Folk Art Antiquities
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 Scandinavian Folk Art Bentwood Tine Box "Svepask", Pine
Rattan
Located in Helsinki, FI
A fine Scandinavian, most probably Swedish, folk art svepask (bentwood box) with lid, late 19th to early 20th century. Crafted in pine with beautiful details, this traditional box is...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Rattan, Pine
19thc Stoneware Two Gallon Decorated Crock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original decorated stoneware crock with handles in fine condition.This crock was found in Pennsylvania.Wonderful blue glaze decoration.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
$1,160 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Stag Horn Handle American Walking Stick Circa 1900
Located in Incline Village, NV
Highly figured stag horn handle, turn of the 19th century walking stick with a round walnut shaft in original finish and wide 1 3/16" silver banded collar wrapped around the upper sh...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Silver
Swedish Folk Art Root Basket, Sweden 19th century
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Introducing a remarkable piece of history that transcends time - the exquisite Swedish 19th century root basket. Most likely made of birch root. Immerse yourself in the rich craftsma...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Birch
1900s Antique Hand Carved Wooden Cane
Located in Plainview, NY
An early 20th century hand carved wood men's cane. The cane features beautiful hand carving of flowers painted in multiple colors. The name of what it seems to be the original owner ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
$380 Sale Price
41% Off
19Thc Decorated Stoneware Crock Cowden
Wilcox Pa.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine decorated 19thc stone ware crock from Cowden & Wilcox in Harrisburg,Pennsylvania.This folky tulip hand painted & decorated large three gallon crock is in fine condition.It ...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
$1,340 Sale Price
20% Off
Dated 1911 Primitive Antique Hand-carved Box, RUSTIC Memory
Keepsake Box
Located in Skien, NO
RARE Scandinavian folk art box with detailed hand-carved patterns around the whole body and lid. Original lock and key. -- Primitive Antique handcrafted / handmade / hand crafted sto...
Category
Early 20th Century Norwegian Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Beech, Birch, Wood, Pine
$520 Sale Price
20% Off
Late 19th C Authentic Shaker Wood Bucket. Pennsylvania, Circa 1885. All Original
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is an authentic and late 19th century hand made wooden Shaker bucket from Pennsylvania. in all original and unrestored, very good condition; with it...
Category
1880s Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood, Bentwood
Rare and Antique Mexican Carousel Horse
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1920. We offer this wonderfully charming Carousel Horse from Mexico. Handmade caved from wood with fabulous patina.
Category
1910s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Hand Carved
Painted Wood Indian Chief Plaque
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20thc Hand carved & painted Indian chief wood plaque.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
$1,036 Sale Price
20% Off
Fine Quality Late 19th Century Pennsylvania Shaker Bucket With Lid. All Original
Located in Incline Village, NV
Nice quality late 19thC Pennsylvania Shaker bucket with fitted lid in complete and all original condition with a lovely surface and patina. The original ...
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Olokun Head, Kingdom of Ife, Western Nigeria Hand Carved Hardwood
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Fascinating detailed Olokun head from the Kingdom of Ife in Western Nigeria.
Hand carved hardwood face with almond shaped eyes, neck creases and astounding facial incisions
Circa 1...
Category
Late 20th Century Beninese Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Hardwood
Dated 1798 Important Norwegian Folk Art Tine Box, Primitive, Pine Bentwood
Located in Skien, NO
A museum-quality primitive antique tine of exceptional rarity, handcrafted in Norway's Trøndelag region in 1798. Representing the pinnacle of Scandinavian folk art, this pine box was...
Category
1790s Norwegian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Bentwood, Pine
$2,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Scandinavian Folk Art Wine, Alcohol Oak Cask, 19th Century
Located in Bochum, NRW
Scandinavian Folk Art oak cask, crafted in the 19th century and steeped in rustic tradition.
Constructed from robust oak staves and secured with authentic iron banding, this piece e...
Category
1850s Swedish Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Iron
Dated 1850 Museum-Quality Antique Tine Box with Rosemaling, bentwood, Nordic
Located in Skien, NO
Museum-Quality Antique Norwegian Tine Box with Rosemaling, Dated 1850
This is an exceptional and highly collectible antique tine box, a premier example of mid-19th century Norwegian...
