Folk Art Game Boards
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
10
38
7
46
46
40
10
7
2
1
1
1
10
36
11
5
16
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
26
16
14
6
4
36
32
8
4
3
46
46
46
Style: Folk Art
Marble Solitaire Game 10 inch Hardwood Board 35 mixed Stone Marbles, circa 1945
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very attractive complete game of Marble Solitaire with a hardwood circular board and 35 mixed stone marbles, probably French.
The circular turned board is made of polished hardwood, with a good grain figure. The board has 32 equi-spaced holes with an additional one in the centre and a gallery to the outer perimeter. Three small circular pads have been attached to the base of the board to protect the surface it sits on.
It comes complete with a full set of 35 (32 Plus 3 spare) handmade playing marbles of mixed stone, clay and agate and of different colours. Some of the clay marbles...
Category
20th Century French Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Stone
Handmade Miniature Travelling Chess Set Game walnut Inlaid box, circa 1920
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good quality handmade Miniature or travelling wood chess set game of 32 pieces in its own inlaid hardwood box, which we date to the early 20th century, circa 1920.
This piece is all handmade. The chess set is complete with 32 wood pieces having pegged bases. The jointed box is handmade of hardwood, possibly walnut with line inlays of a lighter wood to the top and the base. The lid is a good fit to the base and the box has brass hinges and a brass fastener to keep the lid securely closed.
The inside of the lid has a fabric pad to keep the chess pieces in position when the lid is closed.
Overall a quality handmade, complete, travelling chess set...
Category
Early 20th Century British Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Brass
Marble Solitaire Game Hardwood Board with 34 old Glass swirl Marbles, Circa 1930
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good Marble Solitaire game, having a very good hardwood board and a complete set of 34 glass swirl marbles, all dating to the first half of the 20th century.
The circular ...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Glass, Hardwood
1920s Églomisé Checker Board with Advertising Surround From Middletown CT.
Located in Savannah, GA
This unique Églomisé checkerboard with a wooden frame is surrounded by 1920s advertising from Middletown, Connecticut.
"Églomisé is a French term me...
Category
1920s American Vintage Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Glass, Wood
Young Male Nudes At Water Fall Painting Outsider Folk Artist Gloria Laposka
Located in South Burlington, VT
"Young Male Nudes At A Forest Waterfall" Vibrant Colored Hand Painting
A rare and unique oil painting by self taught outsider surrealist folk artist Gloria Antoinette Laposka (1922...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Canvas
19thc Wooden Folk Art Gaming Wheel with Original Red Paint & Cardinal Design
Located in Savannah, GA
19th Folk Art gaming wheel featuring four cardinals and hand painted numbers, it retains the original red and yellow paint. A charming piece of Americana that would make a colorful w...
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Metal
Side Show Circus By Self Taught Outsider Folk Artist Gloria Laposka
Located in South Burlington, VT
Side Show
A framed and inspired color print in the manner of Self Taught Outsider Surrealist Folk Artist Gloria Laposka (1922-2015)
A unique and vibrant colored work depicting si...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Canvas, Paper
19th C Original Painted Game Board
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C original painted game board. Nice original Salmon and black paint.
Category
19th Century North American Antique Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Wood
Song And Musical Merry Makers Painting Outsider Folk Artist Gloria Laposka
Located in South Burlington, VT
"Song And Music Merry Makers" Vibrant Colored Hand Painting
Unique Oil Painting by Self Taught Outsider Surrealist Folk Artist Gloria Antoinette Laposka (1922-2015)
Said Laposka: "...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Canvas
Combination Board Game of Marble Solitaire and Tiddlywinks, circa 1925
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a complete combination board game of marble solitaire and tiddlywinks, dating to the early 20th century.
This is a most unusual and very de...
Category
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Glass, Hardwood
Napoleonic Prisoner of War Painted Casket Dominoes Set
Located in London, GB
Napoleonic Prisoner of war painted casket dominoes set
We share what we love, and we love this early 19th century Napoleonic prisoner of war hand painted ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Bone
Highly Unusual American Folk Art "Yale vs. Harvard" Spinning Wheel Game C. 1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
American, circa 1900.
A highly unusual American folk art game board. Hand designed and painted likely in New England by an Ivy Leaguer which features a 4 corner "Yale Vs. Harvard" d...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Wood, Paint
Joyful Dancers Painting Self Taught Outsider Folk Artist Gloria Laposka, Unique
Located in South Burlington, VT
"Joyful Dancers" Vibrant Colored Hand Painting
Unique Oil Painting by Self Taught Outsider Surrealist Folk Artist Gloria Antoinette Laposka (1922-2015)
Said Laposka: "The paintings...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Canvas
19th Century Bocce Balls, France, Set of Three
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Late 19th to early 20th century bocce balls, France, set of three
boxwood, iron and brass nails.
The first ball has the letters PP in brass, the second ha...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Brass, Iron
Vintage 1970s Hand-Painted Stone and Resin Backgammon/Chess Set
Located in Doylestown, PA
Vintage 1970s backgammon and chess set depicting the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, 1519-21. Carved chessman portray the great Montezuma II and Aztec warriors...
