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
Mexican Antique Dolores Porras Clay Pottery Folk Art Ant Terracotta Vessel Vase
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This one of a kind Mexican antique is one of few pieces Dolores had at her home at the time she passed away. Dolores portrays the flora from her garden in Santa María Atzompa, Oaxaca...
Category
1980s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta, Clay, Pottery
Tonala Mexico Large Owl Bird Figurine Folk Art Hand-painted 1960s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Charming vintage Tonala pottery owl bird figurine is decorated with hand-painted decor of brown bird sitting on a colorful flowering branch and framed with abstract bands of mocha br...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Swedish Woven Fruit Basket
Located in Houston, TX
Swedish woven fruit basket: this charming woven construction basket closes with flap secured by leather strap.
Note: Regional differences in humidi...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch, Paint
Folk Art Hunter Carving, circa 1930s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Hand-carved wooden Folk Art hunter with a sheet metal hat. Original red, white and black paint surface.
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Sheet Metal
1920s Belgian Decorative Ceramic Bowl
Located in High Point, NC
Delicate and whimsical, this vintage decorative ceramic bowl offers a woodland fantasy. Made in Belgium in the 1920s, the piece is shaped like a basket: but a basket composed of leav...
Category
20th Century Belgian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Hand Carved Wooden Owl Sculpture Portugal
Located in Sakskøbing, DK
A vintage folk art owl sculpture, hand-carved from wood and colorful hand-painted. Made in Portugal with quality craftsmanship. A solid, well-made piece with character.
Object: scul...
Category
1980s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
Oskar Raoul Papier Mache Chaplin Little Tramp Sculpture Signed by Artist 1970
Located in Monrovia, CA
OSKAR RAOUL Papier Mache / Paper Mache Sculpture Of A Clown Or Tramp Resembles The Likeness Of Charlie Chaplin, The Little Tramp.
OSKAR RAOUL Is A Well Known Mexican Papier Mache Clown...
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Paper
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 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
Vintage Boho Santos Crèche Cage Doll
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking piece of devotional folk art, this vintage Santos cage doll is a study in beautiful contrasts. The figure is hand-carved from wood, featuring ar...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Gesso, Wood
Vintage Coastal Shell Encrusted Toucan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Capture the essence of coastal charm and tropical whimsy with this delightful vintage toucan sculpture. Expertly handcrafted, this unique piece features a vibrant toucan figure metic...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Mattapoisett Basket, by Gladys Ellis, circa 1940s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early Vintage Mattapoisett Basket, by Gladys Ellis, Mid 20th Century, a hand-crafted basket modeled after a Nantucket purse, having a round disk shape with open top, made of hand-sti...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery Hand Painted, circa 1900's
Located in Ventura, CA
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery Hand Painted, circa 1900's
Discover the timeless charm and artistry of this original hand-painted earthenware pottery, ...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
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
Damian Manuhwa Signed African Zimbabwean Shona Abstract Figure Stone Sculpture
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful, wonderfully executed and designed Shona stone sculpture by renowned African/ Zimbabwean sculptor/artist Damian Manuhwa (1952-2008) who lived and worked in Zimbabwe.
T...
Category
20th Century Zimbabwean Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Original Red Painted Swedish Pine Wooden Bowl, circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Original Swedish Folk Art pine carved wooden bowl with original red paint and warm patina. These bowls were used throughout families and often passed down generation to next generati...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine, Paint
Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Catania", Set of 2 Pieces, Handmade in Italy
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold Leaf
Large Antique Papier Maché Carnival Masks, 1900s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
For sale are these rare, large early 20th century carnival masks made from wood and painted papier maché.
Although looking a little creepy and intriguing they have a great decorat...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paper
$2,333 / set
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
Handcrafted Creative Critters Animal Figurine Jewelry Box Tropical Wood, Pair
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of handcrafted animal figures, sculpture, keepsake or jewelry box.
