Folk Art Antiquities
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
Rare 15th Century Majapahit Terracotta Handmaiden Figure
Located in Brescia , Brescia
Step into the enigmatic world of Majapahit culture with this exquisite 15th-century terracotta handmaiden figure, a mesmerizing testament to Java's rich heritage. Believed to have once borne offerings of oil or fruit above her head as symbols of blessing and protection, this sculpture exudes an aura of ancient reverence and spirituality.
Hailing from the esteemed Trowulan region in East Java, this remarkable piece has journeyed through centuries before finding its place in the esteemed private collection of Anacleto Spazzapan. Documented in the Majapahit catalog on pages 170/171 as figure number 36, this sculpture has been meticulously studied and authenticated by Professor Agus Aris Munandar, a prominent authority in Indonesian archaeology.
Professor Munandar, born in 1959, is currently the professor of Indonesian Archaeology at the University of Indonesia in Jakarta. His extensive research focuses on Hindu-Buddhist archaeology, iconography, and the ancient history of Indonesia and Southeast Asia. He served as a member of the Indonesian team of experts at National Cultural Heritage from 2015 to 2018 and previously held the role of Head of Institute and Research at the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Indonesia. Now the head of the Department of Archaeology at the University of Indonesia, Professor Munandar has authored numerous articles and 19 books, many of which delve into Majapahit culture and artifacts, solidifying his reputation as a leading scholar in the field.
Professor Munandar's endorsement, complemented by a preface from Professor Massimo Vidale of the University of Padua, offers invaluable insights into the religious and decorative significance of Majapahit terracotta...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Javanese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Terracotta
Antique Bamboo Straw Hat / Wabi Sabi , Display
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
An old hat hand-woven bamboo and straw.
We found this in Japan, but it's not clear where or when it was made.
The texture of the bamboo that has changed over time is amazing.
This wo...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo, Straw
Antique Bamboo Straw Hat / Wabi Sabi , Display
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
An old hat hand-woven bamboo and straw.
We found this in Japan, but it's not clear where or when it was made.
The texture of the bamboo that has changed over time is amazing.
This wo...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo, Straw
Antique Pair of Cased South African Ostrich Eggs Hand Painted
Located in Lincoln, GB
These antique pair of cased South African ostrich eggs is a unique and exquisite addition to any collection. The eggs are hand-painted with intricate designs, showcasing the talent a...
Category
19th Century South African Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Ostrich Eggshell
Antique 18th Century Hindu Bronze Deity Ardhanarishvara Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Bronze sculpture of Hindu Deity Ardhanarishvara. Often referred to as the androgynous form of the god Shiva, this antique presents beautiful detail and patina. Aside from the longevi...
Category
18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
Artefact, Majapahit Terracotta Expressive Head, Java, 1300 AD
Located in Antwerp, BE
A figurative construction ceramic probably a water collector simply modeled, this head is very expressive and the details can clearly be seen.
The Trowulan archaeological site, approximately 100 square kilometres, located in the Mojokerto Regency is believed to contain the remains of what was once the capital city of the Majapahit Empire, featured by 14th century poet Mpu Prapanca in his poem Nagarakretagama. The city was razed during a fight between Girindrawardhana and Kertabhumi in 1478. The Trowulan site is the only archaeological site dating to the Hindu-Buddha classical age to be found in Indonesia. Archaeological remnants and artefacts of the old city in the Trowulan Site were found buried underground as well as on the surface and are still being found today.rtefact:Majapahit terracotta...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Javanese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Ceramic
Korean Laquer Chest
Located in Pasadena, CA
Korean drop front chest. The original dark lacquer has mellowed to an attractive orange and red. Covered with black metal strapping and decorated metal.
Category
19th Century Korean Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Lacquer
Related Items
Johoji Lacquerware Katakuchi Choshi/Japanese Antique/Wabi-Sabi/1336-1573CE
Located in Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Muromachi period old Joboji lacquered Kataguchi Choshi. There are very few extant items from this era, and they are very rare items.
This item has weathered over time, and the coa...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
H 6.3 in W 11.62 in D 9.45 in
An Annamese stoneware with cobalt blue, Hoi An Hoard, Late 15th century
Located in seoul, KR
Lively birds flit across the body of this pear-shaped vase. The cobalt blue of the underpainting remains dark, even though the clear glaze of the surface has worn away after centuries under the sea. There was remarkable variation in the condition of the ceramic...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Stoneware
No Reserve
H 10.24 in Dm 5.52 in
Sue Ware /Antique Japanese vase/4th-8th century/Wabi-sabi
Located in Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
This cup is an example of the type of stoneware known as Sue ware, produced from the middle of the fifth until the fourteenth century in Japan.
