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
Sterling Silver Rooster Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sterling silver heavy hollow body rooster figure is signed 925 on the base and is in fine condition.
Beautifully made and proportioned well. Great patina.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver
Vintage Swiss Made Comtoise Pocket Watch with Hunters Motives
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Swiss Made Comtoise Pocket Watch with Hunters Motives
A very nice vintage pocket watch manufactured by ARSA (Auguste Reymond S. A.), Switzerland. The case is made of metal a...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
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
Small Swedish Folk Art Painted Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Swedish allmoge folk art painted little box with a combination lock most probably from the region of Dalarna in central Sweden. Hand carved and origi...
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
19th Century Devil Letter Opener
Located in Oakland, CA
19th Century cast bronze devil letter opener, having a rich patina to the bronze with the Devil's face near the base of the handle, an unusual item.
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Quirky 20th Century American Pewter Corncob Candelabra
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-20th-century American solid pewter corncob candelabra with four brass arms is a marvel of quirky design. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it stands as a testamen...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Pewter
M.A. Hadley Cow Dish / Plate, United States, 20th Century
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
M.A. Hadley Cow Dish / Plate, United States, 20th Century.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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
Tonala Pottery Vase
Located in Cordova, SC
A nice Tonala Mexican folk art pottery with a bird with white dots and a multi colored flower on the surface. Decent and practical size vase. Has an earth-tone / natural surface so b...
Category
Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Early 20th Century Vintage Artists Paint Box and Pallet, Denmark
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish Vintage Artists Paint Box and Pallet, Early 20th Century
Well loved Danish artists traveling wooden box with everything needed to paint on location. This charming box, acqui...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Found and Salvaged Steel House Structure, Modern and Minimalist Sculpture
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, a collection of found steel is reworked, pr...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Steel
M.A. Hadley Chicken Dish / Plate, United States, 20th Century
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
M.A. Hadley Chicken Dish / Plate, United States, 20th Century
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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
Jim Rose Barn House Structure, Welded Steel Sculpture Made with Salvaged Steel
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a welded steel sculpture made by furniture creator Jim Rose. It is sustainable design created from salvaged and recycled steel panels left over from his larger projects. These sculptures reference traditional American Folk Art barn...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel
Beetle Cast Iron Shoe Horn or Boot Jack, Powder Coated Chartreuse, circa 1920's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage boot jack in cast iron freshly powder coated in bright chartreuse. The cast iron object is as functional as it is decorative. This bright and fun ...
Category
1920s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Danish Early 19th Century Apple Cake and Danish Donut Copper Pan
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish early 19th century apple and Danish donut cake copper pan
Early Æbleskive or Danish apple pie donut pan.
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper
Earthenware Candlestick, Włocławek, Poland, 1960s
Located in Chorzów, PL
Candlestick made of faience in Poland by Wloclawek in the 1960s.
Very good condition
Measures: height: 18cm diameter: 11cm.
Category
1960s Polish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Mexican Patamban Hand Painted Fish Design Folk Art Green & Brown Glazed Platter
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning Mexican Patamban hand painted fish design Folk Art green and brown glazed pottery platter. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. There is one small imperfection on the rim of platter that we feel is an unglazed spot might be a chip can’t tell. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Mid-Late 20th Century.
Something seems a bit “fishy” about this platter… Of course, it does!! That’s because there is a FABULOUS hand painted fish swimming through moss or a leafy vine in the center of this lovely Mexican Patamban pottery...
Category
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay
Mid-Century Owl Sculpture on Stand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage ceramic owl sculpture on stand with glass eyes.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cast Stone
Wonderful Bronze Antelope Sculpture Signed Gorham Founders OGLM on Base
By Gorham CO.
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful patinated bronze of free standing antelope sculpture signed Gorham founders OGLM on rectangular base.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Mahogany Jewelry Box with Mirror
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mahogany box with inlaid mother of pearl and mirror, on small round brass feet.
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Mahogany, Mother-of-Pearl
Hand Carved & Hand Painted Rooster Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand carved & hand painted rooster sculpture. Very folky rooster.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Moroccan Decorative Dog Sculpture Handbuilt and Handpainted by Potter Houda
Located in Marseille, FR
- Hand built decorative dog sculpture
- made of clay collected from the potter's surroundings.