Category
1840s Norwegian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Bentwood, Pine
$992 Sale Price
20% Off
Ca. 1900 RUSTIC Hanging Cabinet, Scandinavian Country Style Farmhouse Cupboard
Located in Skien, NO
Primitive antique Arts and Crafts hanging cabinet, kitchen cabinet, key cabinet, small wall cupboard with stunning wood carving floral / dragon style pattern from the end of the 19th century / ca. 1900. Handcrafted / Handmade / Hand-Painted Victorian / National Romantic style / Arts and Crafts Style...
Category
Early 1900s European Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood, Birch
$640 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Handmade Bronze Cowbell From Switzerland 1850s
Located in Hannover, DE
This bell has a wonderful and very loud sound. Ideal for a large house to call all the residents out to eat or on your property in the country, the children will hear this sound from...
Category
1850s Swiss Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
$552 Sale Price
20% Off
Decorative Wall Panel Made with Mexican Wrestlers (Folk Art)
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1970. We offer this Rare Decorative Wall Panel Made with Mexican Wrestlers Toys (Folk Art).
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Plastic
19thc Original Painted Blue Pantry Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This early original blue painted panty box from New England has early hand made nails.The condition is very good and great undisturbed paint.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
$556 Sale Price
20% Off
19Thc Original Blue Painted Medium Pantry Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Medium blue original painted pantry box with original lid.Copper nail construction.Fine as found condition.
Category
1850s American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
$612 Sale Price
20% Off
1800s Norwegian folk art Box, Hand-carved by Ole Olsen Moene (1839-1908)
Located in Skien, NO
Exceptional 19th Century Norwegian Folk Art Tobacco Box by Ole Olsen Moene - Museum Quality
This remarkable 19th-century Norwegian folk art tobacco box, dating from the late 1800s, ...
Category
Late 19th Century Norwegian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Birch, Nutwood, Beech, Bentwood
$6,800 Sale Price
20% Off
19Thc Original Indigo Blue Pantry Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine indigo blue pantry box is in original dark blue paint.Found in New England estate.Condition is very good.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
$716 Sale Price
20% Off
Dated 1907 Museum-Quality Arts
Crafts Wall Cabinet, Hand-crafted Dragon Style
Located in Skien, NO
Over 100 years old Primitive Antique Norwegian Dragon Style Carved Hanging Cabinet, 1907
Description:
This rare and professionally carved hanging cabinet is a stellar example of Sca...
Category
Early 20th Century Norwegian Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pine, Hardwood, Beech
$2,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Sag Harbor Whale Scrimshaw Cribbage Board
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Authentic Scrimshaw carved into and antique tortoise shell with brass legs. Carved aboard the Ship Argonaut. A whaling ship from Sag Harbor New York from 1814-1832. The detailed carv...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Tortoise Shell
$9,012 Sale Price
30% Off
c. 1750-1780s Antique RUSTIC Pine / Bentwood Chest Box. Primitive, Nordic
Located in Skien, NO
Primitive Antique Norwegian Chest / Trunk Box / Tine Box(c. 1750-1780s)
Material: High-quality pine wood (bentwood construction).
Features: Or...
Category
18th Century Norwegian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Iron
$800 Sale Price
20% Off
Original Mexican Retablo "Exvotos" Oil on Tin
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this original Mexican Retablo "Exvotos" oil on tin, circa 1920.
Category
1920s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Metal
$1,400 Sale Price
30% Off
Huge Folk/Tramp Art Side/End Table Box on Legs
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is the largest piece of chip carved tramp art I have ever had! It would definitely work as a side or end table and would be a great addition to anyone's collection. Tramp art wa...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Exceptional 19th Century American Tramp Art Candle Box
Located in London, GB
Exceptional 19th century American Tramp Art candle box
We are proud to offer an exceptionally rare example of a mid-19th century handcrafted American Tramp Art Folk Art wall-mounted...
Category
1870s American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Set 18th Century Wooden Sculpted Balls
Located in Nijlen, BE
Playing balls from the 18th century in France.
Although the most famous variant, pétanque, only emerged in the early 20th century, a precursor already had a long history. The game w...
