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Modern Folk Art

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Style: Modern
"The Second World War, " by Winston Churchill
Located in Austin, TX
The Second World War by Winston Churchill from Houghton-Mifflin Company, Boston. A vintage edition of Winston Churchill's six-volume memoir, The Second World War, for which he was a...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Paper

Purvis Young 'Herd of Freedom Horses'
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
'Herd of Freedom Horses' by Purvis Young (1989–1999) USA, circa 1980s A progressive work, painted on a found metal tray, of five horses in landscape. signed 'Young' upper right corner. In untouched, well-cared-for vintage condition, ready to place.  The overall dimensions of the work are 13- inches wide, 17.5- inches high, and 1.5- inches deep.  About : Purvis Young (1943–2010) was an American artist from the Overtown neighborhood of Miami, Florida. Self-taught, Young's work was often a blend of painting and drawing with collaged elements, utilizing everyday discarded found objects. Inspired by documentaries, art books...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Alan Wallwork Studio Pottery Split Pod Sculpture
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Stoneware studio pottery 'split pod' form designed by Alan Wallwork (British, 1931-2019) and dating from around 1980. The heavily made sculptural pod sta...
Category

1980s English Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Stoneware

21st Century Ovo Towel & Magazine Leather Basket Outdoor Use Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Ovo basket: Compact yet capacious. Fashioned of resistant recycled leather, with tan or black this basket boasts an unstructured silhouette with fl...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Leather

21st Century Demetra Round Laundry Basket Handwoven with Leather in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Strictly hand woven with meticulous care, Pinetti baskets are made with eco-friendly, washable, and resistant material. Part of the Demetra collections, our short basket comes in a ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Leather

Pablo Picasso, Quatre danseurs, 1956. 22 février, Plaque murale convexe.
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Pablo Picasso Quatre danseurs 1956. 22 février Plaque murale convexe D. 25 cm E.O terre de faience blanche, gravure soulignée de paraffine oxydée, bain de couverte Ivoire, brun, vert...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Pablo Picasso, Femme, 1955, Pichet tourné.
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Pablo Picasso Femme 1955 Pichet tourné H. 30,5 cm. Larg. 11 cm R.A terre de faience blanche, décor aux engobes, Interieur couverte Bleu, noir, grège Tiré à 100 exemplaires R.740. Va
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Pablo Picasso, Tête de chèvre de profil, 1950, Assiette ronde/carré.
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Pablo Picasso, Tête de chèvre de profil, 1950 Assiette ronde/carré D. 25,5 cm E.O terre de faience blanche, décor à la paraffine oxydée et bain de couverte Brun, vert Tiré à 200 ex...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Pablo Picasso, Taureau sous l'arbre, 1952, assiette ronde tournée.
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Pablo Picasso, Taureau sous l'arbre, 1952, assiette ronde tournée D. 19 cm R.A terre de faience blanche, décor à la paraffine oxxydée, émail blanc Noir Tiré à 500 exemplaires
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Pablo Picasso, Femme du barbu, 1953, pichet tourné.
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Pablo Picasso, Femme du barbu 1953. 10 juillet Pichet tourné H.37,5 cm, Larg.20,5 cm R.A terre de faience blanche, décor aux engobes, gravé au couteau sous couverte partielle au pinc...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 3 Small Elemental Spinning Tops in Oiled Walnut by Alvaro Uribe for Wooda
Located in Omro, WI
The initial inspiration for the elemental top collection by Alvaro Uribe for Wooda was wooda’s iconic logo of a tree. We felt it captured the company’s synergy for working with wood ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Walnut

Small Agua Elemental Spinning Top in Oiled Walnut by Alvaro Uribe for Wooda
Located in Omro, WI
The initial inspiration for the elemental top collection by Alvaro Uribe for Wooda was wooda’s iconic logo of a tree. We felt it captured the company’s synergy for working with wood ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Hardwood, Walnut