- decorative motifs painted with a goat hair brush made...
Category
2010s Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay, Earthenware
Moroccan Decorative Fish Sculpture Handbuilt and Handpainted by Potter Houda
Located in Marseille, FR
- Hand built decorative fish sculpture
- made of clay collected from the potter's surroundings.
- decorative motifs painted with a goat hair brush made by the potter to apply natur...
Category
2010s Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay, Earthenware
Moroccan Decorative Cat Sculpture Handbuilt and Handpainted by Potter Houda
Located in Marseille, FR
- Hand built decorative cat sculpture
- made of clay collected from the potter's surroundings.
- decorative motifs painted with a goat hair brush made...
Category
2010s Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay, Earthenware
Moroccan Decorative Horse Sculpture Handbuilt and Handpainted by Potter Houda
Located in Marseille, FR
- Hand built decorative horse sculpture
- made of clay collected from the potter's surroundings.
- decorative motifs painted with a goat hair brush made by the potter to apply natu...
Category
2010s Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay, Earthenware
Handcrafted Wood Whale Puzzle Sculpture Signed
Located in San Diego, CA
Handcrafted what sculpture made of solid wood. Amazing design an workmanship. Signed and dated.
Category
1990s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Large Papier Mâché Hippopotamus by Sergio Bustamante
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A very fun and decorative papier mâché hippopotamus by Sergio Bustamante, complete with custom pedestal. Very light and easy to handle, this hippo adds humor and taste to any room. W...
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Papier Mâché
Large Tramp Art Hinge Lid Box
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
A handcrafted Tramp Art box or small chest. A detailed design on four tapered feet. The interior is lined with white quilted fabric and the lid is fitted with a large finial. The bot...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Spanish Green Terracotta Bottle Vase or Vessel
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching vase in green unglazed terracotta. Spain, 1940s
Catalan unglazed urn vase in green terracotta. Long neck and swollen body with engraved dot details at the bottom part
...
Category
20th Century Spanish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware, Pottery, Terracotta
Early Swedish 19th Century Blue Glass Candy Bowl or Yoghurt Dish
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early Swedish 19th Century blue glass candy bowl or dish.
This type of glass bowl was typically used for yoghurt and other dairy products.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Pair Handmade Painted Acrobatic Papier Mache Clowns Mexico Attr Jeanne Valentine
By Jeanne Valentine
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous handmade & hand painted vintage acrobatic Papier Mache clowns from Mexico attributed to Jeanne Valentine a pair. Beautiful condition, keeping...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Paste, Paint, Paper
German Shepard 1950 s Statue
Located in Los Angeles, CA
German Shepard 1950 s gesso Italian vintage statue .
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Gesso
Early Swedish 19th Century Wooden Folk Art Box with Originally Paint
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Swedish original painted Folk Art box. From the beginning of the 19th century, most likely used to keep writing supplies and office materials.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Late 19th Century Patinated Bronze Eagle on Black Marble Stand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large French Eagle on a Belgian Black Marble Stand, circa 1880-1900.
This amazing Eagle sculpture is made in a solid bronze that still has the original patina, with a unbeatable age-...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
19th Century Swirled Glass Vase, Likely Zanesville Ohio
Located in Doylestown, PA
A lovely swirled amber glass vase, mid 19th century, likely by the Zanesville Glass Company, normal wear with bubbles and a pontil scar in the base.
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Blown Glass
19th Century Folk Art Cast Iron Green Painted Candlestick
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Single French Cast Iron Candlestick In The Original Green Painted Patina, 19th Century
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Hand Carved Wood Pig with Original Paint, Signed
By David Barr
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand carved wooden pig with original paint. Signed David Barber. Very well done.
33 W x 19.5 H x D.
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
19th Century Wooden Bible Box "Forget Me Not" with Secret Concealed Compartment
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
19th Century wooden Bible box "Forget Me Not" with secret concealed compartment
The four words in the corners are quite cute and charming:
Danish...
