Zulu Headrest
Early 20th Century South African Tribal Tribal Art
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century South African Tribal Tribal Art
Wood
Recent Sales
Antique Late 19th Century South African Tribal Art
Wood
Antique 19th Century South African Decorative Art
Wood
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2010s American Modern Stools
Wood, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s Mexican Modern Cabinets
Steel
20th Century Animal Sculptures
Clay
Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Armchairs
Walnut, Leather
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights an...
Steel, Brass
Antique 19th Century English Antiquities
Brass
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery
Ceramic
2010s Mexican Modern Credenzas
Upholstery, Hardwood
2010s German Baroque Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Oak
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Art
Bamboo, Cedar
Vintage 1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Wood
Antique 18th Century Portuguese Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières
Terracotta
2010s American Post-Modern Wall Mirrors
Brass
Finding the Right Folk-art for You
Folk art refers to a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Vintage, new and antique folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, portraiture and paintings, carnival art, quilts and duck decoys.
American folk art is frequently valued because of the traditional 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. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.
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 folk art on 1stDibs.
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A Giant Wedding Cake Has Us Looking at Portuguese Tiles in a New Light
At Waddesdon Manor, artist Joana Vasconcelos has installed a three-tiered patisserie inspired by the narrative tile work of her homeland. We take a look at the cake sculpture and how Portuguese tiles have been used in architecture from the 17th century to today.
Why Jules Chéret Was the King of the Modern Poster
The streets of fin-de-siècle Paris were set aglow with colorful poster ads, thanks to the printing techniques invented by Jules Chéret. Now, the Milwaukee Art Museum is celebrating this undersung talent in America's first solo show dedicated his exuberant works.
Why the American Flag Has Had So Many Different Star Patterns
Expert Jeff Bridgman explains the history and meaning behind the twinkling constellations that have graced Old Glory.
Peggy Guggenheim Loved Modernism, but She Also Collected Tribal Art
The iconoclastic style setter displayed African and Oceanic art, as well as works by indigenous peoples of the Americas, alongside pieces by such major modernists as Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock.
The 13-Star American Flag Had More Variations Than You’d Think
Perfect for July 4th weekend, a new show at Philadelphia's Museum of the American Revolution displays an array of antique red, white and blue flags.
Tramp Art, America’s Most Misunderstood Art Form, Is Trending in Interiors
Designers are beginning to see this enigmatic form of folk art in a whole new light.