Merganser Decoy
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Decoys
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Prints
Paper
People Also Browsed
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Wood
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Decoys
Wood, Paint
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Decoys
Metal, Sheet Metal
Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints
Lithograph
Vintage 1970s American Folk Art Prints
Paper
Antique Late 19th Century Prints
Paper
Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints
Lithograph
Vintage 1910s French Folk Art Decoys
Iron
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Art Glass, Opaline Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Glass
Mid-20th Century American Animal Sculptures
Wood
Vintage 1980s Folk Art Decoys
Hardwood
1870s Modern Figurative Prints
Woodcut
Antique 18th Century Chinese Ceramics
Porcelain
Antique Late 19th Century Prints
Paper
Mid-20th Century Canadian Decoys
Iron
Vintage 1920s American Decoys
Wood
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Wood
Vintage 1930s American Folk Art Decoys
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Paper
Antique 19th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Wood
Vintage 1980s Folk Art Decoys
Hardwood, Paint
Early 20th Century American Decoys
Early 20th Century American Decoys
Wood
Early 20th Century American Decoys
20th Century Decoys
Wood, Paint
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.
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