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Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

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
Two Roe Deer Antler Mount Trophy on Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque from Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of two vintage Black Forest deer antler trophies on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaques. I think they are from the early 20th Century. Measurement'...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Antler, Wood

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...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paper

Complete Handmade Game Box with Dominoes, Six Dice Playing Cards, circa 1940s
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good handmade Inlaid, lidded games box or compendium, complete with a 6-spot Dominoe set, 6 dice and a set of playing cards, which we date to the mid-20th century, circa 1940s. This is a lovely handmade Treen like games box set or compendium comprising; A complete set of handmade wood 6-spot dominoes with brass inlaid detail Six handmade wood dice with inlaid brass detail. A set of boxed...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

"Joe Penner" Vintage Clockwork Windup Toy by Louis Marx Co American Circa 1930 s
Located in Incline Village, NV
Fabulous American vintage all tin wind-up toy with attached key and clockwork mechanism, whereby upon winding it up, the character (Joe Penner) waddles aimlessly across the floor, hat flying in the air with notorious cigar in motion (see attached video with listing). The toy is in wonderful and complete original condition with all original parts and authentic factory paint. It is often found incomplete (cigar or hat missing more often than not); and usually doesn't work properly. My example works great and is in nice bright original paint and lithography, in multiple colors of a black and white checkered suit...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Sheep Shepherd Grulich Christmas Nativity Figure Lot, mid 19th Century Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Antique Grulich Nativity Figures — Late 19th Century Shepherd, mid 19th Century Sheep This rare and culturally significant set of nativity figures originates from the his...
Category

Late 19th Century Czech Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Vintage Moroccan Silver Fibula Collectible Ethnic Jewelry Talisman
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Moroccan Silver Fibula Collectible Ethnic Jewelry Talisman. Circa 1960's. Beautiful vintage Moroccan fibula. Nice Folk Art. A fibula was used t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

1950 s Aurora Toys Ring A Bell Carnival Style Toy
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An iron carnival style toy with wooden bead and original paper litho with pounds of pressure. Made by Aurora Toy Sales, Aurora, Illinois. A good hit will ring the bell. Dimensions: ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

"Magic Mouse" Mechanical Bank, Japan, circa 1964
Located in Incline Village, NV
For the mechanical bank and toy enthusiast, listed is a tin, lithographed and painted, all original 1960s mechanical bank made by the Yone Company of Japan (see image of logo on side panel). The company was founded in 1950 and is typical of the post war companies who produced outstanding children's toys. The action is unique, clever, and encourages saving money. With the bank wound (attached key wind on the underneath (see image); place a penny on the spot provided on top of the bank. The mouse dashes out of the grey shoe...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Very Long Racing Scull or Oar from Eton College Windsor
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Very Long Racing Scull or Oar from Eton College Windsor This is a fine quality extra long oar from Eton College, the spoon or blade has blue chevrons ...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ash

Rare 911 Porsche Friction Tin Toy by Bandai Toy Co. Made in Japan Circa 1960 s
Located in Incline Village, NV
Offered here is a whitish/cream colored friction tin toy 911 Porsche circa 1960's, marked at the bottom; "Porsche" in addition to the Bandai Toy Company logo embossed, along with "Made in Japan" designation being noted. The Bandai Toy Company is a post war toy company established in Taito, Japan circa 1950 and is still conducting business today, albeit, it has shifted from toy manufacturing to video toy accessories. This is a very rare toy and is coveted by collectors of both toys and fast cars. Except for the odd and minor scratch here and there, the toy is in very nice, all original condition with absolutely no restoration or touch up to the paint or mechanism (see images). The action and friction functionality works well (see video). Motor and engine mechanics and nomenclature are colorfully displayed through the plastic rear trunk window (see image); while the colorful interior can be seen through the side window. Car is all tin, with rubber tires and plastic windows. Dimensions: 10 1/4" long x 4" wide x 3 1/4" high. Priced competitively; note that this toy doesn't become available very often and the few that have turned up in recent years , don't work and are several hundred dollars more than mine. Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys; important considering fakes and reproductions in the marketplace it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin...
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Turkish WWI Prisoner of War Glass Beadwork Amulet Necklace
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptionally good quality Turkish prisoner of war glass beadwork amulet necklace dating from the first world war 1914-1919. These pieces were made by Turkish prisoners of war, ca...
Category

