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
Unusual Cast Iron & Led World Globe. ROTATING. sculpture / desk accessory
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Cast Iron & Led World Globe. ROTATING. sculpture / desk accessory, Smooth 360* rotation, (see vedio) gentleman I purchased it from claims it was made for the Worlds Fair ??...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron, Lead
Vintage Carved Wood Pinocchio Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage carved wood Pinocchio sculpture.
Charming vintage carved wood Pinocchio sculpture. This interesting bust of Pinocchio is well made with a m...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch
Large Hand-Carved Tribal Wooden Bowl from the Batak of Sumatra
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Large beautiful and sustainable hand carved wooden bowl with gorgeous leaf design from the Batak of Sumatra, mid-20th century.
Scaramanga's bowls are authentic old hand carved wooden bowls...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
Life Size Wicker Palm Tree Sculpture from the FS Flores Collection
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Life size sculpture of a palm tree with a coconut crafted in wicker or reed wrapped over a metal frame with impressive stylized presence. From the FS Flores Collection...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wicker
19th Century Large Store Tea Tin Hand Painted Parnall & Sons Bristol, England
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and large store tea tin by Parnall & Sons who were the people to see for outfitting your store and much more as the company grew from 1830. Hand painted showing a girl servi...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Model
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century folk art model
'EST-CE UN PIETON OU UNE VOITURE?' (IS IT A PEDESTRIAN OR A CAR?)
An Early 20th century French hand carved folk art model, depicting a police...
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Vintage Carved Wood and Poly Chrome Painted Figural Musical Clock Figurine
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage hand carved and hand painted musical clock is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in or near Austria in circa 1950 in a Folk Art style. The carving depicts a male figure leaning against a post mounted Black Forest styled clock. The carving is quite detailed and well executed on all sides and has been hand painted in a realistic style. Both the clock and the music box are currently not working as both have been over-wound and would require servicing. The head of the carving should turn slightly left to right while the music box is playing, but in its current state it is unknown whether the mechanism functions and/or what tune the music box may play. In addition, there is currently no key for the clock, but these normally use a standard small music box...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
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
A Hand-Carved Wabi Sabi Wooden Mortar, Africa, c. Early 20th Century
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Beautiful Hand-Carved Wabi Sabi Mortar that works perfectly for a planter. By unknown designer in Africa, c. early 20th Century.
Wear consistent with age and use showing wonderful ...
Category
Early 20th Century Ethiopian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Greenlandica, Ortôrak, large sculpture of a lying seal made of soapstone.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Greenlandica, Ortôrak, large sculpture of a lying seal made of soapstone.
In good condition with signs of use.
Signed and dated 82.
Dimensions: Length 30.0 x Hight 10.0 cm x depth 10...
Category
1980s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Soapstone
$320 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Carved and Painted Horn Birds
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese vintage carved and painted horn eagles or hawks with an alluring, stylized interpretation of these majestic birds of prey.
Category
20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Horn
$855 / set
Three Plaster and Sheet Metal Human Head Prototypes
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Very interesting collection of three male human head forms. We found them perched on a nickel-plated iron hat stands. The stands are marked Hugh Lynons & Co, Lansing MI. Most likely store display...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Composition, Sheet Metal
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
19th Century, Swedish Antique Rustic Wooden Bowl with Handle Dated 1831
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish antique handmade wood bowl with handle from the first half of the 19th century. Dated 1831 .The bowl with handle from north...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Midcentury Brass and Copper Pelican Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Amusing mixed metal pelican sculpture crafted in brass, copper, and silvered metal in a distinctive and captivating composition that combines technique ...
Category
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper
Ted DeGrazia Los Ninos Hand Thrown South Western Pottery Ceramic Candle Holder
By Ted Degrazia
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage candle holder, made by renown Ted De Grazia south western artist from Tucson AZ.
Vintage Hand-thrown DeGrazia " Los Ninos" Sandstone Votive Candle Co...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Large Ceramic Sculpture, Albert Thiry, Vallauris c. 1990
By Albert Thiry
Located in St Ouen, FR
Very large female figure executed in grogged clay and decorated with slips.
