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
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Turned Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Good 19th century Swedish folk art turned bowl in it's original finish and signed - J.J. Ca 1820-50s Sweden.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Pair of Hand Carved Wooden African Folk Art Figure Lamps and Custom Woven Shades
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Folk Art lamps - Hand carved African Figures on a black base - A decorative brass rod extend to the top with two custom made Lamp Shades...
Category
20th Century Central African Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Folk Art Heavy Carved Log Bench Rhinoceros Sculpture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Folk Art heavy carved log wood bench in form of sculpture.
Category
20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Teak
Large Vintage Asian Wood and Bamboo Basket Tribal Decor
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Large vintage basket features hand-woven split bamboo tribal decor with multiple bands of abstract motifs. The large-scale basket is constructed with a bamboo and wood structured bas...
Category
20th Century Southeast Asian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
Early 20th Century Scandinavian Hand Carved and Painted Figural Nutcracker
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian Folk Art nutcracker with man in cap decoration, circa 1920-1930s. Fine expressive facial and lovely hand painted details. Very nice, vintage condition with light wear co...
Category
Early 20th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Large Modernist Abstract Kinetic Metal Hanging Sculpture
By Yaacov Agam
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large 60" x 60" Modernist Abstract kinetic metal hanging sculpture. Attributed to Yaacov Agam. Eight metal squares graduating in size. Sculpture has been outside for 40-50 years show...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Late 19th Century Fiske Foundry Cast Iron Dog
Located in Santa Monica, CA
J.W. Fiske foundry attributed cast iron Whippet dog. Incredible white paint surface with many different layers of white paint.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Vintage Hand-Painted Wooden Jewelry Trinket Box - Folk Art Style
Located in Seattle, WA
This charming vintage wooden jewelry box features hand-painted floral designs in a traditional folk art style. With vibrant, delicate flower...
Category
1970s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
German Folk Art Grey and Cobalt Blue Stoneware Jar
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
A very decorative German folk art grey stoneware jar with cobalt-blue painting from the 1st half of the 20th century.
Traditional Westerwald stoneware is a type of ceramic ware that was produced in the lower Westerwald and the Kannenbäckerland in the early modern period. Since the 17th century, it has been one of the dominant types of German stoneware. The technique for producing grey stoneware with cobalt blue painting proved...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Ebony Benin Kingdom, Bust Carving Of A Young Nigerian Warrior, 1970's
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Hand carved ebony hardwood bust of a young Benin warrior
Traditionally carved Benin artistry
Circa 1970
Height 10.75 inch, Width 5.5 inch, Depth 2.75 inc...
Category
Late 20th Century Beninese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ebony
Vintage Asian Bronze Singing Hammered Footed Bowl 1950s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Asian Hammered Footed Bronze Singing Bowl with inscriptions 1950s.
Asian Bronze Vessel Singing Footed Bowl.
Featuring hammered design of a ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Nepalese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Malaysia Earthenware Handcrafted Brown & Taupe Glaze Bud Weed Vase Pottery 1980
Located in Miami, FL
Marked Malaysia Vintage earthenware handcrafted brown and Taupe studio piece with the inside glazed, bud or weed Studio Piece vase, decanter, vessel.
Established in 1989, Tenmoku Pottery...
Category
Late 20th Century Malaysian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Large Antique Primitive Swedish Wabi Sabi Tray in Pine Produced in Sweden, 1800s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare antique Swedish tray in a wabi sabi and primitive style made out of solid pine with great and genuine grey patina. In good vintage and original condition with signs from age and...
Category
1870s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Scottish Cast Iron & Painted Incised Raven Doorstop on Rocky Plinth, Circa 1870
Located in Charleston, SC
Scottish cast iron and painted raven doorstop perched on rocky plinth base with central incised interior space for door, Late 19th century.
Category
1870s Scottish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Antique Trap Art Keepsake Layered Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Decorated with multiple geometric layers of hand cut wood, featuring a hinged lid opening to a spacious storage with lock (included).
