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Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

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
19th Century SE Asian Highly Carved Wooden and Gilded Floor/Wall Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING an EXCEPTIONAL AND RARE 19C SE Asian Highly Carved Wooden and Gilded Floor or Wall Case or cabinet featuring Hindu Gods. OUTSTANDING and VERY RARE! Mid 19th Century, cir...
Category

Mid-19th Century Cambodian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

Hand-Carved Stone “Three Wise Monkeys” Sculpture Set in Chinese Bluestone
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A minimalist interpretation of the timeless “Three Wise Monkeys” motif, see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil, hand-carved from dense Chinese bluestone. Each figure is sculpted w...
Category

2010s East Asian Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Stone

Vintage Engraved Brass Lota Vessel from India 1950s Set of 4
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Add a touch of India's rich heritage to your home with this vintage set of four engraved brass lota from India, circa 1950s. Hand-crafted from high-quality ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Burmese Statue
Located in New York, NY
19th century Burmese figure statue used to hold a gong. A solid teakwood carving of a man gong holder. Very good condition patina ware consistent with a...
Category

1870s Burmese Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Teak

Set of Shipwreck Bottles from Indonesia c. 1600
By Asia Rattan
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A set of 3 shipwreck bottles from a Shipwreck off the Coast of the Indonesian Island of Batam. Batam was one of the most substantial and influential ...
Category

16th Century Indonesian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Yangliuqing New Year Painting of Beauty and Baby, c. 1920
Located in Chicago, IL
Chinese New Year paintings (nian hua) are colorful folk paintings created to celebrate the annual Spring Festival. Drawn or printed by folk artists in regional studios, nian hua pain...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Paper

Antique Cast brass Measuring Bowl from Northern India
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A medium sized antique cast brass measuring bowl from northern India. High relief casting, bundled rope maker's mark on the bottom. Bronze rice-mea...
Category

19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique Pair of Charogh Ethnic Shoes from Turkey
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique Pair of Charogh Ethnic Shoes from Turkey. These collectible Museum Kurdish shoes are known as charoghs and were made in Khorasan province in north western Turkey. Hand-crafte...
Category

Late 19th Century Turkish Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Leather

Asian Gilded Porcelain Elephant Ornament Paperweight Sri Lanka
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Asian Gilded Porcelain Elephant Ornament Paperweight from Sri Lanka. Charming Mlesna porcelain with gold and red on white. This porcelain elephant wi...
Category

Late 20th Century Sri Lankan Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Handcrafted Japanese Ceramic Bowl Signed Jin Kobayashi
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Handcrafted Japanese ceramic bowl signed Jin Kobayashi. Large stoneware plate hand made and hand painted with autumn leaves design. Hand-carved ge...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Primitive Carved Wood Figural Tiki Totem Kinetic Wobbly Balancing Art Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Primitive Carved Wood Figural Tiki Kinetic Wobbly Balancing Art Sculpture. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 42" H x 24" W x 7" D.
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique portrait of Buddah hand-carved in stone, 19th century
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an antique small, beautiful depiction of Buddah. The piece is hand-carved in stone, carefully carved to the religious image of Buddah. The piece was pur...
Category

19th Century Asian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Stone

Arabian Desert Camel Oman Reins Folk Art 1960s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Handmade reins with large colorful tassels circa 1960s. Arabian Desert Camel Oman Reins Folk Art. Camel reins in Oman are called a rubkah and khatam which is a camel neck lead with a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Omani Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wool, Silk

Chinese Yangliuqing New Year Painting of Beauty and Baby, c. 1920
Located in Chicago, IL
Chinese New Year paintings (nian hua) are colorful folk paintings created to celebrate the annual Spring Festival. Drawn or printed by folk artists in regional studios, nian hua pain...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Paper

Antique Brass Betel Nut Cutter with chiseled decoration - India 19th
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Antique Brass Betel Nut Cutter with chiseled decoration - India 19thc Antique - Asian decoration Measures : 8cmx15cm Antique Brass Betel Nut Cutter from India Collectible Asian Arti...
Category

19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Wooden Pot or Tekhi from Nepal, 1900s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique Wooden Pot or Tekhi, from Nepal, 13" Tall, circa 1900s Early 20th century wood pot from Nepal, this particular style of wooden container, pot has a r...
Category