1910s Turkish Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass

Antique Hand Tooled Leather African Tribal Moroccan Bag Collectible, 1940s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique collectible leather African Moroccan satchel bag with flap decorated with traditional Moorish embroideries. Hand-tooled in Marrakech, this is an old antique shoulder slim bag, merchants in Morocco when traveling used this bag under their coat to put their money and valuables and medicine. This messenger shoulder leather African bag is one of a kind and reflect the folk artwork of the Berber Tribes of Morocco. Antique leather African Moroccan satchel bag with flap decorated with traditional Berber embroideries. Antique collectible leather bag, handmade in Morocco. True vintage Berber bag collectible piece of decorative wall art. The leather is hand embroidered. Artisan hand tooled very unusual and rare leather bag. Handmade from thick tan leather. The strap is long enough to wear the bag at the shoulder or cross-body with it sitting above the hip. Under the flap, you'll find one long narrow main pocket. This beautiful leather bag has been crafted in Morocco. This bag has a fold over fastening. The bag craftsmanship embroidered consists of geometrical Moroccan Moorish designs. This messenger shoulder leather African bag will be great as Moroccan Art wall decoration, just hanging from a hook or framed in a plexiglass presentation box. Dimensions: H 9 in. x W 10.5 in. x D 0.75 in. Total length 29 in. strap is 20 in. circa 1920. This messenger shoulder leather North African exotic bag...
Category

Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Vintage Cast Iron Book of Knowledge Mechanical Bank, Punch Judy, 20th Century
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Hand-painted cast iron mechanical bank "Punch and Judy Bank." A vintage book of knowledge Punch & Judy mechanical bank offers polychrome cast cons...
Category

Early 20th Century Taiwanese Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Children s Bowling Game of "Fancy Ten Pins" by Spears Works Bavaria, Circa 1935
By JW Spears 1
Located in Incline Village, NV
This rare and unique game is in excellent all original condition with it's original, highly lithographed colorful box, This seemingly little used pre-war game is completely intact an...
Category

1930s Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Vintage "Siren Fire Chief" Car by The Marx Toy Company, New York, Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
Made of pressed steel and in excellent all original condition, this wind-up toy has just about all of it's original strong paint with zero touch-up and no restoration (see images). It works great (video available upon request), and is quite substantial and sturdy in stature and size at 14 1/2" long; almost has the feel of a keystone or buddy L piece. Girard made an almost identical vehicle, so it is my feeling that Marx bought the patent from them and manufactured under their own name. There are no scratches or dents and the original gold stenciled writing to the doors and engine hood states "Fire Dept...
Category

1930s Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Deep Design Nine Little Art Histories by Libby Lumpkin Art Book
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Deep Design: Nine Little Art Histories by Libby Lumpkin. January 1, 1995 In nine ambitious essays of uncommon erudition, art historian Libby Lumpkin constructs quirky condensed his...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Irish Pony Saddle
Located in Greenwich, CT
Unusual Irish 19th century specialty pony saddle with center harness by Rafferty of Dublin, in richly patinated leather, brass and timber and with padded t...
Category

1880s Irish Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Three Chamois Antler Mount Trophy on Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of three antique Austrian Alps Chamois antler trophies on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaques. I think they are from the 1890s or older. Tallest is approximate 10" high, 6...
Category

1890s Austrian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Antler, Wood

Moroccan Berber Tribal Ethnic Bracelet
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Moroccan Berber tribal bracelet. Moroccan tribal bracelets from the High Atlas of Morocco. Handcrafted by Berber women using Moroccan silver nickel. The ethnic Nomadic and Bedouin jewelry...
Category

20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Silver

Whaler Made Bone and Ebonized Wood Round Lidded Box, circa 1850
Located in Stamford, CT
Whaler made antique bone and ebonized wood round box, circa 1850. With pierced bone medallion and delicately carved bone spiral decorative supports on the...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bone, Wood

Vintage Marx Fire Chief Friction Action Toy Sedan American, Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
This original vintage friction activated toy sedan" Fire Chief" Car by The Marx Toy Company, circa 1930, is a difficult toy to find, especially in this variation, which I have not se...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin, Steel

