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Folk Art Decorative Objects

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
Mexican Vintage Tonala Pottery Hand Painted Bird
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery bird Folk Art. Flora de la Cruz Acapulco Gro Mexico hand painted bird dove ceramic. Warm earth tone polychrome colors with abstract desi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Greenlandica, three pieces of soapstone and a black pouch with a keyring.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Greenlandica, three pieces of soapstone and a black pouch with a keyring. Features a ptarmigan, seal, and hunter. Artists : Nem Paamiut, Josef Josefsen. Signed 76 (ptarmigan) and 20...
Category

20th Century Greenlandic Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Soapstone

Swedish Burl Wood Bowl, Signed TN 1980
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Elevate your living space with the unparalleled beauty of this exquisite Swedish burl wood bowl, (“Vrilskål” in Swedish) a masterpiece that enca...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Burl

Scandinavian Tine, or Svepask, Painted Bentwood Oval-Shape Box
Located in Houston, TX
Scandinavian tine, or svepask, painted bentwood oval-shape box circa late 19th century, probably from the Sogn og Fjordane region. Box is created from thin layers of steam-bent wood ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

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
Category

2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

19th Century Big antique rustic country Swedish Wooden bowl
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish wooden bowl from Northern Sweden. A genuine 19th century Swedish Folk Art Wooden bowl with lovely patina. The bowl has a fantastically fine wood carving in the ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

19th century Swedish Folk Art Root Wood Bowl
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Fine 19th century painted Swedish Folk Art root wood bowl in Its original condition. Ca 1800 Sweden.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

A Treen Sphere Enclosing Needle and Thread Spool
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Treen Sphere Enclosing Needle and Thread Spool A wonderful piece when unscrewed to open it reveals inside a needle case at the centre and a double thread spool which slips over it...
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Olive

Large Pink Cast Iron Pig Money Bank or Doorstop with Wings, Denmark
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish piggy pink cast iron money bank or doorstopper with wings. This smiling and charming Lady Pig is newly powder-coated in "pretty pink". She...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Vintage Indian Handcarved Wooden Decorative Box
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Handcarved wooden trinket box with carved geometric shapes, small handmade ornamental indentations and cream white decor on the lid. Rustic organic ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Vintage Felipe Benito Archuleta Style Wooden Watermelon Folk Art
By Felipe Archuleta
Located in Charleston, SC
A vintage folk art watermelon which has been carved from wood and hand painted. This piece is attributed to master New Mexican carving artist Felip Archuleta, who carved animals, watermelons and whirly...
Category

1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Paint

Timber man Vintage German Yard or Garden Gnome Statue, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue. This character statue has been made in Germany, in the 1910s or older. Absolutely gorgeous item with lo...
Category

1910s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Beautiful Sculpture of Goat carved in wood by Israeli Artist
Located in Mexico, DF
Beautiful robust sculpture of a Goat carved from a solid mahogany block by an Israeli artist (the signature in Hebrew letters is illegible). The goat is st...
Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Treen Money Box A fine 19th century treen money box
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th Century Treen Money Box A fine 19th century treen money box, made in fruitwood with brass feet and handle, the money box is in good condition for its age, lovely colour and pat...
Category

1880s Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Fruitwood

Pair of Large Vintage Carved Wooden Panthers
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Stunning Pair of Life Size Vintage Carved Hardwood Panthers in a seated pose. Each cat is intricately carved with expressive faces and glass eyes. These are Southeastern Asia in orig...
Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

American Studio Art Ceramic Plate, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
American Studio Art Ceramic Plate, with indistinct signature to reverse, the stoneware plate glazed with a desert landscape, ca 1970s. Dimensions: 11.5" diameter Dealer: S138XX
Category

Late 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Antique English Iron Clock Dial Face, Bird, Fully Working
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A lovely antique iron clock dial circa 1830 in its original enamel, charmingly decorated with birds and flowers. To the corners are charmingly painted flowers and summer fruits. With...
Category

19th Century British Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Artist’s Model, Bust of a Young Woman on a Slate Block
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Artist’s Model, Bust of a Young Woman on a Slate Block This is a very attractive hand made piece dating from the middle of the 20th Century, it was discovered in an Art Studio durin...
Category