Early 20th Century Nepalese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Vintage Samarkand Suzani, Uzbekistan
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Samarkand suzani, Uzbekistan Tashkent suzani from Samarkand Uzbekistan, 1950. Overall condition is pretty good for its age and use. "Suzani" means needlework and these embroideries are some of the most characteristic forms of textile art from Central Asia. The mastery of color and the dynamic sense of movement they convey continue to add depth and joy to contemporary interiors. A high level of creative variation and the individuation of each flower are what make each piece unique. Measures: 52" x 51. The Silk Road Bukhara: Like scattered pearls along the vast expanse of the Great Silk Road, the cities of Uzbekistan glisten radiantly under the unforgiving sun. This nation, nestled in a picturesque oasis, holds a treasure trove of historical artifacts, owing to its advantageous position at the heart of the ancient Silk Road network. In the year 138 BC, a transformative era commenced as China graciously opened its borders to trade, giving rise to caravans that embarked upon this illustrious route. These trading pathways served as conduits not only for the exchange of goods and craftsmanship but also for the intermingling of cultures, beliefs, and wisdom. Even today, within the ancient walls of cities like Samarkand, one can still discern the echoes of bustling voices, the melodious jingle of camel...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Antique Brass Indian Betel Nut Cutter from Collectible Asian Mughal Artifact
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique Brass Betel Nut Cutter from India Collectible Asian Artifact This excellent piece of art from India, made in solid brass, nut slicer or nut cracker which is two halves made w...
Category

19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Painted Mongolian Coffer, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th century coffer from Mongolia was painted by hand with auspicious fruits and blessings, likely as part of a bride's dowry. Wishes painted on the pomegranates, peaches ...
Category

Early 20th Century Mongolian Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Pine

Near Pair of Japanese Jizai Kagi Wood Koi Folk Art Sculptures
Located in Atlanta, GA
A near pair of wood koi fish from Japan circa 1860-90s of late Meiji Period. Hand-carved from solid wood, these sculptures are known as Jizai Kagi in Japane...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Iron

Asian farmer bronze figurine - 19th
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Asian farmer bronze figurine - 19th Asian Art - Antique Decoration - Sculpture Measures : base Ø 5,5cm H:11,5cm Wear consistent with age and use.
Category

19th Century Asian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Tibetan Buddhist Deity Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva Cast Bronze Sculpture
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A metal cast bronze finish on brass in beautiful posture figure of Tibetan Buddhist Padmapani Deity Avalokiteshvara Beautiful Asian sculpture after the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Padmapani, bearer of the lotus) Dimensions: Height : 8.5 inches Width : 4 inches Depth : 2.75.inches. Asia, Nepal circa 1950's. "The bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara is the Buddhist embodiment of compassion. He is often portrayed as an elegant and gracious youth. The cult of Avalokiteshvara worship originated in India and spread across Asia, along with other Buddhist philosophies and practices. In some places Avalokiteshvara eclipses the Buddha in importance. Buddhist rulers, such as Prince Shotoku in Japan and the Dalai Lama in Tibet, have been seen as incarnations of this saviour. In Nepal, Buddhism flourished alongside Hinduism long after the religion had lost favour in India. Although the kings of the Early Malla period who ruled the Kathmandu Valley were Hindu, some of the greatest artistic achievements of the age were Buddhist. This gilt copper figure...
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Mid-20th Century Nepalese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Zabihi Collection Chinese Peking Scatter Size Early 20th Century Rug
Located in New York, NY
Scatter-size Chinese Peking rug in blue from the 2nd quarter of the 20th century. Measures: 2'2" x 4'4''
Category

Early 20th Century Mongolian Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wool

18th Century Indian "Bidri Ware" Hookah Base
Located in Middleburg, VA
18th Century Indian "Bidri Ware" Hookah Base. Bidri is a metalworking technique unique to India, which involves inlaying fine geometric and floral patterns in silver, brass, or gold ...
Category

18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Metal, Silver, Brass

Large Hand-Carved Tribal Wooden Bowl from the Batak of Sumatra
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large beautiful and sustainable hand carved wooden bowl with gorgeous leaf design from the Batak of Sumatra, mid-20th century. Scaramanga's bowls are authentic old hand carved wooden bowls...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

