Skip to main content

Folk Art 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.

to
496
2,490
1,068
3,904
175,369
36,202
26,842
22,044
10,269
8,623
5,716
4,953
4,567
3,647
2,514
2,403
2,181
1,658
1,561
1,420
1,022
233
1,786
291
1,172
1,538
672
154
90
202
248
150
207
190
207
86
64
1,543
1,136
749
647
375
1,424
1,171
1,064
646
267
3,904
3,904
3,904
117
18
16
10
9
Style: Folk Art
Period: 20th Century
Set of Six Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Models by Somso Germany 1950s
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...
Category

20th Century German Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Composition

Foo Dog Pictorial Chinese 20th Century Wool Rug
Located in New York, NY
Compelling Chinese rug with a motif full of happy foo dogs, circa 1940. The field is a peach tone, with navy and light blue accents Measures: 5'3" x 8'2".
Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

Yoruba Royal Beaded Chair Made in West Africa
Located in London, GB
Yoruba Royal Beaded Chair, West Africa A traditional Yoruba royal beaded chair, handcrafted in West Africa. These chairs were historically made for Yoruba kings and high-ranking ind...
Category

Late 20th Century Sahrawi Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Beads

Large Devil or Krampus Marionette by a Master Puppet Maker, Antique Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is a wonderful depiction of Krampus or the devil puppet. The item is approximately 32 inches tall and has a skeleton, arms and legs made of wood. Height was measured from foot t...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Composition, Metal, Brass

Beautiful Folk Art Wood Carved Chair Foot Rest Stool, Vintage German 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An interesting brutalist stool with hand carved legs, seat and great patina. Great piece of functional sculpture. It is in great vintage condition and is structurally sound. Nice add...
Category

1920s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Tramp Art Frames With Botanical By Karl Blossfeldt
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of botanical photogravures by Karl Blossfeldt (German, b. 1914 - d. 1932), "Urformen der Kunst", First Edition 1929, Berlin. Mounted in a wonderful pair of chip carved Tramp A...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paper

Rare Pug French Bulldog Dog Figural Salt Pepper Shaker Antique German 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare pug or french bulldog Figurine bought in Germany. It is made of china porcelain and very delicate, this would be a great addition for your collection. It is in nice condition ...
Category

1910s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Cork

Hand-Carved Solid Wood African Woman Figure Sculpture – 100 cm / 39.4 in
Located in Turku, Finland
A striking hand-carved solid-wood sculpture depicting a standing female figure in a graceful, elongated pose. The carving shows clear craftsmanship with detailed features, braided ha...
Category

Late 20th Century Tanzanian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

1925 Silver Austrian Charivari or Watch Chain Necklace with Hunting Charm Fobs
Located in Haarlem, NL
Late 19th-early 20th century silver Austrian charivari or watch chain necklace with Hunting charm fobs. Lovely piece of historic Austrian folkloristic jewellery, a real collector’s item this is. A charivari is a piece of traditional Bavarian costume jewellery; this one is made of solid silver. Bavarian men wear the charivari on the belt of their Lederhosen, women wear them as an apron tie or bodice closure. This piece is quite heavy and sturdy. The size of its shackles and the chain length tells me this actually is a men’s charivari. It traditionally served as jewellery or as a talisman for a successful hunt. The charivari originated from a watch chain, which was attached to the buttonhole of the costume shirt and was hung with various hunting trophies. It could not be bought, was carefully preserved and was passed down in a single family through the generations. This one is adorned with rare trinkets; a 1912 coin of the Austrian-Hungarian Emperor a silver male Dachshund charm a set of deer teeth in silver (aka Grandel or Gradln) a silver staggering horse fob...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Silver

Set of Five Bell a Pinecone Christmas Ornaments Vintage, German, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set off five bell and one Pinecone glass ornaments. Each is made from thin mouth blown glass, this would be a great antique addition for your Christmas or f...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wire

Japanese Tall Ikebana Basket, Bamboo, Suruga Sensuji Style
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage bamboo Ikebana basket features tall cylindrical shape with prominent rounded handle. The basket is woven of thin round bamboo strips that are secured with light brown fiber, ...
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan

