$1,650
H 30 in W 18 in D 20 in
Antique The Standard Computing Scale Co Dry Goods General Store Countertop Scale
By Standard Computing Scale Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique The Standard Computing Scale Co. Porcelain Enamel Dry Goods General Store Scale with Beveled Glass Mirrors. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 30" H x 18" W x 20" D.
Metal
1930s Folk Art, Wood and Metal Airplane / Fan
Located in Buffalo, NY
1930s Folk Art, wood and metal airplane / fan... amazing design, working motorized fan blade, hand build and hand painted.
Metal
Antique 19th century pewter hourglass
Located in Bilzen, BE
A 19th century 4-column hourglass made entirely of pewter. Height 17.5 cm, base 10 x 10 cm.
Pewter
English Antique Periscope Walking Stick Cane by R & J Beck ca. 1917
Located in Shippensburg, PA
WORLD WAR I BRITISH TRENCH PERISCOPE WALKING CANE R & J Beck, Ltd., England, ca. early 20th century Marked "Periscope Mk IV 1917 R & J Beck Ltd. No. 13196" 36" H x 3 3/8" W An unu...
Brass, Copper
Sold
H 2.37 in W 12.8 in D 283.98 in
Antique Late 19th Century Wooden Abacus with Brass Rods and Wood Beads
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This antique late 19th-century wooden abacus is a timeless tool of calculation, showcasing beautifully crafted natural wood beads in alternating shades of brown and black. The frame ...
Brass
Sold
H 6.25 in W 4.5 in D 4.5 in
Set of Six Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Models by Somso Germany 1950s
By Somso
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage models of botanical scientific specimen depicts mushrooms native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showpie...
Composition
RARE 1920's Anatomical Model of a Pig, made in France Luis M. Meusel
By Meusel Luis
Located in Buffalo, NY
This rare French Teaching model measures over 32 inches long and 16 inches tall. The base is wood and splits in two along with the PIG. One side shows a beautiful realistic animal an...
Plaster, Wood
Sold
H 6.25 in W 5.25 in D 5.25 in
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Wood, Paper
Vintage French Hour Sand Glass in Pewter
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
French Pewter and Sand 15 Minutes Hour Glass
Pewter
Unusual Early 20th Century Tramp Art Barometer Diorama
Located in London, GB
Unusual Early 20th Century Tramp Art Barometer Diorama One of the most unusual pieces of early 20th century American tramp art we have had the privilege to uncover. Encased in a lat...
Pine
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Mortar or Grinder
Located in Allerum, SE
Charming 19th century folk art boat-shaped mortar or grinder, perfect for the coffee today ;) ca 1830 Sweden.
Wood
The Man in the Iron Mask
Located in London, GB
The Man in the iron mask A highly decorative hand-crafted example of an early 20th Century iron mask on hinges, with slits for eyes, nose, and mouth with a ...
Sheet Metal
Early 20th Century English Bulls Death Mask
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century bulls death mask This is a very unusual and morbid object, used in the early 20th century by English famers this object would have been used to put down bulls or cattle. The object would have been placed over the head of the bull and strapped firmly into place. Then a riffle would have been placed over the hole and fired so that the bull / cattle could not see death coming, so to speak. The object is now more of a decorative curiosity object...
Iron
Vintage Ebony And Brass Liner
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage ebony and brass liner.
Brass
Black Forest Antler Thermometer
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Black Forest Antler Thermometer with US brass scale 20 to 80 degrees.
Antler
Pair of Lacquered Antler Magnifying Glasses
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Pair of beautifully lacquered authentic antler magnifying glasses, choose one or both. The turquoise piece has silver accents and measures 13" l x 4 diameter and the coral piece has ...
Antler
American Folk Art Wood and Iron Compass trade Sign, Large-Scale
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique wood and iron compass. An early model of a handmade tool in working condition with a rich patina. This would have been used as an interior advertising trade sign for a compas...