Susani Embroidery suitable for Wall, Bed , Table Cover, Curtain
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Festive and elegant Susani embroidery, suitable for bed or table or wall. Silk embroidery on a cotton ground. B/ 2003 - cm. 213x 177.   
Category

1960s Turkmen Vintage Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Cotton, Silk

Large Oil on Canvas Oasis, African Zebras by Kindrie Grove, 1999
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Very large oil on canvas, Oasis, African Zebras by Kindrie Grove, Canadian Artist. Large oil painting that depicts a group of zebras drinking peacefully...
Category

20th Century Canadian Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Antique Cast Bronze of a Mythical Lion Beast
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
An antique unusual cast bronze of a Mythical lion beast. Bursting with character, the lion standing foursquare with his long tail curled back on itse...
Category

Early 20th Century African Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Bronze

3 Carved Wooden Ceremonial Masks from Nigeria, Africa and Indonesia These are
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
3 Carved Wooden Ceremonial Masks from Nigeria, Africa and Indonesia These are unusual pieces, they are all carved in wood and painted One is a Yorubastam Gelede from Nigeria, it da...
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

Vintage Pair of Burmese Temple Guards Wood Statues Late 19th Century
Located in Montreal, QC
Impressive Finely detailed Pair of Burmese Temple Wood Statues. Rendered with Poly-chrome traces of pigments. These Temple Guard Statues would be kept clo...
Category

Late 19th Century Burmese Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

Turkish Red Ceremonial Folk Traditional Vest
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Elegant Turkish long vest brightly colored design of geometric patterns against a red ground. Part of Turkish folk ceremonial traditional costume. The designs on the open jacket ar...
Category

20th Century Turkish Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Velvet

Opium Wieght in the Form of a Buddhist lion
Located in PARIS, FR
Tiny opium weight in bonze with brownish patina in the shape of a Buddhist guardian lion, also name Fo dog, characteristic with its exorbitated eyes and an embossed and wavy mane and...
Category

Late 19th Century Cambodian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Gilt Burmese Musician Figure, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This seated Burmese figure captures a musician in eternal song. The wooden figure is hand-carved with a seated posture, legs crossed and arms outstretch...
Category

Early 20th Century Burmese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Japanese Double Gourd Ikebana Woven Basket and root
Located in Buffalo, NY
20th Century Japanese Double Gourd Ikebana Woven Basket and Root.. amazing sculpture / art.. Retain original inserts.. one basket re-glued , repaired.. (see photo)
Category

20th Century Japanese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wicker, Wood

Framed Korean Folk Painting of General Guan Gong
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Korean folk Shamanism watercolor on textile matted with woven brocade and presented in a wood frame with an oriental style metal hanging hardware. The painting was estimated to be from early 20th century circa 1910-1930s. It depicts Guan Yu (160-220AD), a legendary Chinese warrior and general from Eastern Han Dynasty. Long worshiped in China as a deity, across all three major religions, Guan Gong...
Category

Early 20th Century Korean Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Textile, Brocade

Charger Attributed to Shoji Hamada On Contemporary Stand
Located in Stamford, CT
Shoji Hamada Japanese clay charger with black glaze and terracotta toned glazed decoration, circa 1960s. On contemporary stand. The piece is unsigned and as such cannot definitively ...
Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Clay

Vintage Judaica Lithograph "Cutting the Challah Bread"
By George Crionas
Located in San Diego, CA
Lithograph print with image entailing to a rabbi cutting challah bread. Stylistically similar to George Crionas. Rare and unexpected piece that commemorates a faithful scene. Mid-...
Category

1960s American Vintage Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paper

Architectural hardwood Ornament (Singa) from the Toba Batak people, Sumatra.
Located in Leuven , BE
The central image in Toba Batak art is the singa, a supernatural creature whose likeness protects individuals, homes, and communities from malevolent supernatural forces. The name singa derives from the Sanskrit word meaning lion. However, the Toba Batak singa...
Category

Late 19th Century Indonesian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Vintage Folk Art Kokeshi Doll Egypt Style Signed Japan
Located in Sakskøbing, DK
Vintage Kokeshi doll from Japan in Egyptian look. Richly hand-crafted with old slogans. Completely handmade from Japanese Sakura wood and painted, which is why there is only 1 of the...
Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