Category
18th Century French Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Oak
19Thc Original Grey Painted Carrier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19THC Original blue / grey painted knife box or carrier. This cutlery is square nail construction and strong and sturdy.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
$388 Sale Price
20% Off
Fox Head Doorstop, Cast Iron Door Stop A Beautiful Cast-Iron Doorstop
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Fox Head Doorstop, Cast Iron Door Stop
A Beautiful Cast-Iron Doorstop depicting a Fox Head dating from the 19th Century
This doorstop is Heavy and in sound used condition it is 6” h...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Iron
Antique Danish 1841 Mangle Board Wedding Love Gift Colorful Hand-Carved Wood
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Antique Danish or Scandinavian mangle board (clothing and bedding press) dated 1941. It has this text cut into it: KM JDR 1841 and a short text painted on both sides of the handle. I...
Category
1840s Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Antique Big Size Mexican Wood Tray
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
A wonderful Antique big size Mexican hand carved wood t with wonderful patina.
Category
Early 20th Century North American Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Burmese Red
Black Lacquer Ladle
Located in Chicago, IL
This colorful, wooden ladle continues the time-honored tradition of Burmese lacquer art (pan yun). Built atop a substrate of wood or bamboo, the decorative ladle has a vibrant finish...
Category
20th Century Burmese Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Vintage European Walking Stick with 12 Badges
Located in High Point, NC
Early 20th century hickory thorn walking stick from Europe. This walking stick has 12 badges, which were acquired by the hiker going from village to village and earning those souven...
Category
20th Century German Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Metal
19th C Tin Wrapped Wooden Spice Containers, 10 Pieces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C Tin Wrapped Wooden Spice Containers.
Stamped: PATENT PACKAGE CO. NEWARK, NEW JERSEY. PAT'D AUG. 31, 1858. Lightweight hardwood construction. Ra...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood, Bentwood
$716 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Southeast Asian Painted Offering Box
Located in Chicago, IL
This footed offering box from southeast Asia brings vibrant color and folk charm to modern interiors as a vide-poche or catch-all dish. The vintage box is shaped of hand-turned wood ...
Category
20th Century Southeast Asian Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Scandinavian 19th Century Folk Art Wood Grain Shovel
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This charming folk art shovel is all wood. The patina on this 19th Century piece is incredible and would make a wonderful wall ornament. This shovel would also be impressive added ...
Category
Late 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Dated 1827 - Antique Norwegian Wall Hanging Cabinet, Hand-Painted by Embrik Bæra
Located in Skien, NO
Antique Norwegian Wall Hanging Cabinet - 1827, Hand-Painted by Embrik Bæra
This exceptional primitive wall-hanging Cabinet / Cupboard / Sideboard ...
Category
Early 19th Century Norwegian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Iron
$6,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Large Antique Steer Weathervane c. 1880
Located in Lancaster, PA
Beautiful antique weathervane most likely by Cushing and White. Origin is New England c. 1880. This weathervane was purchased from Allan Katz Amer...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Copper
Swedish Stump Chair late 1700 century
Located in Farsta, SE
Exceptional Swedish Stump Chair ca 1650–1700
Crafted from driftwood sourced in Dalarna, Northern Sweden, this remarkable chair is made from a sing...
Category
1690s Swedish Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pine
19th century folk art blue wooden stool or side table hand painted flowers
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
19th century folk art blue wooden stool or side table hand painted flowers
Category
1880s Austrian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
Antique Painted Folk Art Bent Wood Box
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
A beautiful antique bentwood box from the 19th century, originating from southern Germany. The box is richly decorated with folk art-style paintin...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Beech, Paint
18/1900s A Fine Bena Lulua Mask - Primitive African Folk Art
Located in Skien, NO
Antique Bena Lulua Mask
Late 1800s to Early 1900s – Democratic Republic of the Congo
This striking primitive folk art mask hails from the Bena Lulua people of the Democratic Republi...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Softwood
$2,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Dated 1835 Antique jug / tankard with rosemaling, Nordic, Rustic Farmhouse Style
Located in Skien, NO
Antique Norwegian Rosemaling Beer Tankard – Hand-Painted Farmhouse Jug, Dated 1835
A primitive, rustic tankard from Norway's countryside, handcra...
Category
Early 19th Century Norwegian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood, Pine, Oak
$720 Sale Price
20% Off
Decorative Wood Carved Tramp Art Keepsake Box or Sailors Valentine with Heart
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A superb Folk Art sailors valentine Tramp Art keepsake box. Wide in form, this beautiful Primitive wood carved box features the letters S and M with a heart between on both sides. Tw...