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Stone
Collection of 19th Century Graphic Games
Located in Greenwich, CT
Charming group of three 19th century games comprising a dartboard, star ring toss and bagatelle boards, all in original paint and possessing both whimsy and good graphic design.
S...
Category
Early 1900s European Antique Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Wood
Sag Harbor Whale Scrimshaw Cribbage Board
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Authentic Scrimshaw carved into and antique tortoise shell with brass legs. Carved aboard the Ship Argonaut. A whaling ship from Sag Harbor New York from 1814-1832. The detailed carv...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Tortoise Shell
Antique Coins Game Used in Mexican Fairs
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1980. We offer this antique coins game used in Mexican Fairs.
The piece is placed on the floor and coins are thrown from a certain distance. The ide...
Category
1980s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Wood
Set of Five Children's Lithographed Alphabet Nesting Blocks, American Circa 1915
Located in Incline Village, NV
Lovely set of colorful early 1900's lithographed five block set of alphabet nesting blocks; used as both an educational item as well as toy/game amuseme...
Category
1910s American Vintage Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Paper
Antique Carrom Large Wooden Game Board Double-Sided No. 1 Archarena Style 'E'
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique carrom large wooden game board double-sided no. 1 Archarena Style (E).
Antique Carrom Company 1907 Wood Game Board Double Sided, made in USA...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Wood
Toys Toys Early Painting Self Taught Outsider Folk Artist Gloria Laposka, Unique
Located in South Burlington, VT
"Toys Toys and more Toys" an early concept Vibrant Colored Hand Painting
An early, unique concept oil painting on canvas panel by Self Taught Outsider Surrealist Folk Artist Gloria...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Canvas
Early Corona Beer Porcelain Advertising Sign
Located in Ferndale, MI
Early Corona beer man cave or restaurant porcelain advertising sign. As found.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Steel
Cats Cats Cats Painting Outsider Folk Artist Gloria Laposka
Located in South Burlington, VT
13 different cats are depicted in this charming -vibrant hand painting
A framed oil painting on canvas panel by Self Taught Outsider Surrealist Folk Artist Gloria Antoinette Laposk...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Canvas, Wood
Antique Carrom Company Large Wood Game Board Double Sided
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique carrom large wooden game board double-sided.
Antique Carrom Company 1907 wood game board double sided, made in USA.
Each corner of the boar...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Wood
Paint Decorated Games Board
Located in Nantucket, MA
Paint decorated ochre and brown double-sided game board, one side with Canadian checkers, the other with Parcheesi, Canada, circa 1890.
Measures: 25 1...
Category
Late 19th Century Canadian Antique Folk Art Game Boards
Shoreline Dance Picnic Painting Self Taught Outsider Folk Artist Gloria Laposka
Located in South Burlington, VT
Shoreline Dance And Picnic Vibrant Colored Hand Painting
An oil painting on canvas panel by Self Taught Outsider Surrealist Folk Artist Gloria Antoinette Laposka (1922-2015)
Sai...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Canvas
Family Beach Holiday Painting Self Taught Outsider Folk Artist Gloria Laposka
Located in South Burlington, VT
"Beach Holiday" Vibrant Colored Hand Painting
An oil painting on canvas panel by Self Taught Outsider Surrealist Folk Artist Gloria Antoinette Laposka (1922-2015)
Said Laposka:...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Canvas
Pickle Barrel Maker Painting Self Taught Outsider Folk Artist Gloria Laposka
Located in South Burlington, VT
"Pickel Barel Maker" Vibrant Colored Hand Painting
An early oil painting on canvas panel by Self Taught Outsider Surrealist Folk Artist Gloria Antoinette Laposka (1922-2015)
Sai...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Canvas
19th C Original Painted Checkerboard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C Original painted checkerboard.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Wood, Paint
Hand Painted Haitian Game Board
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Haitian game board crafted in wood and hand painted with parrots, ballet dancers, and the tree of life in a rustic naive style and signed by the artist J Michel.
