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.
Late 19th Century North African Hand-Molded Terracotta Vessel
Located in Memphis, TN
A beautifully primitive hand-molded clay vessel originating from North Africa and dating to the late 19th century. Compact and sculptural in form, the vessel features a low rounded b...
Clay, Terracotta
Vintage Earthenware Handcrafted Brown & Red Drip Glaze Bud Weed Vase Pottery
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage earthenware handcrafted brown and red studio piece with drip glaze bud or weed Studio Piece vase, decanter, vessel. Pottery Art in superb c...
Earthenware
Alzata in Maiolica Italiana dipinta con Madonna con Bambino Ocra e Celeste 1700
Located in Milano, MI
Alzata in Maiolica italiana dipinta in policromia agli inizi 1700 con piano perfettamente piatto con bordo rialzato decorato con l’assunzione della Madonna Incoronata raffigurata co...
Majolica
Pair of Italian Maiolica Pharmacy Albarelli
Located in Atlanta, GA
A matched pair of tin glazed earthenware pharmacy vessels of baluster form with flaring rims and domed footed bases. Each Albarello is hand-painted in a traditional polychrome palet...
Earthenware
Moorish Head Matt Vases Collection "Vittoria", Set of 3, 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
Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Palermo décor", 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
Round hand-carved Italian gray marble pesto mortar from the 19th century
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Round hand-carved Italian gray marble pesto mortar from the 19th century
Marble
Hand-Painted Majolica Ceramic Bottle with a Landscape and Tree, 19th century
Located in Naples, IT
A majolica ceramic storage jar or flask dating from the 19th to the early 20th century, associated with the folk ceramic tradition of southern Italy. Made of terracotta coated with ...
Ceramic, Pottery
Chinese Drip Glaze Vinegar Pot with Birds & Flowers, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautiful example of Chinese folk pottery, this terracotta jar is a 19th-century pickling pot once used for fermenting rice or sorghum into vinegar. The primitive vessel has a rust...
Terracotta
Sculptural Southeast Asian Stoneware Jar with Elephant and Figures
Located in Antwerp, BE
A monumental sculptural Southeast Asian stoneware jar decorated with a lively ceremonial procession featuring dancers, drummers and an elephant with rider rendered in hand-applied re...
Ceramic
Rare Henriot Quimper France Faience Vase, Abstract Hand Painted Decor
By Henriot Quimper, Quimper Faience Pottery
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Rare Henriot Quimper faience vase is hand painted with abstract decor of complex geometric bands on the base and on top and abstract leaf garland in the central area of the vase. M...
Faience, Pottery, Ceramic, Majolica
Couple of S size, moorish heads, lady and gentleman. Handmade in sicily
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
Handmade in Italy Sicilian design moorish heads
Ceramic
Big Clay Jar from 1800 Sweden in Warm Tones
Located in Forest, BE
Interesting jar from the 19th century. Coming from Sweden and used by folks in the countryside. Warm tones glaze, with nice details to the foot. Very good condition.
Clay
Swedish Craft, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1900
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1900.
Earthenware
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
Woven Tribal Basket Vase in Brown and Black
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A small woven basket shaped like a vase. Woven with natural fibers in geometric patterns, this small decorative piece of folk art would be beautiful...
Wicker
Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Licata", Set of 3 Pieces, 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
Swedish Craft, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1900
Located in High Point, NC
An unglazed terra-cotta earthenware vase designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1900.
Earthenware
Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Acireale", Set of 2 Pieces, 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
Moorish Heads Vases "Catania Bronze", 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
Italian Maiolica Footed Vessel, 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Hand Thrown Earthenware and Tin Glazed vessel featuring a globular body on a raised foot, a short spout, and a twisted arched handle. Decorated in polychrome maiolica glazes of...
Earthenware
Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Sciacca", Set of 2 Pieces, 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
Small Ceramic Blue and White Marbled Pinch Pot Vase
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful small ceramic pinch pot vase. Created from clay, this fun piece will be fantastic used in a grouping of other vases and filled with your ...
Ceramic
Italian Maiolica Haraldic Pharmacy Jar
Located in Atlanta, GA
A tin-glazed earthenware pharmacy jar of waisted cylindrical form, decorated in a rich polychrome palette of cobalt, golden ochre, and soft grey. The front features an elaborate hera...
Earthenware
1880s Decorated Salt Glaze Stoneware Jug Stamped 1 MILLER & WOODARD STRASBURG VA
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Nice old decorated salt glaze stoneware jug stamped 1 MILLER & WOODARD STRASBURG VA. There are chips and cracks present, and pictured. "1" gallon capacity mark, cylindrical form with...
Stoneware
Set of Antique Handmade Bottles
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1940, we offer this set of antique handmade bottles. The amber bottle has a scratch, but it is not broken. *see pic 3.
Glass
Antique pair of solid bronze vases, 19th century
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Antique pair of solid bronze vases, 19th century
Bronze
Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Palermo White", 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
Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Catania", Set of 2 Pieces, 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
Moor Head Matt Vases Collection "Messina" Set of 2 Pieces, 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
Refined African metal vase with fine hand-made decorations
Located in Argelato, BO
Rare and refined African metal vase with handmade decorations, an object of great charm capable of furnishing your home space with style and elegance
Metal
Mid-Century Studio Pottery Bottle Vase with Crackle Glaze, c. 1960s
Located in San Carlos, CA
This expressive mid-century studio pottery vase features a classic bottle-form silhouette accented by richly layered glazes and hand-painted decoration. The vessel is finished in a w...