Small mirror inside under the lid.
Velvet gree...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Antique Danish Hand Painted Dutch Theme Enamelware Metal Collectible Trivet 1920
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique early 20th century Hand Painted Dutch Theme Enamelware Metal trivet 1920's.
Hand-painted decorative antique Dutch scene metalware hand made In No...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Large Vintage Tribal Handwoven Ethnic Round African Basket
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Large vintage Tribal handwoven bamboo ethnic round Asian basket.
Beautiful artisanal handwoven basket with tribal designs and patterns all around.
Large Asian rattan handcrafted de...
Category
Late 20th Century Asian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Seagrass, Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Kentucky Horse Farm Fireplace Mantel Horse Legs
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This pair of giant sculptural wooden horse legs, at 5 ft. tall, was once part of a large mantel at the home of a horse ranch in Kentucky. Said to have been A...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Folk Art Carved and Painted Owl Decoy, USA, 1900's
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Folk Art carved and painted owl decoy, USA 1900's
A decorative barn owl carving decoy
Original paint with even wear.
Mounted over a new iron stand.
We have...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Small Hand Painted Mexican Pottery Vase
By Artesania Talaverana
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Mexican Style Mini Clay Studio Pottery.
Handcrafted small vase made of clay hand painted in bright colors with farmers scene design.
Beautiful folk...
Category
Late 20th Century North American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Danish Piggy Bank for Charity, circa 1920s
Located in Copenhagen, K
Lovely piggy bank with inscription aiming to collect money for the society for children’s footwear. This union was established in 1889 and was still active in mid-1930s.
Category
1910s Danish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Tatyana Nazarenko Life-Sized Painted Wooden Props of a Russian Family
By Tatyana Nazarenko
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Russian artist signed, titled and dated on back, 1996. Painted on 5//8"plywood. Each has a pair of slotted wedges for standing.
Dimensions:Woman and child: 63.25" high by 27" wide
S...
Category
1990s Russian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Plywood, Paint
Wire Airplane Sculptures
Located in Darnestown, MD
Wire sculptures of two matching monoplanes. These were made by the same hand as the bicycles listed as item #U120310916064 and automobiles U120310916065. The planes measure 10 1/2" ...
Category
1930s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wire
Set of 3 Wooden cups and bowls - Africa
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Set of 3 Wooden cups and bowls - Africa
Wabi Sabi Style - Decoration - Brutalist
Measures :
Clear Wood (1) : Ø20,5cm H:9cm
The highest (2) : Ø19cm H:25cm
Dark wood (3) : Ø20cm H:1...
Category
20th Century African Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$1,122 / set
Large Vintage French Olive Wood Bowl, Early 20th Century
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Very large vintage handmade Mediterranean decorative wabi sabi centerpiece bowl made from olive wood. Traditional organic style hand-carved from one solid piece of wood by local arti...
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Olive
Large Antique Carved Wood Female Bambara Chi Wara Antelope Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
Chi wara is a ritual headdress used by the Bambara people in Mali. Portrayed as both male or female figures Chi ware is associated with agriculture. This fema...
Category
Early 1900s Malian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood
Large 19th Century Carousel Figure of a Scotsman
Located in Queens, NY
Large nineteenth century large carved and painted wooden figure representing a Scottish Highlander wearing a traditional plumed cap and uniform wit...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
Open Round Nantucket Lightship Basket, Attributed to Geo Washington Ray
Located in Nantucket, MA
A small Nantucket lightship gathering basket
with sturdy wooden ears, and a convex interior
bottom with thee concentric lines typical of a
George Washington Ray (1814-1891) made b...
Category
Late 19th Century North American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cane, Oak
Large Tramp Art Hinge Lid Box
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
A handcrafted Tramp Art box or small chest. A detailed design on four tapered feet. The interior is lined with white quilted fabric and the lid is fitted with a large finial. The bot...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Gilt Burmese Musician Figure, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This seated Burmese figure captures a musician in eternal song. The wooden figure is hand-carved with a seated posture, legs crossed and arms outstretch...