Albert Thiry and his wife Pyot founded their workshop in Vallauris in 1961.
Their creation is distinguish...
Category
1990s French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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
Collection of Three Swedish Baskets
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine group of three Swedish 19th and early 20th century folk art baskets, the first with polychrome decoration on a coiled willow body and having barley twist handle, the second with blue and red paint with floral decoration on a reeded body, the last of cylindrical form and having a woven snowflake pattern.
Although priced as a collection, we would be willing to separate them.
Size listed is for handled coiled basket...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Reed, Willow, Birch
$2,950 / set
American Gilt Copper & Cast Iron Full Bodied Rooster Weathervane, circa 1880
Located in Charleston, SC
American gilt copper and cast iron full bodied rooster weathervane mounted on stand, Late 19th Century
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper, Iron
Superb Antique Folk Art Parquetry Casket Styled Writing Box or Lap Desk
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This exquisite antique parquetry writing box or lap desk is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Canada in approximately 1900 in a Folk Art style. The box itself, including th...
Category
Early 20th Century Canadian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Softwood
Folk Art Studio Pottery Bunny
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Folk Art Studio Pottery Bunny - We shop a lot and this bunny is one of our favorite finds. A precious little thing with a great spirit and energy. A compl...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
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
Gentleman's Head Money Bank
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very funny money bank in the shape of a dandy gentleman's head.
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
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
18th century Norwegian carved kasa ale cup
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Good quality Norwegian horse head ale bowl known as a kasa/kuksa.
Dated on the base 1773, with makers marks.
Hand carved decoration, with original polychrome paint.
Evidence of ol...
Category
Late 18th Century Norwegian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine, Paint
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
$245 Sale Price
30% Off
Swedish Craft, Dish, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A wood serving dish produced in Sweden, 19th century.
“A” on bottom side
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Set of Antique Handmade Bottles
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1940, we offer this set of antique handmade bottles. The amber bottle has a scratch, but it is not broken. *see pic 3.
Category
1940s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
$500 / set
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
Moroccan Berber Tuareg Metal Tribal Flask Overlay
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Great decorative Moroccan Berber Tuareg metal brass powder flask. African decorative brass with front richly decorated with Moorish embossed brass ocverlay. Moroccan tribal powder fl...
Category
20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Original Acrylic on Wood Painting of Two Cardinals Nesting by A. Rangel Hidalgo
Located in Mexico, DF
Original signed acrylic painting on wood depicting a pair of Cardinals nesting by Alejandro Rangel Hidalgo. The painting was commissioned (and hence the name of the person that did) ...
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
Larger Than Life Extravagant Folk Art Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Outrageous larger than life piece of Folk Art painstakingly composed of found objects such as sea shells, beads, toys, vintage jewelry buttons, and bottle caps (to name a few). There...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Shell
$9,900 Sale Price
58% Off
African Wood Sculpture
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in San Francisco, CA
Very kool piece of African art. I am not exactly sure how old, but from bottom of base I would guess 1st quarter of 20th century. It is all wood and depicts wh...
Category
1920s North American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$1,400
Monumental Figurative Wire Iron Sculpture, Female Figure Titled "DOMINATRIX
Located in Buffalo, NY
Monumental figurative wire iron sculpture, female figure titled "DOMINATRIX, amazing skilled artist, great sense of the human female form. Hand delivery avail to New York City or any...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Vintage Victorian Wicker Fishing Creel
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Vintage Victorian Wicker fishing creel
An attractive age darkened wicker square Fishing Creel, the Creel stands on stumpy wooden legs and has...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wicker
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
Vintage Virginia MetalCrafters Alloy / Gold Vintage Sea Grape Bowl
Located in Doraville, GA
Vintage gold anodized aluminum alloy bowl in the shape of a Sea Grape leaf. The leaf designs were designed by well known sculptor Oskar Hansen for Virginia MetalCrafters in Waynesbor...