Pottery
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
Green Swirl Ceramic Touring Pottery Vase
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful green, brown, and cream touring pottery vase. Wide at the bottom, and slim towards the top, this piece will be a fantastic pop of color in any space. Glazed on the inside in a verdigris blue. Bottom reads in black: Made in Cripple Creek...
Ceramic
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
Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Palermo", Set of 2 Pieces, 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
Moorish Head Matt Vases Collection "Monreale", Set of 3, 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
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
Located in Ventura, CA
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s This exquisite piece of European pottery, originating from Hungary, stands as a testament to the artistic ...
Earthenware
Folk Art Multi Color Molded Plastic or Acrylic Hand Vases Set of 7
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous Folk Art style multi-color molded plastic or acrylic hand vases a set of 7. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. One of the maroon vases is partially filled. These are hand made folk art, irregularities are part of their charm. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 20th Century. Note: Shipping is possible via parcel which may reduce shipping costs Hey there! Do you need a hand? Or SEVEN?? We are here to help!! We have seven Folk Art style vases with molded hands of many vibrant colors to offer to you! This set includes 2 white, 2 maroon or burgundy, 1 green, 1 yellow, and one bright red molded plastic vases. That’s 35 fantastic fingers!! They are round at the bottom and kind of oval or egg shaped at the top. They are inner lined with burlap for extra reinforcement, but they are light weight, so if you want to put something a little heavier inside like an artificial plant, you may want to put a weight of some kind in the base. They will hold water, but for a “handy” tip… we certainly DO NOT recommend drinking from them! They are best used as unique, eye-catching décor!! They would host a wonderful spider plant...
Acrylic
Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Ragusa", Set of 3 Pieces, 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
Sculptural Ceramic Face Vessel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elongated teardrop shaped vase in earthy brown and off-white gradient tones. The vessel features expressive faces and hand-like textures. Signed "Gunderson" on the underside. Dimen...
Clay, Pottery
18th Century Wooden Apothecary Jar
Located in Copenhagen, K
Wooden pharmaceutical apothecary jar, marked "CARB LIGN PR".
Wood
Studio Pottery Ceramic Vase or Ink Pot in Lavender and Brown
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful piece of studio pottery, this round clay vase will add interest to any space. It is created from clay, and glazed in brown on the bottom, a...
Ceramic, Paint
Mexican Antique Dolores Porras Clay Pottery Folk Art Terracotta Vessel Vase
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This one of a kind Mexican antique is one of few pieces Dolores had at her home at the time she passed away. Dolores portrays the flora from her garden...
Terracotta, Clay, Pottery
Folk Art Wheel Turned Pot with Applied Decoration - Signed - Canada - Circa 1974
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage folk art glazed studio pottery vase/pot with applied floral decoration - small size - signed & dated on the base - Canada - circa 1974. Excellent vintage condition - no loss...
Ceramic
Ceramic Square Bottle Vase with Naive-Style Motifs in Brown Glaze
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Exuding a distinctive charm, this square-shaped bottle vase features rounded corners and is adorned with captivating painted motifs in brown, beige, and black glazes. The vase's brow...
Earthenware
Vintage Majolica Lidded Jar - Eggplant Form - Hand Painted Leaves - 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage majolica hand painted lidded jar - eggplant form - molded ceramic - unsigned - mid 20th century. Excellent vintage condition - minor manufacturing flaws consistent with hand...
Ceramic
Glazed Ceramic Crock Lamp with English Royal Coat of Arms
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Interesting and large glazed ceramic crock or jar made into a table lamp featuring the English royal coat of arms on one side. This large earthenware ves...
Brass
Folk Art Anthropomorphic Female Vase
Located in CHAPONOST, FR
Vintage anthropomorphic vase depicting a woman in a Folk Art style. We love the overall graphic design, featuring round motifs and contrasting colors. The arms form the handles. Exce...
Ceramic
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
Malaysia Earthenware Handcrafted Brown & Taupe Glaze Bud Weed Vase Pottery 1980
Located in Miami, FL
Marked Malaysia Vintage earthenware handcrafted brown and Taupe studio piece with the inside glazed, bud or weed Studio Piece vase, decanter, vessel. Established in 1989, Tenmoku Pottery...
Earthenware
Set of 3 Antique South German Stoneware Jugs – 19th Century, Handcrafted
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set of 3 Antique South German Stoneware Jugs – 19th Century, Handcrafted A striking trio of 19th-century handmade stoneware jugs from Southern Germany, each with its own distinct ch...
Stoneware
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery Hand Painted, circa 1900's
Located in Ventura, CA
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery Hand Painted, circa 1900's Discover the timeless charm and artistry of this original hand-painted earthenware pottery, ...
Earthenware
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
Giovanni De Simone teapot
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is an excellent example of Giovanni De Simone's work! It's hand painted and crafted by the artist himself. This piece is titled "Midnight Sunlight". It has a small chip on the ...
Pottery, Paint
Contemporary Artisan Oolitic Limestone Bowl
Located in Chireno, TX
Contemporary artisan oolitic limestone bowl or basin from England.
Limestone
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
Located in Ventura, CA
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s Step back in time and embrace the enchanting rustic elegance of the early 20th century, a treasure from th...
Earthenware, Terracotta
Moorish Heads Vases "Agrigento Bordeaux", 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
Moorish Heads Vases "Catania Dark Green", 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
Moorish Heads Vases "Catania Bordeaux", 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