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.
Model of a greenhouse, in the style of the “Serre de Jardin”, France 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
Model of a greenhouse in glass and iron. The greenhouse has an iron base, rectangular in shape, with cut corners. The body of the greenhouse, made of iron and glass, is welded to the...
Iron
Wabi-Sabi Vintage Wooden Bowl, Lombok, Organic Sculptural Centerpiece
Located in London, GB
Wabi-Sabi Lombok Wooden Bowl, Sculptural Hand-Carved Form, circa 1940s A monumental hand-carved wooden bowl from Lombok, Indonesia, dating to the 1940s. Carved from a single block o...
Wood
Iconic Pair of Sicilian Ceramic Heads from Caltagirone
Located in Budapest, HU
Fascinating traditional handmade ceramic planters from private collection.
Ceramic
Large 19th Century Swedish Painted Pine Barrel Primitive Folk Art Log Store
Located in London, GB
Large 19th Century Swedish Painted Pine Barrel / Primitive Folk Art Log Store A beautifully timeworn 19th century Swedish painted pine barrel or storage vessel, originally used with...
Iron
Spanish Folk Hand-Painted Ice Bucket or Wine Champagne Cooler
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Folk Hand-Painted Ice Bucket Kitchen Pot Cauldron in Cast Iron Popular cast iron cauldron with hand-painted details. From Galicia at the nor...
Iron
Handmade Glazed Pottery Planter or Jardiniere by June His
Located in Houston, TX
Handmade glazed pottery planter or jardiniere by June His. Handmade glazed pottery planter or jardiniere by June His. This stunning planter or cachepot will accommodate a larger orchid plant...
Pottery
A Hand-Carved Wabi Sabi Wooden Mortar, Africa, c. Early 20th Century
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Beautiful Hand-Carved Wabi Sabi Mortar that works perfectly for a planter. By unknown designer in Africa, c. early 20th Century. Wear consistent with age and use showing wonderful ...
Wood
Elegant Vintage Cherry Vase Holder
Located in Manzano, IT
beautiful original vase holder from the 1990s, made of fine cherry wood with warm and cozy color. The design features curvy lines and arched legs ending in curly feet, supporting a c...
Cherry
1960s Vintage Green Olive Jar by Berber Tribes of Morocco
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Moroccan vintage, 1960's green olive jar, or planter. Handcrafted by the Berber people in Tamgroute Morocco. Great glazed earthenware with different hu...
Earthenware
Vintage Glazed Terracotta Lizard Planter
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This whimsical vintage planter is a charming intersection of rustic utility and artisanal folk art. Handcrafted from unglazed terracotta, the bowl features broad, white slip-painted ...
Clay, Terracotta
Head of Venus Terracotta Planter Jardiniere
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A charming and artfully hand-crafted Head of Venus Terracotta Planter Jardiniere. The sculpted face is beautifully rendered with soft, expressive features, while the reverse reveals...
Terracotta
Large Burmes Brass, Copper, Silver Inlaid Ceremonial Bowl with Avatars of Vishnu
By Rajhastani
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large Asian Burmese brass ceremonial bowl with silver and copper inlaid with the ten Hindu Avatars of Vishnu. Fine example of Tanjore work, this brass bowl that has been overlaid with alternating copper and silver chased plaques, with high quality in detail executed in mixed metal repoussé with contrasting patination, showing Hindu deities. The base is engraved with a lotus flower motif. (This type of work is known as Tanjore work, after the south Indian city where much of this work was executed.) The depictions on the main plaques are believed to relate to those seen carved in relief on rock on the façade off the Great Temple (Brihadisvara) in Tanjore. A southern Indian magnificent silver and copper inlaid vase, 19th century Tapered and chased body made of copper inlaid with beaded bands and with the ten avatars of Vishnu: 1. Matsya (the fish) 2. Koorma (the tortoise) 3. Varaha (the boar) 4. Narasimha (the human-lion – shown on this bowl as a lion-man figure about to devour a human victim.) 5. Vamana (the dwarf) 6. Parasurama (the angry man – presented on this bowl as a figure with an axe, a bow and an arrow.) 7. Rama (the perfect man, king of Ayodha) 8. Krishna (the divine statesman – shown here as Krishna on a cobra throne...
Silver, Brass, Copper
French Glazed Arts and Crafts Terracotta Jardiniere In good condition
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French Glazed Arts and Crafts Terracotta Jardiniere In good condition, with no damage this very arty piece comes into 3 for transportation, the Terracotta is drip painted in earthy ...
