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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

Antique Swedish Rustic Wooden Bowl in Birch Root with a Genuine Pale Patina
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rustic Swedish wooden bowl from the early 1800s. This antique bowl is made by hand from a single piece of wood, more specifically birch root. Original, untouched condition with genui...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Birch

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

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

Wicker, Rattan, Bamboo

Mountain Hut Lodge Haus Wachenfeld Metal Money Box Piggy Bank, Vintage 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Gorgeous vintage metal money bank. A beautiful decorative item in metal. Made in Germany, circa 1920s to 1930s as a souvenir building bank. Nice addition to any collection, desktop, ...
Category

1910s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

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 features a unique blue and white des...
Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Delft

Large Antique Painted Folk Art Pike Trade Sign, Fish Monger’s Metal Shop Sign
Located in Lisse, NL
Kindly note that we arrange the shipping ourselves to ensure a smooth, secure, and reliable delivery. This allows us to provide the best possible service and care for your purchase. ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Zinc

Herón Martínez Mendoza Barro Negro Three-Handled Vessel with Applied Birds
By Heron Martinez
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a rare and striking vase or vessel by Mexican artist, Herón Martínez Mendoza (1918-1990). This is a handmade piece that, although is considered folk art, has a very modernist...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

Vintage Large Ceramic Sitting Cat Figurine, Pink Sponge Ware Folk Art Style
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage ceramic cat figurine features hand-painted pink sponge ware decor with black accents on face and paws. The cat depicted sitting with tail curled around the hind legs, slightl...
Category

Late 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

1991 Jose Rodriguez Fuster "Guajiros Con Caballo" Ceramic #5 Sculpture, Cuba
By José Rodríguez Fuster
Located in San Carlos, CA
For Sale: Exquisite Ceramic Folk Art by Jose Rodriguez Fuster "Guajiros Con Caballo" Ceramic #5 (1991) We are delighted to offer a stunning piece of ceramic folk art by the renowned...
Category

1990s Cuban Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Original African Figure Statue Beaded Head, African Art, 2000s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Beautiful African tribe beaded bust. This is a stunning piece made of clay and adorned with beads. It may have some irregularities, which add to its uniqueness and charm. Please avo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cameroonian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay, Beads

Painted French Tole Mushroom Decoration
Located in Houston, TX
Painted French tole mushroom decoration for planters or gardens. Circa 1950s. Probably originally created as a prop for a Parisian department store window or a theater. Twenty-six in...
Category

1950s French Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

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

Vintage Large Tonala Mexico Pottery Cat, Hand Painted, Signed
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Playful stretching Tonala pottery cat figurine is decorated with beautiful hand painted abstract geometric and floral designs in blue, green, and earthy brown palette. Variations in...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

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

Arts & Crafts Folk Art Chandelier w Music Making & Dancing Sculptures, Great Fun
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique and all handcrafted, practical size antique circular chandelier. Some chances you only get once in your life and that is exactly what we thought when we first saw this unique...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Iron

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

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan

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

Early English Cast Iron Pointer Setter Dog Door Stop
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
English 1930's cast iron door stop of a pointer setter dog with original paint. This sculpture has fantastic patina with great age and wear. Wonderful addition to an existing collect...
Category

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Beautiful Wooden Metal coated Tang-Style Horse, Vintage Asia, 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful decorative horse statue. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Wooden horse coated with metal. Very decorative and nice to display ...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

South Indian Life Sized Carved Polychrome Peacock Sculpture Statue
Located in Dayton, OH
20th century South Indian carved and painted peacock statue. Hand carved on a plinth base. Features bright colors of yellow, green, red and orange. A la...
Category

20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Antique Folk Art Painted Picture Frame. English, Circa 1830
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Lovely painted picture frame Great piece of folk art Original paint. Painted on pine. The measurement given below is the outside of the frame Internally it measures 9.75 x 8.25 i...
Category

1820s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Seresier Louis-Juste Haitian Cut Steel Sculpture Spirit God & Birds
Located in Rochester, NY
Seresier Louis-Juste ( Haitian / Croix des Bouquets, b. 1952 ) recycled sculpted cut steel standing sculpture of a Loa / Lwa ( a spirit god in the voodoo religion of Haiti ) and bird...
Category

1970s Haitian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Spanish Green Terracotta Handled Vase / Vessel
Located in Barcelona, ES
Stunning Iberian style eight handled jar or vessel in green unglazed terracotta. Spain, 1940s Catalan unglazed vase in green terracotta. Elegant piece, beautiful from all sides and i...
Category

20th Century Spanish Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta, Earthenware, Pottery

