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Folk Art Decorative Art

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
Original Antique Print of a Cole Titmouse, C.1880, Unframed
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a Cole Titmouse Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Alexander Francis Lydon. Origin...
Category

1880s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Zabihi Collection Persian Gabbeh Souf Rug
Located in New York, NY
A late-20th century Gabbeh rug with a checkered colorful border surrounded by a stand-alone tree on a camel ground woven with a souf technique Measures: 2'6'' x 3'11'' Souf rugs...
Category

20th Century Persian Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wool

Double Sailor s Valentine of Sea Shells with Heart and Star Designs
Located in Downingtown, PA
A Sailor's Keepsake: The Art of the Barbados Shell Valentine "Double the Affection": An Antique Spanish Cedar Sailor's Valentine This beautiful, octagonal, hinged box is a superb ex...
Category

1880s Bajan Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Shell

Set of Three Folk Art Straight Edge Razor Trade Signs
Located in Stamford, CT
Three whimsical American folk carved wood art trade signs in the form of straight edge razors. Used by barbers as interior advertisements. Two have...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Set of 6 Original Antique Reptile Prints, Tallis, circa 1850
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great images of reptiles Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithographs with original color. Published by Tallis c...
Category

1850s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Still Life with Flowers, Oil Painting on Canvas by American-Italian Artist
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Artwork from US born Italian artist Emanuele Laustino (Pittsburgh 1916-Asti 1988). Laustino was the son of immigrants from Asti´s countryside in Northern Italy, and moved to the Unit...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Botanical Persian Pictorial Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th Century Persian Persian Bakhtiari Pictorial signed Prayer rug. Light enough to use as a wall piece as well Measures: 5'5'' x 8'2''.  
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wool

Folk Art Glass Shard Cat Picture
Located in Riverdale, NY
Charming Folk Art glass shard cat picture set within a grey washed handmade wood frame. Made with glass shard mosaics by hand depicting in an image of a ca...
Category

1940s North American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Glass

Holstein Milk Painted Metal Trade Sign
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This folky original painted hand made Holsteins Milk metal farm trade sign has the original chain for hanging.It has spots that has paint loss and mino...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Metal

British Sailor s Woolwork of Three Royal Navy Ships, Circa 1885
Located in Downingtown, PA
British sailor's woolwork of three royal navy ships Circa 1885 The British sailor woolwork depicts an unusual scene of three different types of Royal Navy Ships which are all flying the White...
Category

1880s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wool

Framed Antique Silk and Cotton Ikat Fragment, 19th 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. Late 19th C. Uzbekistan Ready to go on a wall. Fr...
Category

Mid-19th Century Uzbek Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Vintage Jerusalem Ceramic Tile Handcrafted in Palestine Wall Decor
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Jerusalem Ceramic Tile Handcrafted in Palestine. Decorative Hand-painted Jerusalem ceramic tile with colorful floral ornament, olives and leaves in a Naif design style. A gla...
Category

Mid-20th Century Palestinian Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Navajo-Inspired Quilt, Handcrafted Cotton Folk Art, Circa 1880s
Located in Hudson, NY
Rare 19th century American Quilt perhaps a unique design. The obvious Navajo influence of the Red Cross symbolizing the Spider Woman is unquestionable. They're being 13 crosses also ...
Category

1880s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Cotton

Antique Dutch Dark Blue Glazed Ceramic Tiles
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is an amazing set of dark blue handmade tiles of a Dutch scenery of sailing ships. With 6 different stylized designs. These tiles would be charming displayed on easels, framed or incorporated into a custom tile design. Please note that the price is for a set of 6 tiles...
Category

20th Century Belgian Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

German Folk Art Naïve Military Painting, circa 1870
Located in London, GB
A wonderful example of a circa 1870 German Folk Art naïve military scene in townscape annotated to celebrate a soldier. In ceremonial regalia in watercolou...
Category

1870s German Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

"In The Shade of The Old Apple Tree" Tin Advertising Sign, American, circa 1906
Located in Incline Village, NV
Outstanding example of this iconic and highly sought after tin advertising sign made by the Shonk Company, Chicago, Illinois, circa 1906. The subject matter depicts a farm scene with...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Tin

American Feltwork Picture of Fruit in a Footed Bowl, Probably New York State
Located in Downingtown, PA
American Feltwork Picture of Fruit in a Bowl, Probably New York State, Circa 1890-1910 The large framed American feltwork picture is extremely striking with strong original colors. The feltwork depicts a group of different fruit in an openwork metal footed bowl...
Category

1890s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Textile, Felt

Antique 1832 Sampler, Jane Peacock Age 8, Friendship
Located in Bridgeport, CT
By Jane Peacock age 8. With a Friendship poem along with embroidered birds, squirrels, and a charming house in the country with a dog in the yard. A pretty floral vine border on all ...
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Fabric, Glass, Wood