Category
19th Century English Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Metal
Tiny Kid Size Antique Danish Wooden Mangle Board a Wedding Love Gift with Horse
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Tiny kid size version of a Danish mangle board (clothing and bedding press) dated from ca. 1750-1800.
Made of wood richly decorated with hand-carved geometric patterns and a horse ...
Category
Late 18th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
16/1700s Antique Tankard, Scandinavian folk art, Museum Quality. Norway/Iceland
Located in Skien, NO
Norwegian / Icelandic Baroque-Style Tankard / "Askur"- 17th/18th Century Folk Art Piece
This stunning butter bucket/tankard from Norway or Iceland showcases exceptional Baroque-era ...
Category
18th Century Icelandic Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood, Pine
$3,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Early 20th Century Mexican Alms Box
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this early 20th century Mexican Alms box.
Category
Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
A fine Kuba Mask - Rustic African Folk Art
Located in Skien, NO
Ngaady aMwaash Mask. African Antique Folk Art Kuba Mask, originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Property from a Private Collection. Acquired by a Norwegian Collector...
Category
19th Century Congolese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Softwood
18/1900s Museum Quality Antique-Handcrafted Staup bowl, Horse Handle, Norway
Located in Skien, NO
Museum-Quality Antique Norwegian Ale Bowl (Staup) - Ytre Sogn, Vestland, ca. 1880-1920
This stunning primitive ale bowl is a superb example of Norwegian Heritage folk art, handcraft...
Category
Late 19th Century Norwegian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood, Pine, Bentwood
$3,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Neolithic Grinding Stone from Denmark, circa 3900 – 1700 BCE
Located in Kastrup, DK
Grinding stone used for sharpening and polishing flint tools during the Stone Age. The surface is smooth and slightly curved, shaped through prolonged use. It was likely employed to ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Danish Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Stone
Dated 1857 Hallingdal Rosemaling - Antique Vingebowl, Norway - Museum Quality
Located in Skien, NO
Important Musuem Quality Norwegian Rosemaling wooden vingebowl / ale / beer bowl from 1857 with original Painting / Rosemaling / rose painting. On...
Category
Mid-19th Century Norwegian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood, Bentwood, Pine
$3,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Unusual Tramp Art / Folk Art Wood and Stone Clock, sculpture. cabinet.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Tramp Art / Folk Art Wood and Stone (granite) Clock, sculpture. cabinet.. Amazing decorative item.Antique hand crafted,Stone ,granite cylinders,
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Stone, Granite
Dated 1835 Hallingdal Rosemaling - Antique Ambar Box, Norway - Museum Quality
Located in Skien, NO
Important Norwegian primitive antique amber butter bucket / ambar / Tine Box / Kitchen storage box / centerpiece / centerpiece, boasting stunning hand-carved details and rosemaling /...
Category
Early 19th Century Norwegian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood, Bentwood, Pine
$14,400 Sale Price
20% Off
Dutch Wood Framed Mural Of “Azulejos”
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Dutch Wood Framed Mural Of “Azulejos” or White and Blue Tiles. It depicts three rows of tiles and each one consists of three different tiles...
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Earthenware
19th Century Carved Bull Sign
Located in Coeur d
Alene, ID
Carved and painted wood bull sign. Life size head with carved and painted details, real horns fitted to the head by lead sleeves. The top of the head fashioned from a thick sheath of...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Metal, Iron
19thc Original Green Painted Furkin / Bucket
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original emerald green painted furkin / bucket with the copper nail construction and original handle.The condition is very good.
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
$636 Sale Price
20% Off
Decorated Dutch Antique Copper Bowl / Pot with Lid, 18th Century, Dated 1750
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Antique copper bowl with lid, 18th century
Beautiful and richly decorated antique copper pot with lid with a very attractive decorated dec...
Category
18th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Copper, Metal
Popular Art Shelf in Pine, circa 1900
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Popular art shelf in pine circa 1900
Measures: depth : 23 cm.
Category
Early 20th Century European Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pine
Folk Art antiquities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art antiquities 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 antiquities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art antiquities made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 antiquities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $250 and tops out at $28,000 while the average work can sell for $1,255.
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