Terracotta
Vintage Studio Pottery Basket Form Bowl in Brown and Cream
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A striking vintage studio pottery vessel featuring a sculptural basket form with applied looping handles and richly layered glaze work. Hand-thrown and artist-built, this piece show...
Ceramic, Paint
Contemporary Artisan Oolitic Limestone Bowl
Located in Chireno, TX
Contemporary artisan oolitic limestone bowl or basin from England.
Limestone
Late 20th Century Vintage Boho Hand Painted Metal Cache Pot
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Infuse your space with artistic flair using this vintage boho hand-painted metal cache pot. Crafted with intricate detail and vibrant colors, this piece exudes a captivating charm re...
Metal
H 21.5 in Dm 6 in
Vintage Mid Century French Wine Byrrh Liquor Glass Display Bottle
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous glass display bottles from the mid century era. Byrrh wine appertif is 21.5 height x 5.75 diameter. All are glass and in very good condition. Price is for each bottle. Bottl...
Glass
H 8.67 in Dm 11.42 in
Vallauris Glazed Art Nouveau Planter Jardinière, 1930s
By Vallauris AM
Located in Verviers, BE
Brilliant handmade hand glazed Art Nouveau planter jardinière, 1930s Wonderful Art Nouveau period/ monumental ceramic planter jardinière, h...
Majolica
H 9.85 in W 4.73 in D 4.73 in
Pair of 19th century folk art stoneware ceramic bottles realised in La Borne
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
La Borne - France Realised circa 1850 Pair of 19th century stoneware ceramic bottles unique pieces Original good condition number one height 25 cm large 12 cm number two heigh...
Ceramic
H 5.91 in W 27.56 in D 11.82 in
Murano Glass Centerpiece Organic Shape
Located in Murano, VE
Discover Oculus, a mesmerizing blown glass plate boasting an organic, casual shape. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each piece is a testament to the artistry of glassmak...
Murano Glass
H 11.82 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Red and Gold", Set of 2, Handmade in Italy
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Gold Leaf
H 11.82 in W 7.88 in D 9.85 in
Moorish Heads Vases "Catania Purple", Handmade in Italy, 2019, Unique Design
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Gold Leaf
H 11.82 in W 7.88 in D 9.85 in
Moorish Heads Vases "Catania VERY PERI", Handmade in Italy, 2019, Unique Design
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Gold Leaf
H 18.9 in Dm 11.82 in
Amphora in the Style of Ancient Greece, Italy, Early 1900s
Located in London, GB
This decorative amphora, produced in Italy in the early 20th century, draws inspiration from the celebrated traditions of ancient Greek pottery. Crafted in terracotta and finished wi...
Ceramic
H 7.88 in Dm 4.73 in
Travertine Vase and Wine Cooler
Located in Eindhoven, NB
This beige travertine vase adds shape and texture to any ordinary table or shelf. Use it as a wine cooler to hold a bottle during dinners or as a simple vase for flowers. Each design...
Travertine
H 19.69 in W 8.67 in D 11.03 in
Modern Cast Brass, Resewn Oak Timber & Resin Dawa Ice Bucket
By Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
This modern ice bucket is part of the egg designs Dawa luxury bar collection and is a great addition to any home cocktail bar, or simply as a place t...
Brass
H 4 in Dm 7 in
Metallic Bronze Handbuilt Wabi-Sabi Ceramic Vase
By MONDAYS
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand-built shallow vase. Wabi Sabi and minimalist yet striking, perfect for a single dramatic stem or a small bouquet. Available in Golden bronze or matte white on dark clay. Due to the nature of handmade ceramics...
Ceramic
H 8.67 in Dm 4.73 in
Travertine Angled Wine Cooler
Located in Eindhoven, NB
The natural properties of this ANGLED travertine wine cooler will keep your wine chilled. That’s the beauty of natural stone: it looks good while serving a functional purpose. Place ...
Travertine
H 8.5 in W 22 in D 21.5 in
19th Century Swedish hand painted pine storage box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century hand painted pine storage box circa 1840. We are pleased to offer this original painted storage box. Hand painted florals to the lid with initials mjd and an anno date...
Pine
H 7.88 in W 4.73 in D 4.73 in
Pink Marble Wine Cooler / Vase
Located in Eindhoven, NB
This pink marble vase adds shape and texture to any ordinary table or shelf. Use it as a wine cooler to hold a bottle during dinners or as a simple vase for flowers. Each design vase...