World War 2 / WWII Era Wooden Airplane Propeller Folk Art Mantel Clock
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This wooden Folk Art made propeller clock is presumed to have originated in England and fashioned into a mantel clock in North America in circa 1960. T...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

English Folk Art Church Model
Located in London, GB
Folk Art Church Model We are proud to offer a wonderful example of a mid-20th Century folk-art church model. Built from scratch using various material...
Category

1940s British Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Pair of Reindeer Antique Still Banks, American, circa 1910
Located in Incline Village, NV
These two authentic cast iron antique still banks depict a large reindeer and a smaller one standing nearby. Together, they make a wonderful Christ...
Category

1910s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Rare, special smoking table, tabbacco accessories, Black Forest, Tramp Art, 1895
Located in Wien, AT
Fascinating smoking table with detachable accessories, made in Bavaria or Austria at the end of the 19th century. The ingenious design features a column - stylized as a branch growi...
Category

1890s German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Large Antique Wooden American Mortar and Pestle
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large wood antique American mortar and pestle. Early 19th c. Americana turned wood footed mortar and pestle. American, late 19th century wooden mortar and pestle...
Category

Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Vintage Tin Wind Up Toy "Boy Skier" by J. Chein Co. American Circa 1950
Located in Incline Village, NV
Very nice condition all tin, vintage wind up toy by J. Chein Company, New York City, circa 1950, "Boy Skier"; in all original paint and lithography; in ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Danish 19th Century Wooden Folk Art Bible Box "Forget Me Not"
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-19th century wooden box designed to look like a Bible. Text engraved with monogramme. The four words in the corners are quite cute and charming: Danish: "FOR - GLEM - MIG - EJ"...
Category

19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

French Hand-Painted Lady Sculpture Door Stop in Solid Cast Iron
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Late 19th century door stop, France, circa 1880. This lady sculpture is made in heavy solid cast iron and is in it original hand-painted colors.
Category

19th Century English Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

1920 s German Airplane Penny Toy by Kellerman (Mounted on Marx "Lucky Stunt")
Located in Incline Village, NV
Great item for toy collectors and those who collect aeronautical items. Being offered is a very rare German Penny Toy from the 1920’s, manufactured by the well known, and quality toy...
Category

1920s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Vintage Toy Wind-Up "Johnny" The Dancing Clown by Lindstrom Toy Co., Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is a hard to find pre war vintage, Made in America wind up tin toy by The Lindstrom Toy Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut, circa 1928-1932. The action is fabulous; when wound ...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Vintage French Toy "Les Acrobates", circa 1920
By G. Doloy
Located in Incline Village, NV
Rare 100 year old French toy in it's original box depicting two acrobats attached to a wire frame with brown barrel weights, cascading down a green metal ladder. Once assembled (loop...
Category

1920s French Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Set of Six Carnival Knockdown Dolls
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Set of six vintage folk art carnival knockdown dolls crafted in canvas, hand painted on both sides, trimmed with cotton fur and weighted at the bottom....
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Cotton

Rare Italian Hand Carved Folk Art Santos Doll, circa 1840
Located in London, GB
We are proud to offer a mid-19th century hand carved figure of a Santos doll. The figure is made using pine wood and section constructed with pinned wooden...
Category

1840s Italian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Pine

Antique Chinese Checkers Game Board with Original Paint and Blue Accents
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A solid wood antique Chinese Checkers game board. This piece is from Pennsylvania and was created in the early 1900s. It is created from wood and features hand-drilled holes for marb...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paint

Our Lady of Guadalupe Carved Wood Hanging Wall Sculpture or Plaque
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A hand-carved Virgin of Guadalupe Wood Plaque. This beautifully crafted wooden hanging plaque features the iconic image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Carved with intricate detail, it c...
Category

20th Century Mexican Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

18th Century Carved Wooden Representing Christ on the Cross Folk Art
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Latin American 1700s wooden crucifix. Carved face and body features. Beautiful patina. Jesus on the Cross Folk Art. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and V...
Category

