Eider Decoy
Vintage 1920s American Folk Art Decoys
Wood
Vintage 1920s American Country Decoys
Wood
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century Swedish Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Wood
Antique 19th Century American Decoys
Wood, Paint
20th Century American Decoys
Wood
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1920s American Folk Art Decoys
Wood
Mid-20th Century Canadian Decoys
Iron
Vintage 1910s English Folk Art Decoys
Wood, Cork
Vintage 1980s Folk Art Decoys
Hardwood
Early 20th Century American Country Animal Sculptures
Iron
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Decoys
Wood, Paint
Vintage 1940s American Folk Art Decoys
Wood
Vintage 1930s American Folk Art Decoys
Wood
Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Decoys
Wood
Early 20th Century American Sporting Art Decoys
Wood
Vintage 1930s American Folk Art Decoys
Cedar
Vintage 1920s British Folk Art Decoys
Pine
20th Century American Country Decoys
Wood
Early 20th Century American American Craftsman Sculptures and Carvings
Glass, Wood
Vintage 1920s British Folk Art Decoys
Pine
Antique Late 19th Century American Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Wood
Finding the Right Decoys for You
Vintage, new and antique decoys have become fashionable decor in modern homes.
The history of decoy ducks, shorebirds, geese and other waterfowl as part of the folk art tradition stretches back thousands of years. Tule duck decoys made between 400 B.C. and 100 A.D. by Indigenous people for use in hunting have been found in Nevada that are similar to decoys still in use today.
Waterfowl decoys are now often made of plastic and foam, but vintage duck decoys from the mid-19th to early 20th century were frequently made of wood. Canvas duck decoys were popularized from the 1920s to ’40s as a lightweight alternative. These folk art pieces feature hand-painted feathers and long, flat bodies, lending themselves well to display in living rooms on shelves and in cabinets.
One of the fascinating aspects of handcrafted waterfowl decoys is their regional variation to match the local birds. For example, German decoys are regularly decorated with green and gray paints, making them look like mallard ducks. Scandinavian decoys are typically black and white, resembling the common eider.
Either option could be a rustic treasure for one’s home, adding a touch of eclectic art to any room. Browse antique, new and vintage decoys on 1stDibs today.
Read More
A Giant Wedding Cake Has Us Looking at Portuguese Tiles in a New Light
At Waddesdon Manor, artist Joana Vasconcelos has installed a three-tiered patisserie inspired by the narrative tile work of her homeland. We take a look at the cake sculpture and how Portuguese tiles have been used in architecture from the 17th century to today.
Why Jules Chéret Was the King of the Modern Poster
The streets of fin-de-siècle Paris were set aglow with colorful poster ads, thanks to the printing techniques invented by Jules Chéret. Now, the Milwaukee Art Museum is celebrating this undersung talent in America's first solo show dedicated his exuberant works.
Why the American Flag Has Had So Many Different Star Patterns
Expert Jeff Bridgman explains the history and meaning behind the twinkling constellations that have graced Old Glory.
Peggy Guggenheim Loved Modernism, but She Also Collected Tribal Art
The iconoclastic style setter displayed African and Oceanic art, as well as works by indigenous peoples of the Americas, alongside pieces by such major modernists as Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock.
The 13-Star American Flag Had More Variations Than You’d Think
Perfect for July 4th weekend, a new show at Philadelphia's Museum of the American Revolution displays an array of antique red, white and blue flags.
Tramp Art, America’s Most Misunderstood Art Form, Is Trending in Interiors
Designers are beginning to see this enigmatic form of folk art in a whole new light.