Category
Early 20th Century Burmese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Wood
Vintage Hand Carved Nut Woodenware Catchall, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Found in Austria at an estate sale, this hand carved nut catchall is perfect for the collector. Nice Mid Century collectible to display ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Turned Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Fine 19th century Swedish folk art turned bowl in two colors with an great shape and original surface. Ca 1820 - 50 Sweden.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Pair of Mid Century Scandinavian Giraffes
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Stand out pair of mid century giraffes one standing and one grazing with a unique construction of shaved reed bundles and having carved wood heads,...
Category
20th Century Danish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Reed
$6,950 / set
Very Early Nantucket Lightship Basket, circa 1860
Located in Nantucket, MA
Very Early Nantucket lightship basket, circa 1860, an oval open basket with wide splint staves, split wood rim, cane weave, solid birch bottom plate, and sha...
Category
1860s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cane, Wood
19c Folk Art Country Swedish Adze Carved Rosewood Tripod Table Bowl Decorative
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
Bought from an Antiques shop in Sweden, this charming, richly patinated tripod bowl table is hewn from a solid log of Rosewood - weighing in at 7kg, it's an incredibly extravagant us...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Rosewood, Oak
$508 Sale Price
79% Off
Large Carved Cigar Store Indian, Shop Trade Sign This is a very rare find, he i
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Carved Cigar Store Indian, Shop Trade Sign
This is a very rare find, he is a full size American Indian, he is carved from one piece of wood ( a tree trunk, possibly pine )
The...
Category
1910s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Scottish Brass and Nickel Silver Horse Hobble, Bide A Blink, Circa 1830
Located in Charleston, SC
Scottish brass and nickel silver horse hobble with an eagle heads horse shoe handle and resting on the faithful servant creature Bide a Blink. Signature...
Category
1830s Scottish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Iron, Nickel
Vintage Leopoldo de Mexico Aztec Mayan Red Clay pottery folk art Vase
Located in Seattle, WA
This Vintage Aztec Mayan Red Clay pottery is signed and confirmed as Leopolde de Mexico. It is a Folk art Vase or Jug. Vintage Condition as pictured. Listing is for described item on...
Category
1970s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay
Folk Art Hand Carved Black Cat Trinket Dish
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wooden ebonized cat with dish sculpture mounted to a mahogany plinth. Dish can accommodate keys or smaller objects.
Patina / light wear present (paint loss to the tips of ears / edges of green dish...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Mahogany, Wood
"Harpoonist", 1930s Folk Art - Art Deco Relief Sculpture in Gray Marble
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A remarkable example of folk art sculpture influenced by the stylization of 1930s Art Deco, this bas relief sculpture depicts a man aiming a long harpoon toward his prey below, his body lit up by a nimbus of energy carved from the gray marble. The piece is signed "Knute" on the reverse, and is dated 1936, at Temple University in Philadelphia. The medium is the kind of gray King of Prussia marble...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Scottish Ram in Polychrome Wood, 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb polychrome carved wooden ram from Scotland-19th century
Very elegant and surprising ram which is almost carved at life size which comes from a Manor in Scotland.
Uncommon ...
Category
19th Century Scottish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood
Art Brut Head Sculpture, Folk Art Male Profile in Carved Wood and Steel 1980s
By Robert Tatin
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Art Brut Head Sculpture, Folk Art Male Profile in Carved Wood and Steel 1980s
Impressive Head / Male Profile sculpture carved in oak wood.
Hand-carved with a gouge, the piece showc...
Category
Late 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel, Iron
Large European Folk Art Carved Wooden Standing Man Carrying a Basket Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large Folk Art wooden sculpture is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Europe and most likely Italy in circa 1920 in a Folk Art style. This large wooden carved sculpture depicts an elderly bearded man carrying a heavy basket on his back and holding the straps in the front to support the weight. This is quite a tall carving...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Softwood
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Turned Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Unusual 19th century Swedish Folk Art turned bowl with serrated edge. ca 1850 Sweden.