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Aluminum
19th Century Swedish Root Wood Bowl
Located in Allerum, SE
19th century Swedish Folk Art root wood bowl, signed IES. Ca 1830s Sweden
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Marbled Roadside Pottery Malachite Look Bowl in with Glazed Turquoise Interior
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A petite small clay roadside decorative touring bowl. This catchall or dish is short, and wide, and decorated with a malachite look green marbled design on the exterior. The inside is glazed in deep verdigris or turquoise. A lovely piece of earthenware, it is hand made and marked on the bottom with:
Central City...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Earthenware, Paint
$300 Sale Price
20% Off
Greenlandica, Figurine of a Polar Bear Carved in Soapstone, Approx. 1960-1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Greenlandica, figurine of a polar bear carved in soapstone.
Approx. 1960-1970s.
In good condition, signs of use.
Dimensions: W 13.0 x H 9.0 cm.
Category
1960s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Soapstone
$160 Sale Price
20% Off
"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
Large 36" Tall Reclaimed Wood Folk Art Sculpture of a Horse
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice wooden horse sculpture made out of multiple reclaimed wood pieces.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Reclaimed Wood
Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Travel Box / Chest with Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
Early 19th century Swedish Folk Art travel box from Skellefteå Västerbotten, Northern Sweden.
Beautiful untouched originalpaint.
Decorated with handwrought iron around the box and ov...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Antique Creamware Horse Hand Painted English Folk Art Animal c.1800
Located in Katonah, NY
This antique English creamware horse was hand-painted at St. Anthony’s Pottery in Newcastle around the year 1800.
This charming figure is modeled in a standing position on a green-gl...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Creamware
Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire.
This colorful example of African beadwork is a ceremonial doll...
Category
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Large Oversize Asian Round Decorative Figural Head with Chinese Calligraphy
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Large oversize round Asian decorative head in red and gold. This piece is perfect for a bookshelf, or as a statement piece for a side table. Painting i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Plastic, Plaster
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Signed 19th Century Nantucket Lightship Basket by Rowland Folger
Located in Nantucket, MA
7 ½” open round Nantucket lightship basket with
brass ears , “R Folger Maker Nantucket, Mass” is
stenciled on the interior bottom, circa 1875
Rowland Folger (1803-1883).
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
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
Antique Cast Bronze of a Mythical Lion Beast
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An antique unusual cast bronze of a Mythical lion beast.
Bursting with character, the lion standing foursquare with his long tail curled back on itse...
Category
Early 20th Century African Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Greenlandica. Hand Painted Unique Stoneware Figure, Inuit in Traditional Clothes
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Greenlandica. Hand painted unique stoneware figure.
Inuit in traditional hunting clothes.
circa. 1970s.
In perfect condition.
Signed illegibly.
Dimensions: W 9.0 x H 20.5 cm.
Category
1970s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
$192 Sale Price
20% Off
Glazed Ceramic Crock Lamp with English Royal Coat of Arms
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Interesting and large glazed ceramic crock or jar made into a table lamp featuring the English royal coat of arms on one side. This large earthenware ves...
Category
19th Century English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
$675 Sale Price
25% Off
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
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
Australian Aboriginal Painted Totem Pole from Elcho Island
Located in Atlanta, GA
A hollow log painted with Ocher with a clan-based design.
Title: Djirrididi Log
Artist: James Patrick Lamuta
DOB: 01/04/1984
Medium: Ocher pigment on wood
Provenance: COA from Elcho Island Art...
Category
Early 2000s Australian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
candleholder from the Erzgebirge by Emil A. Schalling
Located in Kiel, SH
Typical angel clock candleholder by Emil A. Schalling from Erzgebirge, germany. The candleholder is in a used condition with some signs of age and use. The "Erzgebirge" is well known...
Category
1980s European Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Unusual Swedish Provincial 19th Century Tall Case Clock
Located in Allerum, SE
Rare and unusually large Provincial Swedish 19th century tall case clock in it's original finish. Dated 1867, Sweden.
Category
19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
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.