Petite Antique Nuremberg Gold Foil Golden Angel Christmas Tree Topper 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Rare Antique Nuremberg Angel Tree Topper / Ornament – Christkindlesmarkt, Germany 1900s or older A rare and charming handmade Christmas tree topper or ornament, traditionally sold a...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Paper

Seth of Three Mexican Pendant Lamps in Star Shape
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960, We offer this fantastic seth of three Mexican pendant lamps in star shape.
Category

1960s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Salvador Teran Mosaic Mexican Brass and Tile Box with Aztec Medallion
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful Tile Mosaic and Brass box with wooden interior - the box is made in Taxco by Salvador Teran, who started the famed Los Castillo shop. The maker of the box is likely Salv...
Category

20th Century Mexican Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Brass

Large Vintage Buddha Hand Carved Wood Wall Mask
Located in Bochum, NRW
Large vintage hand-carved from one piece of solid wood Buddha mask with gold leaf embellished lotus headdress. Beautifully hand carved & painted, it has a...
Category

1990s Balinese Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

large butcher s block circa 1930
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
large butcher's block circa 1930 Comes directly from an old butcher's shop, deserves ordinary restoration, very healthy base
Category

1930s French Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Beech

Mid-Century Folk Art Signed Framed Oil On Canvas By Helen Strong - Park Scene
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a signed mid-century Folk Art painting by Helen Strong. It is a charming depiction of a park scene.i could not find any information regarding the artist. It is in an ebonized...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Original Vintage Beatrix Potter Print. Peter Rabbit And Friends C.1905
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Lovely image by Beatrix Potter Rescued from an early edition of " The Tale of Two Bad Mice " Possibly a 1st edition from 1904 The measurement given is the paper size not the actua...
Category

Early 1900s British Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Paper

Professionally Framed Silk and Cotton Ikat Fragment, Uzbekistan, Early 20th C.
Located in Istanbul, TR
First the fragment has been hand backed on a linen fabric, then stretched over a wooden stretcher and finished with a wooden frame. Early 20th C. Uzbekistan. Ready to go on a wall. ...
Category

Early 20th Century Uzbek Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Silk

Swat Valley Hand Painted Chest
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Wonderful hand painted swat valley chest. The colors are great on this piece. There is a sliding door that allows access into this chest.
Category

Early 1900s Pakistani Antique Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Puerto Rican Hand Carved Greater Antillean Crackle Sculpture By Carlos - JCFS
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Puerto Rican Hand Carved Bird Sculpture of a Greater Antillean Crackle-“Chango”. It depicts a well done hand carved black color bird with long wedge tail standing very aler...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Chinese Rug
Located in New York, NY
Full Pile Chinese rug in predominantly blue with vase design in orange and coral from the 2nd quarter of the 20th century. A conversation piece....
Category

1930s Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

Assorted Small Black Forest Roe Buck Mounts
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Assorted Small Black Forest Roe Buck Mounts, Early 20th Century Sold individually.
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Zabihi Collection Chinese Pictorial Animal Early 20th Century Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th-century Peking Chinese Pictorial Rug Details rug no. j4233 size 2' 3" x 4' 5" (69 x 135 cm)
Category

Early 20th Century Mongolian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection 20th Century Turkish Slithering Snake Anatolian Rug
Located in New York, NY
A mid 20th Century Turkish Rug depicting 2 slithering snakes on an ivory field Details rug no. r5744 size 4' 3" x 6' (130 x 183 cm)
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

Folk Art Carved and Painted Owl Decoy, USA, 1900 s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Folk Art carved and painted owl decoy, USA 1900's A decorative barn owl carving decoy Original paint with even wear. Mounted over a new iron stand. We have...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pillowcase Made from a Mid 20th C. Anatolian , Turkish Neutral Kilim
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pillowcase does not come with an insert. Linen in the back. Zipper closure. Dry Cleaning recommended.
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