Hermanos Calavera Conquistador in Oiled Walnut by Miguel & Ilse Silva for Wooda
Located in Omro, WI
These handsome but quirky brothers designed by Miguel and Ilse Silva for Wooda are the result of an engaging mix of personality, love, fun and mischievousness. Los Hermanos Calavera(...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Oak, Walnut, Maple, Hardwood

Maschera (Unica) da Krampus in Legno Intagliato e Pelo Caprino - di Luca Pojer
Located in Milano, IT
Questa non è solo una maschera, ma un'autentica opera d'arte. È importante sottolineare che maschere di questo livello sono estremamente rare: gli artisti che le creano le vendono so...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Goatskin, Goat Hair, Resin, Wood

Vintage Curtis Jere Black Brutalist Wall Art Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Curtis Jere Black Brutalist Brass Ribbon Textured Wall Art Sculpture. Item features woven steel metal construction, brutalist textured finis...
Category

20th Century American Modern Folk Art

Materials

Metal

Vintage Mosaic Soft Gold & Indian Brown 180x270 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Have you ever been captivated by the intricate geometric patterns adorning Moroccan palaces? This plush, hand-knotted rug brings a contemporary twist to those timeless motifs, seamle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Origami Fusion Ashwood & Classic Gray 270X320 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Imagine stepping into a vibrant tapestry of modern design with this hand-tufted rug, a symphony of creativity meticulously crafted in rural India. Like a canvas of personality, the b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Blush Ambrosia Peach dust & Apricot 180x270 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
This rug from our Aprezo collection is a delightful harmony of contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship, offering a visually enchanting addition to any living space. The rug...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Deserted Ripples Snow White & Indian Tan 180x270 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Presenting an exquisite masterpiece from our stunning Aprezo collection, this handmade rug seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, offering a visual nar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Tranquil Essence Natural & Natural 150x240 cm Flatweave Rug
Located in Milano, IT
What whispers of elegance and serenity does this exquisite flatweave rug carry within its threads? Inspired by minimalism and adorned with unembellished patterns, its subtle gradient...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Jute

Artisan Echo Charcoal Gray & Faded Denim 168x240 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
In every knot and thread, our hand-knotted rug whispers tales spun from the very essence of wool. The dance of charcoal gray and faded denim paints a canvas that transcends dimension...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Serene Sands Beige & Beige 150x240 cm Handloom Rug
Located in Milano, IT
What whispers of modern elegance and timeless sophistication does this hand-loom rug by evoke? Crafted with precision and passion, each thread intertwines to create a masterpiece of ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Tranquility in Threads Dark Brown & Dark Brown 420x170 cm Handloom Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Ever wondered how simplicity and sophistication intertwine seamlessly? unveils the answer with their hand-loomed masterpiece in modern design. Crafted to leave an everlasting impress...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

Sublime Hush Soft Beige & Cola 240X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Does your space yearn for a touch of timeless sophistication? Look no further than this exquisite hand-knotted rug, a captivating display of subtlety and understated luxury. Woven in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Framed John Smith's Beer Sign, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Framed John Smith's beer sign. Original old advertising sign for the famous Pale Ale Beer, dated 1976. It's English beer of the brewery John Smith's Tadc...
Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Other, Tin

Sun-Kissed Bliss Antique White & White Sand 130X130 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Does the sun paint your mood on the walls? Imagine its warm glow captured in threads, woven into an inviting landscape for your feet. The "Sun-Kissed Bliss" rug by is a symphony of a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

1970s Piaget Lady Watch in Gold and Jade
Located in Milan, IT
1970s Piaget lady gold watch, with the face watch in Jade, with original watch strap in alligator signed by Piaget. In excellent condition, it works p...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Modern Folk Art