1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

J. Hübner Carved Wood Carousel Horse, Early 20th Century, Germany
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique Carousel horse by J.Hübner. A hand-carved wooden carousel horse made by Atelier Hübner Germany - Josef Hübner - Joseph Hubner. This piece of Carnival Art - funfair roundabout horse - Merry-go-round Horse dates circa 1910 and has sulfide eyes, a real tale and stirrups. It's a European Springer Horse - Jumping Horse - Galopping Horse on a metal base. During his life, already more then 110 years !! it does have some old restorations and old repainting but that gives this antique horse the charm of his history: making people and children happy and offer them a ride. Antique carved horses - Antique German Carousel Horses - Hübner horses...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Unusual Antique Hand Carved African Fertility Primate / Baboon, Gorilla
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Antique Hand Carved African Fertility Primate / Baboon, Gorilla,, Extremely well executed,, all hand carved,, remnants of original hair, bone eyes and teeth detail.
Category

1910s Cameroonian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone, Wood

Pipe Smoking Standing Vintage German Yard or Garden Gnome Statue, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue. This character statue has been made in Germany, in the 1920s or older. Absolutely gorgeous item with lo...
Category

1920s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Nantucket lighthouse basket by Davis Hall, 1880
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Round, open top Nantucket lighthouse basket in woven bamboo with oak stays, a slender carved oak handle with lollipop ends, and a round, hard wood bottom plate with two concentric sc...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bamboo, Oak

19th Century, Swedish Antique Rustic Wooden Bowl with Handle
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish antique handmade wood bowl with handle from the first half of the 19th century. The bowl with handle from northern Sweden i...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Artist’s Model Bust of a Young Boy, not signed
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Artist’s Model Bust of a Young Boy, not signed This is a very attractive hand made piece dating from the middle of the 20th Century, it was discover...
Category

1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

Old Weathered Statue of a Putti Playing Tambourine
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Old Weathered Statue of a Putti Playing Tambourine The musical nymph is set on a square base This is a pleasantly weathered piece in good detail to be ...
Category

1920s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Concrete

Henry Munyaradzi Signed African Zimbabwean Shona Figurative Stone Sculpture
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful, wonderfully executed sculpture by renowned African sculptor/artist Henry Munyaradzi (1931-1998). He was also known as Henry Mudzengerere/...
Category

20th Century Zimbabwean Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

Antique Sicilian Opera dei Pupi Theater Marionette, ca. 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Sicilian Opera dei Pupi Theater Marionette, ca. 1930s A large Sicilian theater (Opera dei Pupi) marionette, which is made of tin, wood and canvas ca. 1930s. The Sicilian Pu...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Vintage Chinoiserie-Style Double Elephant Amphora Drip Vase
Located in Waxahachie, TX
1970s drip glaze, elephant handle amphora vase. Signed on the bottom. Decorative urn. Mellow Turquoise/ teal color with brown.
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

M.A. Hadley Ceramic Kitty / Cat Bowl, United States, 20th Century
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
M.A. Hadley Ceramic Kitty Bowl, United States, 20th Century.
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Fourteen Birds by Guy Taplin
Located in Maidstone, GB
An original piece of English folk-art sculpture by the acclaimed British sculptor Guy Taplin (b. 1939). Eight individual wooden birds carved and painted, th...
Category

1990s British Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Driftwood

Mexican Tonala Pottery Hand Painted Bird Folk Art
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery bird Folk Art. Flora de la Cruz Acapulco Gro Mexico hand painted bird dove ceramic. Warm earth tone polych...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery, Ceramic

Large Hand Blown Antique Glass Jar
Located in Houston, TX
Large hand-blown antique glass jar with bluish-green tint. Three available is varying sizes and shapes (see last three images). Each sold individual...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

German Hand Carved Wood and Painted Carousel Horse with Saddle Seat 19th Century
Located in Hollywood, SC
German hand carved wood and decorative painted carousel horse with flowing mane, hairy tail, upholstered saddle seat, original glass eyes, and mounted on a wrought iron scrolled brac...
Category