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Open Round Nantucket Lightship Basket by Sherwin Boyer
By Sherwin P. Boyer 1
Located in Nantucket, MA
With a dark rich patina. Made with oak staves, handle
and a mahogany base. In excellent condition.
Attributed to Sherwin Porter Boyer (1907-1964).
Measures: 6”.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Elephant Décor Planter
Located in Pasadena, TX
Late 20th century ceramic elephant garden planter
Handmade of ceramic. Nice addition to your home, patio or garden.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Nautical pocket watch holder stand, sailing ship, carved, folk art, 1880 Germany
Located in Wien, AT
Particularly decorative pocket watch holder, made of hand-carved oak wood, manufactured around 1880 in Germany, probably in the Black Forest region.
An exceptionally charming watch ...
Category
1880s German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Set of Folk Art Baskets, France, Early 20th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful collection of four folk art baskets, crafted with meticulous skill and care in the time-honored tradition of coiled baskets. Each basket testifie...
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Straw
Mid Century Wood / Painted Sculpture " Clock Tower " by Rita Wasserman
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A wooden sculpture in the style of folk art with found objects , wood industrial molds and clock parts titled " Clock Tower " . Painted in tones of ambers, blacks and browns by femal...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
Hand Thrown Glazed, Signed and Dated Artisanal Ceramic Pottery Bowl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wheel thrown pottery glazed with a white glaze decorated with a hand painted blue flower pattern.
This is a one of a kind object made in the ancient way by hand in a small artisanal ...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Folk Art Cork Collection
Located in Seattle, WA
Folk Art Cork Manufacturer's Display piece with samples of all sizes and shapes of cork available for sale. Corks are arranged in geometric shapes and mounted on a velvet-covered bo...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cork, Velvet, Wood
$3,700
19th Century Finely Carved and Gilded Scotsman Counter-Top Tobacco Trade Figures
Located in Nantucket, MA
Mid-19th Century carved and decorated counter-top Tobacconist’s Trade figures, circa 1850. Each with striking detail and beautiful patina, with the original gilding rubbed well into ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Vintage Carved Wood Articulated Clown Figure
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Chunky hand carving with simple facial detailing a pointed hat. Found in the southern US. Presented on a custom museum stand.
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Important Antique Folk Art Carnival Figure of a Macaque
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A hollow finely carved wood macaque figure dressed as a human with short green hair, a blue jacket and yellow slacks. He stands and holds a walking stick in his left hand and crosses...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Swedish Small Handmade Folk Art Box
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish folk art box made by hand in solid Swedish pine. The box is in original condition with the untouched original paint. Made in northern Sweden around the 1860s. It has most lik...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
"Protector One" Folk Art Crow Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Richly textured with whimsical appeal, this late 20th century wooden crow is a delightful example of naive American sculpture. Poised mid-caw, the crow's wings are outstretched, read...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden bowl produced in Sweden, 19th century.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Large 19th Century Polychromed Statue of a Burmese Nat Temple Dancer
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Hand-carved wooden sculpture representing a traditional guardian or deity figure, often referred to as the "Lady of Popa," originating from Vietnam or Southeast Asia. This striking p...
Category
Mid-19th Century Burmese Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Teak
American Papier-Mache Camel Figure
Located in Queens, NY
American life size camel figure standing on a platform base with hollow construction (attr: Luke Saunders Carnival Show, Michigan, Circa 1930)
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
Large Irregular-Shaped Swedish Root wood Bowl
Located in Houston, TX
Large irregular-shaped Swedish root wood bowl dating to the mid-19th century. Hand-carved from root wood. Retains remnants of old red paint and marker's mark.
Note: Regional differe...
Category
1850s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
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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