Category
19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Figurative Hand Carved Wood Sculpture - Juneau, Alaska 1984
Located in Soquel, CA
Figurative Hand Carved Wood Sculpture - Juneau, Alaska 1984
Hand carved wooden sculpture, presented on a dark wooden base. The sculpture is somewhat figural, but rather abstract. Th...
Category
1980s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Antique Folk Art Grain Painted Blanket Chest with Strap Hinges, Dated 1846
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Folk Art blanket chest or trunk offers grain painted wood construction with central date of 1846, strap hinges and interior patch ...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Paint, 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
Pair Early 20th Century Scandinavian Faded Milliners Heads, 1900's
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful pair faded wooden gent milliners heads from the early 1900's.
The faded lines and the non-treated wood gives these heads there beautiful character. Absolutely top of the li...
Category
Early 1900s Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Italian Jewelry or Decorative Box, Early 20th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early 20th Century Italian jewelry box. This sweet petite box is a perfect piece to hold jewelry or any small collectibles. Sitting atop a vanity, dresser or a desk, the hand painted...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Duck Decoy Three-Piece Sculpture by Herb Watson
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool and unique duck decoy three-piece sculpture by Herb Watson, circa 1987. The detail, craftsmanship and painting of the ducks is amazing; they look absolutely real! The set includes a green winged teal drake and hen (3.25"W x "7D x 3.5"H) on a round pond...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
Moroccan Decorative Dragon Sculpture Handbuilt and Handpainted by Potter Houda
Located in Marseille, FR
- Hand built decorative dragon sculpture - big format
- made of clay collected from the potter's surroundings.
- decorative motifs painted with a goat hair brush made by the potter...
Category
2010s Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay, Earthenware
19th Century Faux Bamboo Desk Accessory Brass Ruler
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
19th Century Faux Bamboo Desk Accessory Brass Ruler
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Folk Art 1930 Mechanical Desk Barrel Box In Polychromate Wood
Located in Miami, FL
Folk art desk barrel box.
Very unusual piece of folk art, created around the 1930. This is a mechanical desk barrel box carved in wood and decorated with painting. Shown a man dre...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
Spanish Green Terracotta Urn Vase or Vessel
Located in Barcelona, ES
Stunning Iberian style eight handled jar or vessel in green unglazed terracotta. Spain, 1940s
Catalan unglazed vase in green terracotta. Elegant piece, beautiful from all sides and i...
Category
20th Century Spanish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta, Earthenware, Pottery
Boston Terrier Heavy Cast Iron Doorstop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sweet faced Boston Terrier cast iron doorstop. This doorstop is very heavy with great patina. The Boston Terrier hasa very soft look due to the wear.
Category
20th Century North American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Scandinavian 18th Century Folk Art Hat Or Wick Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Danish wooden hat or wig box of wood with original painting.
Category
Mid-18th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Leather Horse Equine Animal Sculpture in the Folk Art Style
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful all leather horse equine animal sculpture, circa late-20th century. This hand-crafted piece is clad in a light brown leather with glass eyes. For size perspective, please...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Leather
Early 20th Century Folk Art Driftwood Dachshund Dog
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early 20th century Folk Art driftwood dachshund, circa 1920, a natural form piece of driftwood that has been augmented with the addition of inset Periwinkle shell eyes, two drilled n...
Category
1920s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Driftwood
19c Folk Art Country Swedish Adze Carved Rosewood Tripod Table Bowl Decorative
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
Bought from an Antiques shop in Sweden, this charming, richly patinated tripod bowl table is hewn from a solid log of Rosewood - weighing in at 7kg, it's an incredibly extravagant us...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Rosewood, Oak
Large Antique Cast Iron Seated Frog Door Stop
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Antique cast iron seated frog door stop.
USA, Circa 1920s.
A rare and unusual model, of large size, depicts a seated green frog on a r...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Vintage Bronze Fire Hydrant Wrench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage fire hydrant wrench, a solid bronze piece which can still be used as a wrench, however, due to the wonderful sheen and weight makes...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Hand Carved Wooden Folk Art Masks
Located in San Diego, CA
A very fun pair of hand carved wooden folk art masks circa 1940s. The set is in very good vintage condition and has a hanger on the reverse side; the larger mask...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
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
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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