Advertising Tin Sign "The Delaware Insurance Company of Philadelphia" Circa 1885
By The Delaware Insurance Company of Philadelphia
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is a very rare and early (circa 1885) tin advertising sign, commissioned by the Delaware Insurance Company, located and founded in Philadelphia in 1835. It was probably made by noted late 19th century sign maker, Sentenne & Green, of New York City, established in the 1870's. With an Indian motif, the sign features a Native American Indian, front and center, decorated in a brown and green headdress; with red, cream and aqua clothing and a large gold medallion...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Tin

Hand-Painted Spanish Ceramic Tile Mural by Sevillarte
Located in Antwerp, BE
Hand-Painted Spanish Ceramic Tile Mural by Sevillarte, Signed by H. Carol C. — Floral Still Life, ca. Late 20th Century This stunning ceramic tile mural is a vivid testament to the ...
Category

20th Century Spanish Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wrought Iron

Arthur Nevin Print of a Red-Breasted Merganser Duck Decoy, Beach Haven, NJ
Located in Downingtown, PA
American Folk Art Reimagined: A Print of a Duck Decoy by Arthur Nevin This lithograph print of a Redbreasted Merganser decoy is a compelling piece that bridges the worlds of American folk art, natural history, and modern printmaking. Created by the artist Arthur Nevin in circa 1970, this work is a tribute to a quintessential piece of Americana. The print is specifically inscribed with "Redbreasted Merganser, Beach Haven...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Print of Crossbills, 1847 Unframed
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of crossbills Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Cpt. brown with original hand color. ...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Print of Seals, 1847 Unframed
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of seals. Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Cpt. brown with original hand color. Published...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Print of a Racehorse, 1847 Unframed
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a racehorse. Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after George Stubbs with original hand color. ...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

1 of the 144 Handmade Antique Ceramic Iles by Devres, France, circa 1910s
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is a amazing and unique set of 511 antique French handmade ceramic tiles. Manufactured by Devres, circa 1910s. Stylized design. Each patte...
Category

1910s French Vintage Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

French, 19th Century Folk Art Iron Shoemakers Shop Trade Sign
Located in Buisson, FR
One of a kind folk art riveted sheet iron shoemakers shop sign. Amazing item that was once the trade sign of a boot/ shoe maker or shoe shop in the early 19th century. Great piece in...
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Iron

1 of the 100 Unique Antique Relief Tiles, circa 1920 S.A. Pavillions
Located in Rijssen, NL
Several pcs. exceptional antique wall tiles, Société des Pavillions, Florennes (S.A. des Pavillions). Beautiful quality. The dimensions per tile a...
Category

1920s Belgian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

Folk Art Hand Hooked Rug with Chickens, circa 1880
Located in Nantucket, MA
Folk Art Hand Hooked rug with chickens, circa 1880, with two grey chicks standing on black and tan patches (respectively) on a white ground, separated by a double chevron band of mul...
Category

1880s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Burlap, Wool

Original Wood Carved Carnival Midway Poster Letterpress
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Set of three original hand-carved letterpress made by the Neal Walters Poster Company. Fantastic carnival midway scene. Games, carnival rides and acrobats. Carved with incredible detail, please see photos. The colors are the original ink used during the three color posted printing process. Circus and...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Diorama of Frederiksborg Castle in Denmark
Located in Copenhagen, K
Amazing Danish model representing a scene with three-dimensional figures of Frederiksborg castle and gardens. With miniature people and trees in the f...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paint

Folk Art Greyhound Bus Lines Logo Hooked Rug or Wall Hanging
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This unique and colorful Folk Art hooked rug was designed and crafted sometime between 1970 and 1980 and could be easily be adapted for use as a wall hanging. This rug is presumably made from synthetic wool and employs five colors to represent the Greyhound Bus...
Category

Late 20th Century Canadian Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Synthetic

Wet-Cut Mosaic Wall Decoration
Located in Rockaway, NJ
One of a kind original piece of earthenware ceramic featuring several custom and proprietary glaze chemistries, including luster glazing.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Earthenware, Wood

Pair of Gros-Point Stitched Panels Representing Orientalist Scenes
Located in Antwerp, BE
A pair of gros – point stitched panels representing orientalist scenes: One with a tiger hunt and the other with a battle scene, both in a setting of tropical vegetation on a black g...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Fabric, Wood

"De Laval" Tin Advertising Sign, American, circa 1905, Near Mint
Located in Incline Village, NV
Having started in Sweden, the company opened up in America in 1888 as the "De Laval Cream Separator Company" in New York City, with a production plant ...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Tin

Framed Antique 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. E 20th Century. Uzbekistan Ready to go on a wall....
Category

Early 20th Century Uzbek Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Framed Antique Silk 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. E 20th Century. UZBEKISTAN Ready to go on a wall....
Category

Early 20th Century Uzbek Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Framed Antique Silk and Cotton Ikat Fragment, Uzbekistan
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. Late 19th C. Tajikstan Ready to go on a wall. Fra...
Category