African Textile Kuba, suitable for table or Wall Hanging or Backrest Covering
By Kuba
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
B/1676. Old African textile from Kuba, Zaire: with small shells as ornament. An IDEA: use this item as backrest covering of a sofa !
Category

Mid-20th Century Congolese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Cotton, Raffia

Vintage Folk Art Kokeshi Doll Yajiro Style Signed Japan
Located in Sakskøbing, DK
Vintage Kokeshi doll from Japan. Yajiro Style (弥次郎). Completely handmade from Japanese Mizuki wood and painted, which is why there is only 1 of them. This technique is a craftsmanshi...
Category

1970s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Buddha Hand in Patinated Bronze, Mounted on Base, Thailand, 20th Century
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
We present a magnificent Buddha hand in patinated bronze, a rare and elegant piece dating from the 20th century. This masterpiece of Asian art embodies serenity and wisdom, charact...
Category

20th Century Thai Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass, Bronze

Turkoman Patchwork Textile, Tapestry or Armchair Upholstery or Bedspread
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Nice Turkoman patchwork textile with light colors, suitable for tapestry, headboard, armchair upholstery. They are all embroideries applied on a rein...
Category

1990s Turkmen Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Cotton

Chinese Brass Singing Bowl and Mallet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Patinated brass Chinese singing bowl c.1900's. The bowl etched with clouds, wind and mountain scenes, is accompanied by a wooden mallet with brass inlay. Dimensions 7.5" diameter x ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Burmese Carved Architectural Wood Pole
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking architectural pole carved from solid teak that was used for building construction in Burma circa 19th century. Serving both structural and ornamental purposes, this types of carved poles...
Category

19th Century Burmese Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

African Textile by Kuba, Zaire - for Backrest Cover
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
B/874/1 - Vintage African Kuba textile, suitable for Wall hanging or table - An IDEA: use this item as backrest covering of a sofa !
Category

Mid-20th Century Congolese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Raffia, Cotton

Antique Thai Freestanding Red Ceremonial Drum with Reeded Accents and Round Base
Located in Yonkers, NY
A tall antique Thai freestanding ceremonial drum from the early 20th century, with red finish, reeded accents and circular base. This early 20th-century tall antique Thai ceremonial ...
Category

Early 20th Century Thai Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

Embroidered Miao Baby Carrier Textile
Located in Chicago, IL
The connection between love and embroidery is nowhere stronger than among the minority peoples of China. Hand-stitched by a mother herself or gifted by the women in her family, the t...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Silk, Cotton

20th Century Uzbek Cotton and Silk Ikat Chapan Robe
Located in London, GB
20th century Uzbek cotton and silk ikat chapan robe Uzbekistan, 20th Century Height 122cm, width 153cm Historically, an ikat chapan robe was a status symbol worn by nomadic tribes and settles in Uzbekistan as well as other Central Asian regions. Paired with belt, tunic, and trousers, the brightness of colours and intricacy of the embroidery were indicators of the wealth of the wearer. The robe in Mayfair Gallery’s collection is brightly coloured with large, red and yellow geometrical patterns on a cream-coloured base. The inside of the robe is also patterned, with red floral motifs formed in a geometrical and symmetrical pattern. The outside trim of this silk and cotton ikat chapan robe is elegantly embroidered with white and red patterns. Such embroidery carried symbolic meaning, protecting the wearer from evil spirits. The long sleeves are a beautiful design feature, intending to cover the wearer’s hands and protect them from cold temperatures. Worn by both men and women, this eye-catching Uzbek robe...
Category

20th Century Uzbek Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Textile

Antique Contact Frame with Mythic Block Print
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Originally made for photo developing, this antique contact printing frame from Samuel Peck Co. has been reimagined as a display case for something a little wilder. The front no...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paper

2 Antique Large Indian Terracotta Tent Pole Tops
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
2 Antique Large Indian Terracotta Tent Pole Tops These wonderful pieces have been made in the image of frightening characters to keep evil spirits at bay. The heads would have been...
Category

19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Folk Art asian art and furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Folk Art asian art and furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage asian art and furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art asian art and furniture made in a specific country, there are Asia, South Asia, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original asian art and furniture, popular names associated with this style include Rajhastani, Berber Tribes of Morocco, Harrods, and Kuba People. 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 asian art and furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $95 and tops out at $18,000 while the average work can sell for $1,225.