Hand Carved Wood Figural Bull Statue
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This skillfully executed hand carved figural bull is fully dimensional and has a rich brown color. The bull is depicted in a standing position atop a shaped wooden plinth. The muscular animal has been finished with realistic detail with particular attention given to the bull's facial features and folds of skin. The plinth itself is slightly domed at the center and bears carved elements which include a large rock and stylized plants. The bull measures 8" tall and the base is 10.75" x 4.125". It weighs 1lb 15oz. The carved bull is in very good vintage condition with no cracks or signs of wear. This early 20th century hand carved bull statue...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

French Hand Painted Side Table Early 20th Century Folk Art
Located in Trensacq, FR
Vintage Folk Art hand-painted table C1940s France. Charming French wooden side table beautifully decorated with a floral arrangement. A lovely example of early 20th century French 'A...
Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Cowrie, Painted Palm Bamboo 1950’s Sasak
Located in London, GB
Sasak Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Cowrie & Painted Palm 1950’s Handwoven and richly adorned, this 1950’s Sasak dowry box from Lombok, Indonesia, captures the ceremonial artistry of...
Category

1920s Indonesian Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Other

Early 20th Century Folk Art Crab Restaurant Sign
Located in Solebury, PA
A rare carved wooden crab display sign or merchandising piece, this example features a painted surface and an iron hanger. It retains early metal patches and the paint has been light...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

1950 s Papier mâché french theatre head
Located in Diest, BE
A 1950's rare original James Ensor style papier mâché theatre head. This item was obtained via a private collection (France).
Category

1950s French Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Paper

Antique Wool Amish Diamond in A Square Quilt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20Thc Wool Lancaster County,Pennsylvania diamond in a square quilt in very good condition.Center diamond is in a slate grey.Borders are in a purple with green corner blocks.The cente...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Ottoman Turkish Pillow Case, Early 20th C.
Located in Istanbul, TR
It was made from a pair of shalvars / panatloons that were popular at the time in Western Anatolia. It does not come with an insert but a bag made to the size to accommodate insert m...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Metallic Thread

Chinese Painted Folk Trunk, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Trunks and storage chests were the most ubiquitous form of household storage throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. Used to store clothes, linens, kitchen utensils, and other miscel...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Pine

Satyr Centaur Krampus Devil w. Horns vintage Figure Sculpture Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This unique Christmas figure from Austria features a handmade figurine of the Christmas character Krampus, Belsnickel's companion. The vintage piece dates from the 1960s or older and...
Category

20th Century Austrian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Composition

Folk Art Hand Painted Trinket Box in the Style of Peter Hunt Circa 1940s
Located in Peabody, MA
Primitive hand decorated trinket box in the style of the noted Provincetown folk artist Peter Hunt, ca. 1940s. Humorous interior label indicates it is "four of four of a kind" and ...
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Rustic Figures in a Farmyard, in the Manner of Jack Kampmann, C.1950.
By Jack Kampmann
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Charming painting of 2 female farm labourers Unsigned. In the style of Jack Kampmann Oil on board. Possibly Faroe Islands Presented in an antique whi...
Category

1950s Faeroese Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Paint

Royal Doulton Porcelain Figurine, "The Mendicant"
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Royal Doulton The Mendicant, Moroccan figurine of a man wearing a turban and playing a tamburine. High glazed, finely modeled bone china with exquisi...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Wabi Sabi Style Dining Chair in Patinated Elm Wood, Mid-Century, Italy
Located in Odense, DK
A striking solo Alpine-style dining chair, crafted in mid-century Northern Italy or Switzerland, characterized by its distinctive carved splat back and robust construction. This vers...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Elm

Mid Century Haitian Paintings of Jungle Scenes by Felix Bryoché
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Enchanting vintage acrylic paintings on boards of two jungle scenes with African animals and trees in an eccentric composition executed in a distinctive naive style with a lush power...
Category

Mid-20th Century Haitian Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Paint

Whimsical Animal Human Figurative Turkish Rug
Located in New York, NY
One of a kind whimsical Turkish Animal Human figurative Motif on a fuchsia ground. This rug is from the middle of the 20th century. Elephants, horses, hu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

Soldier on Horse Pull Toy Vintage Folk Art Ore Mountains, German, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This old hand carved wooden Soldier and horse on wooden wheels Toy, was made in the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) in Germany. It remains fully functional. Crafted in Germany during the ...
Category