Materials

Jade, Gold

Enigma Nebula Classic Gray & Antique White 150x240 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Capturing the essence of the cosmos, this modern masterpiece is a hand-tufted rug, a celestial interpretation of unseen worlds. Like a painting, pastel hues and enigmatic shapes conv...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Tropical Lagoon Surf Green & Surf Green 240x360 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
This lush forest inspired hand knotted rug from our Inde Rose is a masterpiece that effortlessly combines modern design with artisanal craftsmanship. This rectangular rug features a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Velvet Ripples Ashwood & Jamaican Aqua 270x360 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
The design of this handcrafted rug from our Unstring By Kavi collection is a testament to commitment to artisanal excellence. The Ashwood base provides a neutral and grounding founda...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Lustrous Moonlit Velvet Red & Tea Rose 170x240 cm Handtufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Ever dreamed of bringing the vibrant spirit of Jaipur into your home? Introducing the Hand Tufted Rug from the Jaipur Wunderkammer Collection by Matteo Cibic. Inspired by Jaipur's un...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Golden Horizon Peach & Cloud White 180x270 cm Flatweave Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Ever wondered how the soft hues of a sunrise could be captured in a rug? Look no further. This stunning flat weave, handcrafted in rural India, brings a touch of the outdoors to your...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Jute

Echoes of Marrakech Winter White & Mahogany 200X300 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Ever wondered how traditional Moroccan patterns could blend seamlessly with modern aesthetics? Behold this hand-knotted marvel, a fusion of heritage and contemporary allure. Crafted from sumptuous handspun wool, its plush texture invites touch. Distressed tile motifs dance across the surface, echoing ancient charm...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Azure Interplay Pool Blue & Light Turquoise 150X210 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Have you ever wished your floors could tell a vibrant tale? presents a modern marvel, hand-tufted and meticulously crafted in rural India. A bold celebration of personalities, this h...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Enigma of Errant Ivory & Flax 170x240 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
What happens when nature's hand interrupts the mechanical precision of modern printing? Our contemporary rug answers this question with grace and intrigue. Embracing misprints and or...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Joyful Fold Dark Ivory & Black Ink 150x240 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Like a canvas brought to life, our Modern Hand Tufted rug from rural India is a masterpiece of contemporary design. Imagine a vibrant interplay of shapes akin to origami creations un...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Mellow Meadows Beige & Antique White 120x180 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
This exquisite handwoven rug from our Contour collection, boasting a palette of Beige and Antique White, showcases an intricate pattern that effortlessly captures the essence of trad...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Harmony Labyrinth Classic Gray & Antique White 168x240 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Embark on a journey of contemporary elegance with this hand-knotted geometric rug. Intricate mazes and jigsaws, rendered in bold, abstract designs, form a captivating tapestry of cre...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Woven Dance Eucalyptus & Eucalyptus 180x270 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Ever wondered what a dance looks like frozen in time, captured on the floor? Look no further than this captivating hand-knotted rug, inspired by the sinuous movements of the hula dan...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Jute

Nature's Canvas Navy & Deep Blue 150x240 cm Flatweave Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Like a modern masterpiece painted on the canvas of rural India, this handmade rug from brings nature's embrace into your space. Its flat weaves and geometric patterns, reminiscent of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Jute

Serenity Blend Natural & Natural Off White 180x270 cm Flatweave Rug
Located in Milano, IT
What if simplicity could speak volumes? Introducing our Flatweave rug, a masterpiece of minimalism and understated elegance. Its unembellished patterns and subtle gradients, blending...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Jute

Microcosmic Opulence Chicory 120x180 cm Handloom Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Immerse your space in modern elegance with the handloom rug, a masterpiece crafted in the heart of rural India. Unveiling the intricate patterns inspired ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Emotive Shape Medium Gray & White 150x240 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
What if a rug could speak volumes through its shapes? Enter this modern marvel, hand-tufted with precision in rural India. Inspired by the profound symbolism of different forms, each...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Silk