Mid-18th Century Paraguayan Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Antique Silver Repousse Islamic Talisman Holder
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique Silver Repousse Islamic Talisman box Holder. Large Berber tribal ethnic talisman pendant holder. In triangular shape, silver repousse talisman miniature case which would have stored select verses of the Koran Revelation considered to hold special protective powers. This would have originally been worn by someone to protect from the evil eye. The front has intricate, dense design., the back is plain, the box have been sealed and soldered to protect the scriptures. Large silver triangle pendant with hanging beads, embossed silver metal with geometrical relief and repousse. This beautiful antique ethnic piece could be worn as a piece of jewelry, pendant or pin broch, necklace, pendant. Silver Metal triangle shaped box with eleven hanging charms that will makes sounds to push away any bad spirit when moving. Great Islamic Folk Art, metal work, bold, beautiful and musical. The containers would have also held a miniature paper scroll containing a combination of prayers and Koranic verses. Material: German nickel silver. circa 1920s. Probably from North India, Kashmir, but similar to the North African Berber and Tuareg Jewelry...
Category

Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Vintage Bavarian Traditional Costume Jewelry Charivari with Hunting Pendants
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Bavarian Traditional Costume Jewelry Charivari with Hunting Pendants Item e7409 A Bavarian Charivari from the middle of the 20th century. A beautiful piece of historical Bava...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Silver

West Germany Mercury Glass Large 4" Silver Grape Bunch Christmas Tree Ornament
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a wonderful large mercury glass hand blown Christmas ornament in the shape of a bunch of grapes. The grapes are silver in color with a leaf on each side that has a sugary fin...
Category

1950s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mercury Glass

Early Vintage Chein Company All Tin Toy Wind-Up Limousine, American, Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is one of the earlier, New York City based, J. Chein Company, tin toy pieces. They started doing lithography in 1930. This toy wind-up sedan was made circa 1930 and is brightly ...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

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...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

Antique Toy Wind-Up Double Decker Bus by Ferdinand Strauss Toy Co. Circa 1925
Located in Incline Village, NV
Antique Wind-Up Double Decker open air bus by the Ferdinand Strauss Toy Company, New York; circa 1925; is quite a large and substantial toy resembling ver...
Category

1920s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Handmade Collectible Cusco Peruvian Dolls 1960s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Handmade vintage collectible Cusco Peruvian dolls feature stuffed bodies, sewn-on faces, and braided black yarn hair. They wear traditional cotton and wool garments, representing the...
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric

African Urembo Beaded Vintage Necklace Choker by the Maasai Tribe Kenya
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage African Urembo beaded necklace choker. Handmade in Kenya by the maasai tribe. Urembo means “beauty” and the handmade pattern and unique ...
Category

Late 20th Century Kenyan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Beads

Traditional Silver Torque Necklace Chocker from Rajasthan India
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Traditional torque or Hansuli silvered necklace choker from Lambadi or Banjara and Sugali People, Andhra Pradesh, India.t India, circa 1940. Fabulous vi...
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Spelter Still Bank "Seated Cat with a Bow" German, circa 1920
Located in Incline Village, NV
The term "spelter" refers to a zinc/lead metal compound used to pour and make castings. Because of the thinness of the castings there is great detail to the subject matter of these banks. Spelter banks...
Category

1920s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Spelter

Antique German Folk Art Spun Cotton Wool Santa Claus Ornament Doll Figurine
Located in Dayton, OH
Large antique German spun cotton wool Santa Claus Christmas ornament doll with hand painted composition face. Measure: 9".
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic, Wool, Cotton

Vintage Tin Wind-up Toy "Clown in A Barrel" by J Chein Co. American Circa 1935
Located in Incline Village, NV
Made by J. Chein & Company Circa 1935 in New York City; originally inventoried as #258 (same number as similar looking Popeye toy dated 1932) and was named "Mechanical Clown Barrel Walker". The name of the maker "Chein" is stamped as a logo to the rear of the barrel (see image). This is one of the earlier toys that Chein made. The lithography and hand paint are in gorgeous original condition with bright colors of red and gold to the barrel, flesh tones to the clown, who sports a multi colorful smiling face. The toy works great; simply wind the attached key wind in the back 1/2 revolution; place on the hard surface----the clown waddles across the floor, back and forth, while shaking his head to and fro (see accompanying video with this listing to see it work) In addition to being quite a scarce toy it is even more difficult to find in this fine condition. Often times the head is lacking or replaced from rough usage and surface rarely maintains this beautiful finish. This particular example is completely original with no restorations, repairs, or touch up paint of any kind. There is a small 5/8" superficial indentation to the front top of barrel (see image). This would make a proud addition to any collection of vintage toys or Americana. Dimensions: 7 1/2" high x 3 1/4" wide x 4" deep See my other listings of over 100+ vintage toys and antique children's toy savings banks from which to chose. Provenance: From a recently acquired West Coast collection of fine quality tin toys. Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys and children's playthings; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace. My toys operate properly and are as stated and accurately described. it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage...
Category

