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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
20th Century Terracotta Diana Goddess of the Hunt Bust France 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is an impressive bust formed with terracotta of Diana Goddess of the Hunt. This beautiful sculpture is hand formed, 20th century. Signed by Artist but can not identify the maker...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta, Ceramic

Farmhouse Chicken Wire Egg Fruit Basket Carry All, Vintage Industrial Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful chicken wire made Basket, circa 1930s. Made of wire and wooden handles. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria. Nice addition to any Country Kitchen. Size given in meas...
Category

1930s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Wire

U.S. Constitution Anniversary Folk Art Box c.1937
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Hand crafted box with lid celebrating the 150th anniversary of the constitution—dated Sept. 17, 1937. Multiple engraved and burnished words and images. CREATOR Unknown. ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

20th Century Handwoven Soft African Bolga Shopping Basket With Leather Handle
Located in Red Lion, PA
20th Century Handwoven African Bolga Basket with Leather Handle This beautifully handwoven 20th-century Bolga basket is a soft-formed, organic piece made in the Bolgatanga region of...
Category

20th Century African Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Straw, Raffia

19th Century Walnut Box With Bone and Mother Of Pearl Inlay
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century walnut box with bone and mother of pearl inlay, whaler made. This beautifully hand crafted box would have been made during the long voyage of a whaling ship. The star in...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone, Mother-of-Pearl, Walnut

Arce Santos De Palo/ Hand Carved Wood Virgin Of Monserrat Sculpture With Niche
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Santo de Palo/Hand Carved Wood of Virgin of Monserrat Sculpture with Niche by Arce. It depicts a hand painted Virgin of Monserrat seated with Baby Jesus in her lap. Her hea...
Category

20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Large Wooden Tramp Art Box Folk Art Gold 20th Century
Located in Poperinge, BE
Large tramp art box with lid and brass handle, folk art object made of layered pieces of gold, partly gold colored, from the late first half of the 20th century. Beautiful form of f...
Category

1940s European Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

1940s Day Basket Co. Handwoven White Oak Long Market Basket with Stamped Handle
Located in Red Lion, PA
1940s Day Basket Co. Handwoven White Oak Long Market Basket with Stamped Handle This charming 1940s handwoven market basket by the Day Basket Company of Maryland is a beautiful and ...
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Oak

Japanese Tall Ikebana Basket, Bamboo, Suruga Sensuji Style
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage bamboo Ikebana basket features tall cylindrical shape with prominent rounded handle. The basket is woven of thin round bamboo strips that are secured with light brown fiber, ...
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan

19th Century Original Blue Painted Swedish Mora Grandfather Clock
Located in Round Top, TX
Antique Swedish Mora Grandfather clock with original blue painted finish. The monogram indicates this clock was likely a wedding or dowry present. Pine longcase with original folk a...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine, Paint

Antique Tramp Art Box with Mirrors Folk Art Collectible
Located in Poperinge, BE
Beautiful antique tramp art box with mirrored panels on the sides and top, pointed feet and a triangular lid, partly covered with green velvet inside and decorated with a small mirro...
Category

Early 20th Century European Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Large Heavy Shiva Lignam Fertility Banalinga Stone Brahmanda Egg
Located in Dayton, OH
Shiva Lingam is a crypto-crystalline member of the Quartz family. This heavy stone is found in only one of seven sacred Indian rivers. Villagers visit the Narmada River in Onkar Mand...
Category