19th Century German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique Silver Repousse Islamic Talisman Holder
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Silver Repousse Islamic Talisman box Holder. Large Berber tribal ethnic talisman pendant holder. In triangular shape, silver repousse talisman miniature case which would have stored select verses of the Koran Revelation considered to hold special protective powers. This would have originally been worn by someone to protect from the evil eye. The front has intricate, dense design., the back is plain, the box have been sealed and soldered to protect the scriptures. Large silver triangle pendant with hanging beads, embossed silver metal with geometrical relief and repousse. This beautiful antique ethnic piece could be worn as a piece of jewelry, pendant or pin broch, necklace, pendant. Silver Metal triangle shaped box with eleven hanging charms that will makes sounds to push away any bad spirit when moving. Great Islamic Folk Art, metal work, bold, beautiful and musical. The containers would have also held a miniature paper scroll containing a combination of prayers and Koranic verses. Material: German nickel silver. circa 1920s. Probably from North India, Kashmir, but similar to the North African Berber and Tuareg Jewelry...
Category

Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Sculpture, statue, garden, wirework, sheep, life-size, folk art, animal, unique
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
A Pair of Contemporary, Folk Art, Life-Size, Sheep, Wirework, Garden Sculptures Hand-sculpted using multiple layers of painted galvanized wire in white and black. Each sculpture is...
Category

2010s English Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wire

18th Century Swedish antique rustic genuine Grain Measure box dated 1798
Located in Boden, SE
18th Century Swedish antique Grain measure box dated 1798 The dimension is cubic with the upper side open. The corners are joined by sinking in a so-called dovetail. The measure h...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Mexican Terracotta Articulated Doll Figure Wearing a Military Hat
Located in Stamford, CT
Funky and very cool Mexican terracotta doll figure with articulated limbs. Since it is solid terracotta it is likely this is a mold from which other dolls were made. As a folk art sculpture it is absolutely charming. The military hat...
Category

Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Mid-18th Century Hand Painted Traditional Swedish Pine Chest
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid-18th century hand painted traditional Swedish chest/box, circa 1750. Stunning traditional Swedish box hand painted in the original paintwork. Decorated on all sides with swags...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Vintage Hand Carved Hard-Wood Elephant Sculpture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage hand carved hard wood elephant sculpture. Large heavy ebony dark wood hand carved Anglo Indian elephant sculpture. Gorgeous vintage black hand carv...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

Vase with Folk Patterns, Lubiana, Poland, 1970s
Located in Chorzów, PL
A small vase with folk patterns Produced in Poland by Zaklady Porcelany Stolowej Lubiana Very good condition without damage Measures: height 16cm width 12cm depth 4cm.
Category

Late 20th Century Polish Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Mid Century Folk Art Hand Painted Flower Design Serving Bowl
Located in San Carlos, CA
Beautiful vintage serving bowl with orange and yellow flower design. The bowl is signed on the bottom with the initials GJ. This bowl is in excellent condition. See pictures for det...
Category

1960s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Small Antique Treen Glove Powderer and Companion Piece. C.1850
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Lovely shaped treen glove powderer 5 holes in the top Beautiful colour of wood. Possibly pearwood The companion piece is turned bone. About the same dat...
Category

1850s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Set of Vintage Shoe Forms Mounted on Iron Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of three wooden child size shoe forms mounted on an iron base.
Category

Early 1900s North American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Rare Swedish Antique Blue Folk Art Box
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rare antique blue box in folk art from Sweden made during the mid 1800s. The box is an attractive size and can be used for anything from storing documents and stationary to perfume a...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Vintage German Christmas Tree Stand Iron Folk Art .
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Hugh Christmas tree stand made of iron. The stand is decorated with three large hands painted Santa Claus. The Santa Claus is decorated on both si...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Large Sculpture Made of Handwoven Palm Leaves with Two Spheres
Located in West Hollywood, CA
These large hand-woven palm sculptures are made from natural palm and provide rustic, organic modern, contemporary design for any home decor. Their unique w...
Category