This produc...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Japanese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Antique Japanese Red Black Lacquer Bamboo Food Carrier or Box
Located in Brea, CA
Antique japanese red and black lacquered Bamboo Food Carrier or Box, front side can be open
Dimensions: Height 18'' x width 15.5" x depth 11".
...
Category
20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo
Persian style Annamese stoneware, late 15th century
Located in seoul, KR
Stoneware decorated with Persian-style colors and patterns, and it is highly likely that this Annamese pottery intended for export was produced to meet Middle Eastern demand.
Dates ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Stoneware
Han Dynasty, Antique Chinese Pottery Granary Jar
Located in Sampantawong, TH
Chinese pottery granary jar, with cylindrical shape, decorated with bands of incised lines, and supported by three legs.
Age: China, Han Dynasty, 206 B.C. - A.D. 220
Size: heigh...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Chinese Cocoon Jar, Burnished Gray Pottery, Western Han Dynasty, China
Located in Austin, TX
A classic Chinese Han Dynasty "cocoon jar" of high fired burnished gray pottery, Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - 9 AD), China.
The jar of typical form, w...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Japanese Antique Lacquer Board Folk Art Object 1930s-1940s Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba-Shi, JP
This is an old Japanese work board.
This board is used by lacquer craftsmen to dry their bowls after applying lacquer.
Therefore, there are countless traces of lacquer.
It is an acci...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Display Shelf Chestnut Wood 1930s Wabi-Sabi Primitive Japandi
Located in Chiba-Shi, JP
This is an old Japanese display cabinet.
Made of chestnut and cedar wood.
Since it has been around 100 years, the chestnut tree is unpainted, but the color has become darker.
This w...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
H 35.04 in W 29.14 in D 10.32 in
Japanese Antique Pottery Vase Flowerpot 1850s-1890s Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba-Shi, JP
This is old Japanese pottery.
It has a very beautiful shape.
It is recommended as a vase as it can be filled with water.
There are some kiln scratches here and there, but I think it's in good condition considering it's quite old.
Weight 6 kg.
We will always suggest the best shipping method.
Please contact us first.
We also introduce many other Japanese antique furniture...
Category
Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Annamese Cylindrical Jar, Vietnam, 11-15th century
Located in seoul, KR
Famous annamese cylindrical jar with lid. Decor modeled in lotus petals, covered with a cream glaze.
Dates : Presumably Ly Dynasty (11-13th century)
Region : Vietnam
Type : Jar
Fou...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Stoneware
Japanese Antique Wooden Board Art Single Board 1910s-1930s Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba-Shi, JP
This is an old Japanese work board.
This was used to roll mochi into balls.
That is why traces of wheat remain.
In the past, when food conditions were harsh, rice cakes and other f...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Previously Available Items
Thai Antique Bottle 15th Century / Old Vase / Southeast Asian Antiques
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
A bottle baked in Thailand around the 15th century.
Trade with Southeast Asia has been active in Japan for a long time. Many ceramics were imported from Thailand and Vietnam.
Also, in the 1900s, many ceramics were excavated in Thailand and imported by the Japanese.
This is also an excavated pottery.
By applying a glaze containing iron and baking it, it turns into such a dark brown color.
A bottle with a unique shape in Thailand.
It is very nice.
It is stored in a special wooden box.
There are small scratches, but it did not leak even if I put water in it.
However, if you put water in it for a long time, it may ooze from the bottom, so it is recommended to put water in another container and put it in the jar when decorating flowers, just in case.
The same thing was published in an art book on Vietnamese pottery...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Thai Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Temple Hannya Mask
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century terracotta decorative handmade Temple Hannya mask
This lot is a wonderful example of a decorative Japanese early 20th century Temple ...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Terracotta
Chinese Trunk in Wood and Ornemented Leather, circa 19th Century
Located in Miami, FL
Authentic 19th century Chinese Trunk ornemented With animated scenes, figures and animals,
Hand-painted scenes all around the trunk.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Leather, Wood
Ancient Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Sculpture of a Fat Court Lady
Located in London, GB
A beautiful ancient Chinese Tang dynasty pottery figure of a lady, dating to 740-780 AD.
This stunning piece reflects the idealized beauty of the high Tang period. Standing facing...
Category
18th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Folk Art Antiquities
Japanese Straining Baskets
Located in Chicago, IL
Items are antique bamboo straining baskets used during the preparation and serving of Japanese cuisine. Sold as a collection of three.
Category
20th Century Japanese Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo
Folk Art antiquities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Folk Art antiquities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage antiquities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with bamboo, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art antiquities made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 antiquities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $420 and tops out at $6,525 while the average work can sell for $700.
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