Folk Art Decorative Objects
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.
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Paint
1980s French Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Polyester, Textile, Pottery, Earthenware, Clay
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bronze
Early 20th Century Dutch Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal
1980s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pottery
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Natural Fiber
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Clay
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood, Paint
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Iron
1960s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Mahogany
1960s Czech Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
1850s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood, Paint
2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Palmwood
1820s European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bentwood
1880s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Copper
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine, Paint
1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Softwood
Early 20th Century Dutch Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Early 20th Century Nepalese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Hardwood
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine, Paint
19th Century British Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass, Iron
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Cane
19th Century British Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Iron
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Other
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Steel
Early 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Cane, Pine
2010s Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Clay, Earthenware
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
1920s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Cane, Oak
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Pottery
Late 20th Century Beninese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Hardwood
2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Palmwood
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal, Copper
Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Blown Glass
2010s Canadian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Iron
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Other
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal
1960s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pottery
Early 20th Century Burmese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Teak
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Marble
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Mid-19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Teak