2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Palmwood

Early 20th Century Moroccan Silver Jewish Amulet in the Shape of a Fish
Located in New York, NY
A rare, handmade standing sculptural amulet in the form of a fish. Unlike similar items that are mostly two-dimensional and are meant to be hanged only, this amulet is a standing sculpture in the round. The fish's eyes are made of coral, a gem stone typical of North-Africa. The body of the fish is hand-engraved with symbols from the Jewish Moroccan...
Category

Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Coral, Silver

1930s Handcrafted Vintage Carousel Horse with Patina Finish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of yesteryears with our stunning 1930s sculpted carousel horse, a handcrafted vintage treasure meticulously restored by our expert team of craftsmen. This exquisite piece not only showcases the unique beauty and rich history of the era but also comes to life through its vibrant, detailed paintwork. Adorned with a unique patina finish, this wooden carousel horse tells a story with every brushstroke, reflecting its storied past and the artistry of the 1930s. The charm and character of this piece are evident in its every detail, making it a captivating centerpiece that enriches any space with its historical significance. The solid base of the horse has been polished to perfection, enhancing its mesmerizing patina allure and ensuring it stands out as a true piece of art. More than just a decorative item, this carousel horse is a slice of history, a testament to the craftsmanship and artistic expression of a bygone era. Ideal for antique aficionados, history enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates the legacy and beauty of unique vintage pieces, this antique carousel...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Paint, Maple

Vintage Folk Art Pottery Fruit Bowl With Hand Painted Bird Decoration
Located in San Carlos, CA
Beautiful ceramic fruit bowl with hand painted bird decoration. This folk art pottery bowl is marked, but we were unable to match it to a maker. This bowl is in excellent condition,...
Category

1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Swedish Maker, Bowl, Wood, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
An antique solid wood bowl, produced in Sweden in the 19th century.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Malachite Bird Sculpture with Inset Quartz & Bone
Located in New York, NY
Malachite hardstone sculpture depicting a hen chicken, inset with rock crystal quartz accents and bone beak. Dimensions: 5" H x 7.75" W x 2" D. Dealer: 95371
Category

Late 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Malachite

"Harpoonist", 1930s Folk Art - Art Deco Relief Sculpture in Gray Marble
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A remarkable example of folk art sculpture influenced by the stylization of 1930s Art Deco, this bas relief sculpture depicts a man aiming a long harpoon toward his prey below, his b...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Oskar Raoul Papier Mache Chaplin Little Tramp Sculpture Signed by Artist 1970
Located in Monrovia, CA
OSKAR RAOUL Papier Mache / Paper Mache Sculpture Of A Clown Or Tramp Resembles The Likeness Of Charlie Chaplin, The Little Tramp. OSKAR RAOUL Is A Well Known Mexican Papier Mache Clown...
Category

Late 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Paper

Mid-18th Century Swedish Pine Chest Decorated with Labyrinth
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 18th century swedish pine chest decorated with labyrinth circa 1730. Rare and beautiful Swedish pine chest.   Traces of original paint to the outside with decorative metal str...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Antique Folk Art Rustic Farmhouse Log Cabin Shaped Toy Chest Storage Box
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare and antique folk art doll house box or toy chest in the shape of a rustic green cabin with two glass windows and a shingle roof.  
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Hardwood, Paint

Eight Curlews by Guy Taplin
Located in Maidstone, GB
An original piece of English folk-art sculpture by the acclaimed British sculptor Guy Taplin (b. 1939). Eight individual wooden birds carved and painted, th...
Category

1990s British Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Driftwood

Copper cauldron, anonymous, Sweden, 1880s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Cauldron, anonymous, Sweden. 1880s. Copper cauldron. Dimensions: H: 22 cm D: 59 cm
Category

1880s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Trio of Metal Horses on Wood Bases
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of three metal horses mounted on wood bases. These charming horses came out of the same collection. Sizes: 1) 13.5"H X 11"W X 3.5"D 2) 14.5"H X 10.5"W X 3.5"D 3) 12.5"H X 8.5"W ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Folk Art decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art decorative objects 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 objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, folk art, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art decorative objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Mosche Bianche, Jim Rose, Berber Tribes of Morocco, and Tonala Pottery. 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 objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $38 and tops out at $225,000 while the average work can sell for $1,105.

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