GeoNature Light Peach & Light Peach 150x240 cm Flatweave Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Ever wondered how to seamlessly blend modern aesthetics with timeless craftsmanship? Look no further than our handwoven rug collection, straight from the rural looms of India. Embrac...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Jute

Ethereal Crossings Light Silver & Light Silver 150X210 cm Flatweave Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Embrace the allure of simplicity with our Flatweave rug, a masterpiece of minimalism. From unembellished patterns to subtle gradients, its design exudes sophistication. The light sil...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Origami Horizon Ocean Blue & Ocean Blue 113X132 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
What if your floor could tell a story? Embrace modern elegance with our hand-tufted rug, a vibrant testament to craftsmanship from rural India. Its bold celebration of personalities ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Neutral Dunes Light Camel & Light Camel 180x270 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
This rug is a splendid embodiment of timeless elegance and contemporary design, creating a sophisticated focal point for any living space. This rectangular rug features a captivating...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Jute

Nomadic Neutrality Light Camel & Light Camel 180x270 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
This hand knotted rug from our Hula is an ode to sustainable living, combining timeless design with sustainable craftsmanship. This rectangular rug is meticulously handwoven from nat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Jute

Origami Bliss Dark Ivory & Oyster 150X210 cm Hand Tufted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Ever wondered if a rug could be a captivating canvas of modern art for your floor? presents a hand-tufted masterpiece, born in the hands of skilled artisans in rural India. This rug ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Luminous Lush Landscapes Ivory & Classic Gray 195X295 cm Handknotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Have you ever imagined bringing the serene hues of rural landscapes into your modern living space? The contemporary rug from the Gauri Khan collection - Tattvam, invites you to do ju...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Classic Contrast Ebony & White 198x288 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Welcome to a world where your floor becomes a canvas and comfort intertwines with character. Meet this hand-knotted rug from our Anatolia collection, a symphony of style in ebony and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Ethereal Haze Classic Gray & Light Sea Mist 240x300 cm Hand Knotted Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Introducing this hand knotted rug from our Aakar By Kavi collection. With its exquisite color combination of Classic Gray and Light Sea Mist, this rug is designed to elevate your liv...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Noir Odyssey Ebony & Ebony 180x270 cm Flat Weave Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Presenting a visually captivating addition to any living space, this rug from our Indusbar collection is one of its kind . This rectangular rug features an intriguing design in rich ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Fusion Echo Natural 150x240 cm Flatweave Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Embrace simplicity and elegance with our Flatweave rug, featuring minimal and unembellished patterns transitioning into subtle gradients. The rug's natural color scheme effortlessly ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Jute

Luminescent Neutrality Classic Gray & Classic Gray 150x240 cm Handloom Rug
Located in Milano, IT
What whispers of modern elegance and timeless charm do this hand loom rug holds within its threads? Crafted with meticulous care by master artisans, it exudes simplicity, elegance, a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Misty Meadows Light Paprika & Light Paprika 150x240 cm Handloom Rug
Located in Milano, IT
A masterpiece tailored to leave an indelible first impression while enduring through time! Crafted with precision and artistry, its design captivates with simplicity, elegance, and l...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Flawed Perfection Apricot & Peach Dust 150x240 cm Handloom Rug
Located in Milano, IT
Are you looking for a touch of modern elegance to elevate your space? Introducing this Hand Loom Rug, a symphony of soothing colors expertly woven on a handloom. Crafted with meticul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Nomad Nectar Black Pepper & Black Pepper 150x240 cm Hand Loom Rug
Located in Milano, IT
This handmade rug is an expression of modern sophistication and traditional craftsmanship, making a bold statement in any living space. This rectangular rug features a striking patte...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Folk Art

Materials

Wool

Modern folk art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern folk art 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 folk art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern folk art made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original folk art, popular names associated with this style include Pinetti, VG-VGnewtrend, Danese Milano, and Mosche Bianche. 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 folk art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $75 and tops out at $50,000 while the average work can sell for $1,001.

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