Shore Bird Decoy
1990s American Decoys
Wood
People Also Browsed
Antique Late 18th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Wood
Antique 1890s French Country Decorative Art
Ceramic, Pottery
Vintage 1920s Chinese Animal Sculptures
Porcelain
Antique Late 19th Century French Decoys
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Brass, Enamel
Early 20th Century Unknown Carnival Art
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Decoys
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Weathervanes
Copper, Iron
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Copper, Enamel
Antique 1890s French French Provincial Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Antique 1890s French Rustic Vases
Majolica, Ceramic, Faience
Antique 1850s French Decorative Art
Other
Early 20th Century Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s American Decoys
Wood
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Pitchers
Stoneware
Vintage 1920s Chinese Rustic Animal Sculptures
Sandstone
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Wood, Driftwood
20th Century French Baroque Decoys
Pearwood
20th Century American Decoys
Antique Early 1900s American Folk Art Decoys
Cedar
20th Century American Decoys
Wood
20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
Antique 19th Century American Folk Art Sculptures
Early 20th Century American Decoys
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decoys
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.
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