Folk Art Decorative Objects
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.
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Terracotta, Paint
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pottery
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Steel
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Steel
1940s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wrought Iron
20th Century Portuguese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Terracotta
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Iron
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Cane, Pine
20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Early 1800s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Stone
2010s Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Clay, Earthenware
2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Clay
1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Steel
Mid-20th Century South Asian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bronze
1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Beech, Birdseye Maple
1920s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wicker
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Nepalese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass, Bronze
Late 18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Rattan, Cane
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood, Olive
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Iron
1990s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Shell
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Leather, Wood
1980s Italian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
1870s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass, Iron
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Clay
19th Century English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Iron
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Scrap Wood
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood, Paint
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
1930s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Sterling Silver
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Steel
1940s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Plaster
20th Century English Folk Art Decorative Objects
Acrylic
Late 18th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Stone, Bronze
1910s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
Mid-19th Century German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Oak
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Hardwood
1990s Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wool
Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bronze
1790s French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Griotte Marble
1950s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pottery
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Iron
1990s French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic
1890s German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal
Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects
Majolica
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Paint, Clay
1920s French Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Paper, Shell
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal, Steel
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Cane, Rattan, Pine
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Cane, Rattan, Pine