Category
20th Century Haitian Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Paint
Le Cage Au Folle Unique Painting Self Taught Folk Artist Gloria Laposka 1987
Located in South Burlington, VT
"Le Cage au Folle" Vibrant Colored Hand Painting Signed and Dated 1987
Unique Oil Painting by Self Taught Outsider Surrealist Folk Artist Gloria Antoinette Laposka (1922-2015)
Said...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Canvas
Karaoke Sister Singers Unique Painting Self Taught Folk Artist Gloria Laposka
Located in South Burlington, VT
"Karaoke Singers At A Night Club" Vibrant Colored Hand Painting
Unique Oil Painting by Self Taught Outsider Surrealist Folk Artist Gloria Antoinette Laposka (1922-2015)
Said Lapo...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Canvas
Mid-20th Century American Game Board Box
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-20th century American wooden game board box is as charming as it is versatile, offering timeless entertainment in a compact, travel-friendly design. Crafted from wood with a...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Wood
Green Dolphin Inn Gathering Painting Outsider Folk Artist Gloria Laposka
Located in South Burlington, VT
A Gathering At The Green Dolphin Inn - Vibrant Colored Hand Painting
An oil painting on canvas panel by Self Taught Outsider Surrealist Folk Artist Gloria Antoinette Laposka (19...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Canvas
19th C Checkerboard Game Board
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C original painted checkerboard game board.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Wood
Dixieland Banjos Painting Self Taught Outsider Folk Artist Gloria Laposka
Located in South Burlington, VT
Dixieland Banjos
Unique Oil Painting by Self Taught Outsider Surrealist Folk Artist Gloria Laposka (1922-2015)
A unique and vibrant colored , hand painted oil on board Folk Art mas...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Canvas
19th C Original Painted Checkerboard Game Board
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C original painted checkerboard game board. Board has great Grungy paint. Great Pitina.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Wood
Young Girl And Her Best Friend Dog Unique Painting Folk Artist Gloria Laposka
Located in South Burlington, VT
Vibrant Colored Hand Painting "Young Girl and her Dog"
Unique Oil Painting by Self Taught Outsider Surrealist Folk Artist Gloria Laposka (1922-2015)
A unique and vibrant colored , ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Canvas
Original Painted Game Board, Signed and Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original painted game board - signed and Dated 1935.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Wool, Paint
Early Twentieth Century Folk Art Framed Velvet Quilt Chess / Checker Board
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique Folk Art chess / checker board composed of a handmade, burgundy velvet quilt with beige, white and gold stitched accents, all housed within a glass-fronted oak frame (ca. 1910...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Velvet, Glass, Oak
19th Century American Folk Art Game Board
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th-century American folk art game board is a quintessential example of the ingenuity and aesthetic appeal found in traditional American crafts. Composed of alternating walnut ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Maple, Walnut
Early 20th Century Aunt Sally English Fairground Game
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century aunt sally english fairground game.
We share what we love, and we love this oversized early 20th Century example of a carved wood Fairground Aunt Sally knock do...
Category
Early 1900s British Antique Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Pine
Early 19th Century American Double Sided Games Board
Located in Incline Village, NV
Very early American wooden games board; probably the oldest I have handled, this dates to about circa 1835 and exhibits the markings of a typical cottage industry type manufacture (not unlike very early Noah's Arks). Obviously entirely hand crafted; measurements are not exactly square (left to right; top to bottom), probably made of a local soft wood, and hand painted with squares not perfectly delineated. Black light and "loop" inspection reveals age crazing and original paint that, in conjunction with original wear and no attempt to touch up, dates it to the early 19th century. Most definitely American, as the last thing an English immigrant would have brought to America at that time would have been a game.
When closed, or in the folding position, the board game simulates and is made to look like two books resting side by side (see images), and thusly, was made to sit on a book shelf, either horizontally or vertically; and to be pulled out to play games when desired, which would have been either the game of checkers (draughts), chess, or backgammon. The board opens up to a two sided game option. On one side is the proverbial 64 square (English/ American version) of chess or checkers; and on the other side is a backgammon board. Both sides are hand painted in gold and black, with a rust colored border around the checkerboard. The interior backgammon play area is also black and gold with the same color rust area to the central part. Nail hinges in the center frame, pivot the two sides to open, while a leather covering borders the edge trim, which is 50% lacking on the hinge side. I state the condition to be good, considering it's age, it's use, and the fact that it is still very "usable" and, if taken care of, will probably continue to be so for nearly another 200 years!
The checkers, (12) black pieces and (12) yellow (the correct numbers) are hand carved in wood and hand painted. The backgammon pieces (stored in period wooden box) contain 14 yellow hand painted and carved pieces and (13) black ones. (15) of each color are used to play backgammon (simply use the checkers, which are just about the same size (see images) to make up the difference. Most antique game boards...
Category
1830s American Antique Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Wood
Parcheesi Game Board
Located in Branford, CT
Parcheesi gameboard with original green, black, yellow and red paint on putty ground. Plywood. Early to mid-20th century.
L 24" W 24".
Condition: Excellent original condition.
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Plywood
Abstract Painted Parcheesi Game Board
Located in Branford, CT
Two sided game board with tribal attributes. American, circa 1900.
Original paint.
L 28-3/4" W 17-3/4".
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Wood
Country Made Village Cricket Score Board A Charming Country made piece
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Country Made Village Cricket Score Board
A Charming Country made piece, the board has all the usual information needed during a match
The board is 16” high, 36” wide 4” deep
TVY161
Category
1950s Vintage Folk Art Game Boards
Materials
Beech
Folk Art game boards for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art game boards for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage game boards created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, more furniture and collectibles, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art game boards made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original game boards, popular names associated with this style include Joseph Schneider, and Lindstrom Tool & Toy Company. 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 game boards differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $345 and tops out at $12,875 while the average work can sell for $956.