Late 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

Pink and Purple Sea Shell Encrusted Hinged Box with Purple Velvet Interior
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Elevate your space with this exceptionally rare vintage seashell box, a true testament to artisanal craftsmanship and natural beauty. Adorned with a curated arrangement of hand-selected seashells in soft lavenders, rose-pinks, creams, and ivory, this one-of-a-kind coastal treasure box evokes the romance of old-world seaside glamour. Likely crafted in the mid-20th century, this shell-encrusted jewelry box features a charming domed lid and intricate shell mosaic work—making it a standout addition to any vintage coastal decor, cottagecore aesthetic, or grandmillennial interior. Whether styled on a vanity, nestled into a bookshelf, or offered as a luxurious gift, this box blends nostalgia with natural elegance. Key Features: Authentic vintage seashell trinket box, circa 1950s–1970s Completely handmade using real seashells, no two alike Gorgeous palette of pastel shells: mauve, blush, ivory, taupe Functional hinged lid and purple velvet-lined interior Ideal for jewelry storage, keepsakes, or as an heirloom gift Excellent vintage condition with rich patina and natural wear Styling Ideas: Style atop a Louis XV bombe chest...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell

Large Figurative Folding Wood Stand
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large vintage carved wood folding stand. Tripod shape with carved people as each leg. Nice larger size, perfect for using as a plant stand, to hold a bowl, or to display a decorati...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Antique plaster display case from a French butcher's shop, early 20th century
Located in SAINT-YRIEIX-SUR-CHARENTE, FR
Painted plaster pig from the first half of the 20th century, originating from France. Originally, these plaster sculptures were displayed in shop windows or in butchers' and delicate...
Category

1930s French Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Plaster

Scandinavian Cake Copper Pan, Early 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An Early 19th Century Scandinavian copper cake mold. The handle and the feet are also in copper. If desired, this antique cake pan could easily be pol...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Early 20th century continental decorative carousel horse
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century continental decorative carousel horse circa 1900. Unique continental painted merry-go-round horse circa 1900. Excellent opportunity to own this highly decorative ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Oak, Paint

19th Century Swedish antique genuine country Folk Art wooden trough / bowl
Located in Boden, SE
A genuine original painted antique wood trough from Luleå Northern Sweden The trough has a lovely color & patina. A nearly monumentaly large farme...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 19th century
Located in High Point, NC
A wood bowl designed and produced in Sweden, 19th century.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Antique Original Clock Cabinet from Sweden, Hand-Crafted Untouched Veneered Elm
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish antique clock cabinet made during the early to mid 1800s, circa 1820 to 1840. The cabinet is veneered and waxed elm. The lower cabinet is...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Elm

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

Vintage American Brass Sperm Whale Doorstop
Located in Chicago, IL
This vintage American brass sperm whale doorstop is a delightful blend of charm and functionality, perfect for adding a splash of coastal flair to your space. Cast in solid brass, th...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique Swedish Wide Wooden Bowl with Original Paint and Authentic Patina
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish wooden bowl in good vintage condition with authentic patina and traces after use. The bowl has a round shape and is made from a single piece of wood that’s been hollo...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Vintage Vietnamese Backpack Basket
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Vintage Vietnamese Backpack Basket. A woven form starting with a square bamboo base tapering up to an open round sturdy mouth with a a smooth interior surface, specifically used in t...
Category

Late 20th Century Vietnamese Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bamboo

Early 20th Century Scandinavian Faded Wooden Milliners Head, 1900's
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful faded wooden gent milliners hea from the early 1900's. The faded lines and the non-treated wood give this head his beautiful character. Absolutely top of the line decorati...
Category

Early 1900s Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Found and Salvaged Steel Industrial Objects on Wooden Base
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here, a beautifully rusted tobacco box, a steel egg...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Steel

Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A hand-painted wood bowl produced in Sweden, 19th century.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

19th Century Tramp Art Jewelry Box
Located in High Point, NC
19th century tramp art jewelry box from England. The box has a domed top with layers upon layers of molded edges, leading up to a graceful formed...
Category

19th Century English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Fruitwood

Small 19th Century original painted sarcophagus box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Small 19th century original painted sarcophagus box circa 1870. Beautiful decorative box with original paint.   Sarcophagus shaped lidded box in original paint with traces of origin...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine, Paint