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

Hand-Painted Large Faience Figures: Pair French Lions, Luneville c.1800
Located in Katonah, NY
This large pair of French faience lions was hand-painted at the Luneville factory in France circa 1800. They feature bold yellow and black manes, wide...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Faience

24" Tall Antique Swedish Large Wooden Horse Carved Hand-Painted 19th Century
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Tall antique Swedish horse in carved wood with original patinated paint in off-white color with blue dots. Made circa end of the 19th century. Th...
Category

1890s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Wood

18th Century Swedish Primitive Organic Wooden Bowl with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
An antique and unique organic wooden bowl. With highly appealing patina, with traces of use. Produced in Sweden, 19th century. The bowl has original paint. Beautiful in any room,a ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

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

Antique Swedish Wooden storage box 1865 Handmade Folk Craft
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine and birch wooden storage box. . Fine quality of bentwood. It is a true piece from the 19 century. Initials are hand painted on the top 1865 and hand engraved und...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Birch, 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

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

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

Folk Art Animal Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful art glass animal sculpture, Folk Art design, circa mid-20th century. Sculpture is hand-blown art glass of farm animals, from base to top, a horse, dog, cat, and rooster. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass, Art Glass

Hand Carved 20th Century Wooden Musician Figure by ANRI, Italy
By ANRI
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful hand carved wooden Figure, found at an estate sale in Germany. We believe that this piece is from around 1990s, because it's dated at the base like seen in picture. A nice ...
Category

1990s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Vintage Mackenzie-Childs Style Cottage Single Light Candlestick
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Handmade Hand Painted Candle Holder Candlestick Ceramic. Vintage Mackenzie-Childs Style Rose Cottage single light candlestick, candle holder. Dimensions: 2.75" tall. 4.25" diameter a...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Mid 18th century hand painted traditional Swedish pine chest
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 18th century hand painted traditional Swedish chest/box circa 1750. Stunning traditional Swedish box hand painted in the original paintwork.   Decorated on all sides with swags ...
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Horse Head Trade Sign, Last Quarter of the 19th Century
Located in York County, PA
An exceptional, painted American trade sign made from carved wood in the full-bodied form of a race horse’s head. Wonderful movement, tremendous f...
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

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

Rare Pair of Fireman's Axe Parade Torches
Located in York County, PA
Rare pair of fireman’s axe parade torches, 1860-1880: Pair of fireman’s axe parade torches with traditional wooden axe handles and the heads made o...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

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

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

A Mounted 17th Century Folk Art Brass Bassinoire Cover from France
Located in Buisson, FR
This pierced brass decorative element from France was originally the cover of a bassinoire from the 1600s. A bassinoire is a device where hot coals are inserted into a vented recept...
Category

17th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

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

Antique Swedish Long Case Clock, Genuine Handmade with Original Blue Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish longcase clock from around 1820 to 1840. The clock was made by hand in Hälsingland in Northern Sweden. The frame is solid pine w...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Mexican Dia De Los Muertos Day of the Dead La Catrina Folk Art Figure Sculpture
Located in Studio City, CA
A quite wonderful Mexican Day of the Dead (Dia De Los Muertos festival held throughout Mexico) La Catrina symbolic skeleton figure. La Catrina is the festival’s most recognizable image/figure. She is the model of a high-society woman who has met Death, her maker. She represents something between the fear induced by her skeletal form and the revelry exhibited by the comical way she is typically portrayed, making her a perfect symbol of the Mexican holiday. She often appears in paintings, window displays, and costumes all around Mexico during the Day of the Dead festivities. La Catrina was originally conceived in the early 1900s by newspaper illustrator and printmaker José Guadalupe Posada...
Category

20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Textile, Wood, Paper

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

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

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

Charming Northern Swedish Handmade Folk Art Wooden Figurines
Located in Kramfors, SE
Charming hand-carved wooden figurines in folk art from northern Sweden. The set of 6 figurines are made by hand in solid Swedish pine and painted by My...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

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

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

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

Large Antique Carved Painted Collectibles Box with Lions
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique carved wood painted box featuring two lions. This rectangular box features a hinged lid made of iron. The box is perfect for collectables as well as securing important docume...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

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

Puerto Rican Hand Crafted Wood Rooster Sculpture
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Puerto Rican Hand Crafted Wood Rooster Sculpture by Emilio Rosado. It depicts a hand carved and hand painted white, red, yellow and plum color standing proud and tall roost...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Antique Sicilian Opera dei Pupi Theater Marionette, ca. 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Sicilian Opera dei Pupi Theater Marionette, ca. 1930s A large Sicilian theater (Opera dei Pupi) marionette, which is made of tin, wood and canvas ca. 1930s. The Sicilian Pu...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

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

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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