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.
1850s North American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
19th Century English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Rattan
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Steel
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Giltwood
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal, Steel
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
1940s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wrought Iron
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal, Steel
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass, Copper
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Steel
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Clay
2010s Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Clay, Earthenware
2010s Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Clay, Earthenware
2010s Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Clay, Earthenware
2010s Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Clay, Earthenware
Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal
Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Tin, Copper, Brass
19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic
19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Terracotta
1880s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Walnut
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal, Steel
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine, Paint
Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Decorative Objects
Porcelain
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Cane, Pine
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Earthenware
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bronze
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Terracotta
19th Century Austrian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Terracotta
1990s Swedish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine, Paint
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Scrap Wood
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Clay
Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Decorative Objects
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wicker, Rattan
Late 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass
20th Century Thai Folk Art Decorative Objects
Soapstone
20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal, Silver
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Earthenware
Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine, Paint
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Iron
1910s Belgian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic
1920s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Cane
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal, Steel
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Earthenware, Terracotta
1810s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Burl
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Majolica
Mid-20th Century North American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Earthenware
1870s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Cane, Maple, Rattan
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Earthenware
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Majolica
20th Century Portuguese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Terracotta
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Earthenware, Terracotta
1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Beech, Birdseye Maple
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal, Steel