Marble
H 9.5 in W 23 in D 15 in
19th Century Swedish Allmoge Folk Art Bentwood Chest
Located in Pearland, TX
An incredible Swedish hand-painted chest, having hand-forged iron straps and fittings. Original key included.
Bentwood
H 13 in Dm 9.45 in
1930s Traditional Hand-Crafted Terracotta Sicilian Head of Moro Vase
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This exceptional 1930s traditional Sicilian Teste di Moro vase is a remarkable testament to rustic sicilian folk art, completely hand-crafted from raw, ungla...
Terracotta
H 15.625 in W 11.75 in D 11.75 in
Swiss or Anglo-Indian Hand-Painted Slatwood Wastebasket With Tole Striping
Located in Atlanta, GA
Swiss or Anglo-Indian Hand-Painted Slatwood Wastebasket With Tole Striping Swiss or Anglo-Indian hand-painted wastebasket, constructed from vertic...
Metal
H 28 in W 60 in D 15.75 in
American Carousel Ride Container in the Form of a Swan, 1930s
Located in Buffalo, NY
Originally an American carousel ride container in the form of a Swan, 1930s... Would make an amazing garden planter / sculpture An American metal container, originally made as a ca...
Metal, Steel
Gothic Brass Jardiniere with Temple Lions This is a very unusual old piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Brass Jardiniere with Temple Lions This is a very unusual old piece, the pot is round and set on 3 paw feet and is made in brass with a hand beaten decoration, there is a Foo...
Brass
H 9.5 in Dm 8.75 in
Small Antique Brass Jam Pan. English 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great rustic accessory for the country kitchen Country house condition. Original patina to brass and rusty iron handle The measurement given is with the handle up Free UK shipping
Brass, Iron
H 14.5 in W 22 in D 18 in
Vintage Deruta Italian Hand Painted Majolica Caffaggiolo Cachepot Jardinière 22"
By Deruta
Located in Dayton, OH
A beautiful 20th century Caffaggiolo jardiniere by Deruta pottery. Features a polychrome finish with elegant scrolling folitate motifs. The planter is handled with figural northwind ...
Majolica
H 12.5 in W 17.5 in D 17.5 in
Vintage Deruta Italian Hand Painted Majolica Sun Face Cache Pot Jardinière 18"
By Deruta
Located in Dayton, OH
A beautiful 20th century jardiniere by Deruta pottery. Features a polychrome finish with elegant scrolling folitate motifs. The planter has three figural sunfaces along the exterior....
Majolica
H 5.52 in W 9.06 in D 8.27 in
Antique Large Swedish Stone Mortar, circa 1800
By Skultuna
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This large and heavy mortar made in stone are perfect for display and interior. Made in Sweden ca 1800s. This unique piece has its origin in the middle of Sweden and its was made wit...
Stone
H 12 in Dm 12.75 in
Antique Brass Jam Pan. English 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great rustic accessory for the country kitchen Country house condition. Original patina to brass and rusty iron handle Free UK shipping
Brass, Iron
H 11 in Dm 10.5 in
Antique Brass Jam Pan. English 19th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great rustic accessory for the country kitchen Country house condition. Original patina to brass and rusty iron handle Free UK shipping
Brass, Iron
H 12 in W 7.25 in D 7 in
Pair of 19th Century Tole Painted Gilt and Green Pawfoot Jardinieres
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of 19th century tole painted ("Tôle Peinte") gilt and green pawfoot jardinieres. Composed entirely of metal, the square bases are painted to look like red marble.
Metal
H 26.38 in Dm 9.45 in
19th Century Swedish Provincial Wooden Trunk
Located in Allerum, SE
Organic 19th Century Swedish Provincial Wooden Trunk, ca 1800 Sweden. Today perfect as an umbrella stand or planter.
Pine
H 5.52 in Dm 9.45 in
Antique Folk Art Northern Swedish Soapstone Pot
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique folk art pot made by hand in northern Sweden during the mid 1800s. The pot was an everyday utility item made in soapstone which is a soft stone with gr...
Soapstone
H 7.1 in W 8.7 in D 8.7 in
20th Century French Ceramic Decorations, Set of Four
Located in High Point, NC
This set of vintage ceramic decorations comprises four pottery objects decorated with local shells: a clog, a bowl, a pot, and a small hemispheric r...
Ceramic, Shell
H 15.7 in W 19.7 in D 19.7 in
20th Century French Concrete Planter
Located in High Point, NC
A vintage concrete planter in the shape of a swan. Made in France in the 20th century, the elegant loop of the neck and the raised profile of ...
Concrete