Hand-Carved English Yorkshire Terrier Box, Circa 1930's
Located in High Point, NC
Vintage English hand-carved box in the form of a Yorkshire Terrier. This box just grabs your heart and squeezes it with the fluffy coat of fur and the sweet expression. This piece ...
Category

1930s English Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Fruitwood

19th Century Swedish antique genuine rustic Bent wood box with original paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Bentwood Box from Hälsingland, Northern Sweden. Oval box with lid. Originalpainted with nice patina after several hundred years of use. Beautifully pain...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

20th Century American Folk Art Carved Stop Sign
Located in Chicago, IL
A 20th century American Folk Art hand-carved and painted wood stop sign mounted on a custom steel stand.
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Paint

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

Iconic Pair of Sicilian Ceramic Heads from Caltagirone
Located in Budapest, HU
Fascinating traditional handmade ceramic planters from private collection.
Category

20th Century Sicilian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 3 Antique Blue and White Delft Plates Hand Painted Netherlands Ca. 1800
Located in Katonah, NY
This set of three antique Delft plates was hand-painted in the Netherlands circa 1800. Each plate measures approximately 9 inches in diameter and ...
Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Delft

Antique Black Tramp Art Frame Folk Art Picture Frame Carved Wood Carved Oak
Located in Munich, DE
This tramp art picture frame was handcrafted and handcarved in the last decades of the 19th century. It is decorated with for pointed stars, square and rectangular pyramids, lozenge...
Category

1890s European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Oak

Japanese Tall Ikebana Basket, Bamboo & Black Accents, Suruga Sensuji Style
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage bamboo Ikebana basket features tall cylindrical shape with prominent rounded handle. The basket is woven of thin round bamboo strips that are secured with black fiber, addin...
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan

Stunning German Yard or Garden Gnome Statue, Antique Germany 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous character ceramic figural gnome statue. This character statue has been made by a unknown Company in Germany, in the 1910s or older. Absolutely gorgeous item with lots of c...
Category

1950s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Signed Wabi-Sabi Pottery Glazed Chawan Tea Bowl Style of Bernard Leach
Located in Studio City, CA
A gorgeous tenmoku drip glazed Japanese Chawan tea bowl that features a mix of shifting colors, glazes and textures. The piece radiates in the light and is very reminiscent of work ...
Category

20th Century Japanese Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware, Pottery

Folk Art Sculpture of A Hand
Located in Round Top, TX
This unique, hand-carved wooden sculpture of a hand was created by a Colorado folk artist known for his rustic, heartfelt style. The piece showcases the warmth, character, and expres...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Antique Wooden Tramp Art Box Trinket Folk Art Unique Piece
Located in Poperinge, BE
Antique wooden rectangular tramp art box with hidden keyhole, elaborately decorated panels, stained dark brown. Folk art collector's item with a beautiful age patina from the early 2...
Category

Early 20th Century European Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Wooden Hand Carved Tropical Fruit Basket 20 Pieces
Located in Den Haag, NL
Fantastic fruit basket. All kind off beautiful hand carved tropical fruit. In all kind off different woods. All together in a Teak wood bowl. Very goo...
Category

1980s Congolese Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Fruitwood

Mackenzie-Childs Flower Market Set of Oval Tray and Box, Retired Pieces
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage MacKenzie-Childs set of oval tray and square box with lid is decorated with Flower Market pattern on white background; the steel underbodies are color-glazed in white and de...
Category

2010s North American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Hand-Carved Vintage Folk Art Wooden Tramp Art Style Storage Box
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hand-Carved vintage Folk Art wooden Tramp Art style storage box from Poland. This handcrafted Tramp Art style box is covered with geometric designs creating alternating depths on all...
Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Carved Wooden African Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful hand carved head of Hardwood. A stunning sculpted and carved piece. A stand alone decorative piece or can be used as a large book end. Trul...
Category

20th Century African Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Hardwood