1930s Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Antique French Marionette
Located in Houston, TX
We found this wonderful 19th century French marionette in Rouen France. The puppet, and its art form, have been a mainstay of French cultural life f...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Rare Mushroom, Clown and Boy Head Christmas Ornament Vintage, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set of three. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size alw...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wire

19th Century French Nautical Musical Automaton, circa 1860
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique French Nautical Automaton, likely from Marseilles, circa 1860, a glass domed diorama with windmills and cottages on hillside, overlooking harbor with ship rocking on waves to a musical tune. The interior of glass dome has a hand painted landscape with trees, village and expansive sky; the diorama features a carved or molded cottage and windmill with figures winding along path down to the water's edge; a paper or papier-mache barque rides on a blue tissue paper sea; a pull-string activated mechanism plays music, rocks the ship on the sea...
Category

1860s French Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Clay, Glass, Paper

Religious Chalkware Diorama
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Amazing religious chalkware wall hanging found in a Catholic church in Philadelphia. The pictures describe it all. Wonderful detail and dimension.
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster

"George The Drummer Boy" Tin windup Toy by Louis Marx, New York City. Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
This circa 1930 "George, Drummer Boy" brightly colored lithographed tin wind-up toy capitalizes on the popularity of marching bands, spawned from the military and World War I victory...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Two Tribal Bronze Konga Anklet Leg Band
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
An early 20th century antique African tribal leg band (ankle bracelet), These leg bands were both currency and status symbols for the Mongo tribe of northwest Congo. They were ma...
Category

Early 20th Century Congolese Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Davis Hall Nantucket South Shoal Lightship Hand Woven Basket, circa 1870s
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful and quite rare and hard to find nantucket lightship basket by Davis Hall, (1828-1906). Hall's baskets are prized by collectors of lightship baskets worldwide. This basket is made with his traditional swing handle and rounded lollipop connecting two ends. Hall cultivated his basket-making skill on the South shoal lightship after the American Civil War...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Rattan, Cane, Wood

1850-1950 Folk Art Rustic Wood Guitar Harp Decorative Wall Hanging or Sculpture
Located in Topeka, KS
Fantastic 20th Century Folk Art Rustic wood Guitar Harp or Harp Guitar decorative wall hanging or sculpture. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wire

Moroccan Tribal Silver Jewelry Set Choker and Bracelet
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A Moroccan Tribal jewelry vintage set of a bracelet and a chocker inlaid with colorful glass beads in red and green and dangling coins. Silver, but not of the standard of sterling and richly embellished with applied silver designs and filigree. Chocker size: 10" height x 8" wide bracelet: 3"5 diameter x 1". German nickel silver.
Category

Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Marx "Wonder Cyclist" American Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
Marx "Wonder Cyclist" is the earlier version of this wind-up "Boy on a Tricycle" toy; and not to be confused with the later version by Unique Art called "Kiddy Cyclist". This toy featured is MUCH more rare and more sought after by collectors of early tin wind up toys...
Category

1830s American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Rare Set of Three Santa Claus Mercury Glass Christmas Ornament Vintage, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set of three. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size always given for the tallest item...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wire

Folk Art collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art collectibles and curiosities 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 collectibles and curiosities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, folk art, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art collectibles and curiosities made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original collectibles and curiosities, popular names associated with this style include Berber Tribes of Morocco, J. Chein Co., Louis Marx and Company, and Nils Olsson. 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 collectibles and curiosities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $29 and tops out at $45,000 while the average work can sell for $652.

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