19th Century Uzbek Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Original Antique Print of Indian Pigeons, 1847 Unframed
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of Indian pigeons. Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Cpt. brown with original hand color. ...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Pat Custer Denison Mixed Media Hanging Folk Art Turtle
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
This signed mixed media hanging folk art turtle by Pat Custer Denison showcases a playful, expressive interpretation of form through bold color and layered surface detail. Decorative...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Original Antique Print of a Cat After Landseer, Early 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a cat presented in an antique distressed pine frame Copper-plate engraving after Landseer Published About 1840 There is a single horiz...
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Pine, Paper

Large Antique Handcrafted Folk Art Sign ..MASONIC TEMPLE, Raised Letters
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large antique handcrafted Folk Art sign ..MASONIC TEMPLE,, Beautiful sign,, turn of the century,, Retains original finish,, patina,, modeled blue backgr...
Category

1910s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Professionally Framed Greek Embroidered Chemise Hem Fragment, 19th 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. Late 19th C. Greece. Ready to go on a wall. Frame...
Category

19th Century Greek Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

18th Century Wax Butter Mold with Habsburg Imperial Coat of Arms
Located in Milano, MI
18th century dark wax butter mold with habsburg imperial coat of arms, diameter 20 cm with engraved inscription IG S and M S 1737. Good age related condition, this lovely Mittle-...
Category

Mid-18th Century Austrian Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Other

Easy Rider Chopper Tanks
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage custom painted chopper tanks with steel mounting brackets. First is a Classic heavy metallic flake purple and silver painted Harley Davidson tank with navy blue flame patte...
Category

1960s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Metal

Original Antique Bird Prints, Quails and Partridge. 1847
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great images of quails and partridge Unframed. Lithographs after Cpt. Brown with original hand color. Published, 1847. The measurement is for 1 print Free shipping
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Vintage Shooting Club Lodge Target Plaque German 1900s, Carnival Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage Shooting Lodge Target Plaque 1900s. A rare and beautiful wooden shooting target plaque with inscriptions. This rare kings plaque was issued by a ...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wood, Paper

Vintage Framed Embroidered Needlepoint Folk Art Landscape Wall Hanging
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage original Folk Art landscape features a rural scene with people in horse-driven carriages arriving to and passing by the small stores, including bookstore and antiques store, ...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Fabric, Thread, Wood

Original Antique Animal Prints, Lions and Tigers, 1847
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great images of Lions and tigers Unframed. Lithographs after Cpt. Brown with original hand color. Published, 1847. The measurement is for 1 print Free shipping
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

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 Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Sailor s Woolwork of The British Ship Gold Finder on her voyage to Australia
Located in Downingtown, PA
"To Melbourne for Gold": Sailor's Woolwork of the British Ship Gold Finder Dated 1864 A rare and historically significant Sailor's Woolwork Picture (or "Woolie"), detailed with a pr...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wool

Pat Custer Denison Mixed Media Hanging Folk Art Deer
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
This signed mixed media hanging folk art deer by Pat Custer Denison showcases a playful, expressive interpretation of form through bold color and layered surface detail. Decorative m...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Pat Custer Denison Mixed Media Hanging Folk Art Fish
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
This signed mixed media hanging folk art fish by Pat Custer Denison showcases a playful, expressive interpretation of form through bold color and layered surface detail. Decorative m...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Art Glass, Wood, Paint

Antique Honor Shooting Target Deer in Winter 1931
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Honor Shooting Target Deer in Winter 1931 An antique honor shooting target depicting an impressive deer in a winter landscape. It features the handwritten inscription of the...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

Dan Gauthier Stoneware Slip Decorated Mashiko Iron and Enamel Decorated Charger
Located in Mobile, AL
I corresponded with Don in Kansas City and he identified it as his work from the early 80's. He shifted to furniture making in the 90's and has prominently exhibited at the Grovewood Gallery at the Grove Park...
Category

1980s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Pottery

Original Antique Print of a Stonechat, C.1880, Unframed
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a Stonechat Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Alexander Francis Lydon. Original h...
Category

1880s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Portrait of Mary Elizabeth Dyer, Aged 4. Dated 1829
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A lovely naive portrait of a young girl Interesting provenance on the verso Watercolour on paper. Condition report- Some surface loss, foxing and a tiny hole top left Presented ...
Category

1820s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper, Birdseye Maple

Christianity Monastery Work Wax Jesus Child in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition. T...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Original Antique Bird Prints, Toucans and Woodpeckers. 1847
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great images of toucans and woodpeckers Unframed. Lithographs after Cpt. Brown with original hand color. Published, 1847. The measurement is for 1 print Free shipping
Category

1840s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Professionally Framed Silk and Cotton Ikat Fragment, Uzbekistan, E 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. E 20th C. Uzbekistan. Ready to go on a wall. Fram...
Category

Early 20th Century Uzbek Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Professionally Framed Silk Ikat Fragment, Uzbekistan, Early 20th Century.
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 Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Folk Art decorative art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art decorative art 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 decorative art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, decorative objects, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art decorative art made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Africa pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative art, popular names associated with this style include Familia Lorenzo , and hettler.tüllmann. 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 decorative art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $300 and tops out at $2,931 while the average work can sell for $1,300.