Carved Wooden African Head
Carved Wooden African Head
$2,560 Sale Price
20% Off
Folk Art Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Blue Floral Motif from Westerwald, Germany
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Crafted in the traditional style of gray pottery adorned with cobalt blue floral motif, this salt-glazed stoneware jar hails from the Westerwald r...
Category

1970s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Nantucket Purse with Painted Seascape on Top, by Barbara Grey, circa 1995
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage Nantucket Purse by Barbara Grey, circa 1995, a covered oval Nantucket basket, with cane weave on rattan staves, braided leather shoulder strap, turned bone peg, and having a ...
Category

1990s American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Cane, Rattan, Wood

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Woven basket genuine rustic
Located in Boden, SE
A fantastic 19th Century Swedish Folk Art root Basket made of woven twigs & birch bark. It comes from an old farmhouse in Luleå Norrbotten Northern Sweden. The basket is not jus...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Twig, Birch

Vintage Large American Hand Woven Gathering Buttocks Basket
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage or antique oversized gathering basket features traditional rib or buttocks shape with the bent wood ring rim and handle. The plaited splints are carefully interwoven to carry...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wicker, Oak

Victorian Antique Smoker’s Cane Walking Stick with Money & Matches Box
Located in Shippensburg, PA
VICTORIAN SMOKING CANE WITH A ROTATING MONEY BOX AND MATCH COMPARTMENT Unmarked, probably English; late 19th/early 20th century 35" H x 2 1/8" W An interesting smoker's cane, the ...
Category

20th Century British Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Nickel

Japanese Flat Ikebana Basket, Bamboo, Suruga Sensuji Style
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage bamboo Ikebana basket features an elongated, flattened form with prominent rounded handle. The basket is woven of thin round bamboo strips that are secured with transparent ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Rattan, Wicker, Bamboo

Antique Hand Carved Wood Elephant
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hand carved wood in a form of an elephant. No tusk
Category

Early 20th Century East Asian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Woven Tribal Basket Vase in Brown and Black
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A small woven basket shaped like a vase. Woven with natural fibers in geometric patterns, this small decorative piece of folk art would be beautiful...
Category

20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wicker

Oversized Blue and White Mexican Talavera Glazed Ceramic Bowl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Authentic oversized very fine blue and white Mexican Talavera de la Reina glazed ceramic bowl. Huge blue and white Mexican Talavera pottery handcrafte...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Mexican Talavera Mave Multicolored Floral Decor Ceramic Vase
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Handmade Mexican Talavera Mave ceramic vase delicately decorated by hand. Floral, organic decor in blue, green and dark yellow on a creamy light yello...
Category

Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware, Pottery

Tonala Folk Art Bird Mexican Hand Painted Colorful Pottery 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Tonala Folk Art Pottery Plate Hand Painted Flying Bird, Mexico, circa 1960's. Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery bird Folk Art. Flora de la Cruz ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Scandinavian Wooden Container Tejne Original Blue Paint, Sweden ca 1850s
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Antique Scandinavian wooden container with original blue paint. It´s most likely from Sweden and most likely made around 1850. We suppose it has been used for storage of food. It ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Cowrie, Painted Palm & Bamboo 1950’s Sasak
Located in London, GB
Sasak Dowry Box, Lombok Indonesia, Cowrie & Painted Palm 1950’s Handwoven and richly adorned, this 1950’s Sasak dowry box from Lombok, Indonesia, captures the ceremonial artistry of...
Category

1950s Indonesian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Other

Puerto Rican Santos De Palos/Wood Carved Sculpture of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Located in Guaynabo, PR
A renown tradition in Puerto Rico is the making of Santos de Palos by Masters Carvers since the 19th century. They hand carved and hand painted the saints inspired in their personal ...
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

8-19th Century Wooden Horse
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Indian 18-19th century hand-carved wooden horse decorated with polychrome colors. In original untouched condition with a beautiful age-related patina, showing the antique authentic...
Category

18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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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