1950s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Paper

Taxco Mexican Sterling Mask Brooch with Large Green Agate and Stamped Details
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Taxco Sterling Mask Brooch with Large Green Agate and Stamped Details 925 silver brooch with carved details and green agate stone from an ancient Mexican mask is a beautiful piece t...
Category

20th Century Mexican Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Agate, Sterling Silver

Pillow Case Made from a Mid 20th C. Anatolian , Turkish Neutral Kilim
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pillowcase does not come with an insert. Linen in the back. Zipper closure. Dry Cleaning recommended.
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Red Tole Metal Tea Coffee Countertop Storage Bin
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Wonderful patina on this antique general store tea or coffee canister. Certainly a unique piece that could used on a kitchen counter or in a reta...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Metal

Vintage American Brass Sperm Whale Doorstop
Located in Chicago, IL
This vintage American brass sperm whale doorstop is a delightful blend of charm and functionality, perfect for adding a splash of coastal flair to your space. Cast in solid brass, th...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Brass

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 Furniture

Materials

Pine, Hardwood, Beech

Hand Colored Map of Nantucket by Austin Strong (1881 - 1952), circa 1921
Located in Nantucket, MA
Map of Nantucket by Austin Strong (1881 - 1952), circa 1921, an original print on paper whimsical map of Nantucket Island by Robert Louis Stevenson's step- grandson, noted stage set ...
Category

1920s American Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Paper

large Santa Claus Belsnickel Papermache German Christmas Figure 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful German Belsnickle / Santa Claus Paper Mâché Christmas Figure – c. Early 1930s This charming German Belsnickle / Santa Claus figure dates to the early 1930s, likely crafted...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Paper

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 Furniture

Materials

Wood

Carved Cigar Store Native American Indian, Shop Trade Sign
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Carved Cigar Store Native American Indian, Shop Trade Sign This is a very rare find, he is an almost full size American Indian Chief, he is carved from one piece of wood ( a tree tr...
Category

1930s Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Folk Art Wooden Lidded Tankards, Early 1920s
Located in Bochum, NRW
Swedish wooden Lidded Tankard and Pitcher, made of staves that are held together with split-branch banding. The lids are hinged. Both beautifully decorated in blue-green and oxblood ...
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Cast Iron Tuxedo Cat Bookends or Doorstops
Located in Red Lion, PA
This charming pair of 20th-century cast iron tuxedo cat bookends captures the elegance and playfulness of these beloved felines. Heavy for their size, they ...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Iron

Lot of Four Vintage Steiff Animals, Squirrel Camel Hamster Giraffe, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This collection of stuffed animals includes 4 figures: 1) Miniature Steiff Squirrel (No button and flag, but cardboard label). About 3.75" high. 2) Steiff Hamster (parts of flag and...
Category

1960s German Vintage Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Mohair

Vintage Splint Bamboo Rattan Woven Storage Ikebana Basket
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
The vintage basket features square base and rounded top. The top is reinforced with bent bamboo, wrapped and braided with splints; two carved wooden legs are attached to the wooden ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker

Early 20th Century Double-Sided "Kings Head" Hand Painted Metal English Pub Sign
Located in Brooklyn, NY
English two-sided handmade and painted metal pub sign depicting a king of clubs with the text "Flowers" above and "Kings Head" below (ca. early 1900s, England). Identical imagery and...
Category

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Metal

Ikat Panel, Uzbekistan, Early 20th Century.
Located in Istanbul, TR
An attractive rare ıkat panel dating back to early 20th C.
Category

Early 20th Century Uzbek Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Silk

Vintage Charcoal Rubbing of Thai Musicians
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Thai Temple charcoal rubbing. Hand crafted temple scenes at the Wat Pho temple located in Phra Nakhon district in Bangkok Thailand...
Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Furniture

Materials

Paper

Folk Art furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art furniture 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include Berber Tribes of Morocco, Mosche Bianche, Jim Rose, 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $20 and tops out at $225,000 while the average work can sell for $1,252.

Still Thinking About These?

All Recently Viewed