Made out of the finest fruitwood and tropical beechwood planks laminate i...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Beech, Hardwood, Fruitwood
STELIO MOLA - Hand Painted Majolica Sardinian Figure - Italy - Mid 20th Century
By Mola
Located in Chatham, ON
STELIO MOLA - Vintage hand painted majolica figure of a Sardinian gentleman - medium size - featuring elaborate hand crafted and hand painted details throughout - signed on the base ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century Folk Art Rectangular Wood Pencil Trinket Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish charming handcrafted box with unbeatable patina. This storage or keepsake box is in untouched original condition with age-appropriate wear from use. The wooden lid slides effo...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
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
Vintage Wooden Harlequin Jester Figure
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Striking vintage wood sculpture of a stoic harlequin, clad in a diamond-patterned silver and ochre bodysuit with a matching pointed cap. The angular form and muted expression give it...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Paint
Antique Adjustable Dressmaker Curvy Mannequin , Austria, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking originally used by Austrian tailors and dressmakers for draping, alterations, and creating the latest fashion, this vintage dressmaker mannequin...
Category
1890s Austrian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
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
$514 Sale Price
79% Off
Nantucket Basket by A.D. Williams (1867 - 1927), circa 1890
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Nantucket Basket by A.D. Williams (Nantucket: 1867 - 1927), circa 1890, an oval open Nantucket basket with cane weave on oak staves, w...
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cane, Oak
Arts and Crafts Oak Basket A very attractive piece of Arts and Craft Folk Art
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Arts and Crafts Oak Basket
A very attractive piece of Arts and Craft Folk Art
The basket is made in Oak with a little carving and brass and copper decoration
It is 8” high, 14” w...
Category
1930s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Nude glass male dancer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A great looking glass sculpture of a male nude dancer with incredible detail. Please see the work in the hands and feet.
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
$1,500
Ayyanar India carved and polychrome wood horse - 20th
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Ayyanar India carved and polychrome wood horse
Measures:100cmx23cm H117cm
Material:Wood
Wear Consistent with age and use
Category
20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
$526 Sale Price
20% Off
Early Papier Mâché Folk Art Store Display "Stork and Baby"
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early papier mâché Folk Art store display "Stork and Baby". Charming depiction stylized stork and baby, retains original paint, slight damage to beak...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Paper
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
Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Turned Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Fine early 19th century Swedish Folk Art turned bowl in it's original color with great patina to the surface. Ca 1820 Sweden.
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Sciacca", Set of 2 Pieces, Handmade in Italy
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Category
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold Leaf
19th Century Carved Bull Sign
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Carved and painted wood bull sign. Life size head with carved and painted details, real horns fitted to the head by lead sleeves. The top of the head fashioned from a thick sheath of...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Iron
Vintage 20th Century Terracotta Girl Bust France 1920s JP.MD marked
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is an impressive bust made of Plaster and colored like seen in pictures. This beautiful sculpture is hand formed, 20th century. Signed by Artist but can not identify the maker. ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
Vintage Boho Shanghai Weave Duck Lidded Basket
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add a touch of whimsical Chinoiserie charm with this vintage woven duck basket! Likely crafted with traditional "Shanghai Weave" techniques from bamboo or ...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Rattan
Wabi-Sabi sculptural, monumental Wooden Bowl, Indonesia late 19th century
Located in London, GB
Wabi-Sabi Lombok Wooden Rice Mortar Bowl, Late 19th–Early 20th Century
A monumental hand-carved wooden rice mortar bowl from Lombok, Indonesia, dating from the late 19th to early 20...
Category
1890s Indonesian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Large Antique Swedish Folk Art Trough Bowl / 19th Century Rustic Decorative Dish
Located in Stockholm, SE
An antique wooden trough from 19th-century Sweden, hand-carved and uniquely authentic, featuring an ownership mark on the base. This piece carries many signs of its age, with an incr...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Pine
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
Vintage Medium Black Olive Pot
Located in Ventura, CA
Vintage Medium Black Olive Pot
Discover the timeless charm of our Vintage Medium Black Olive Pot, a testament to the beauty of rustic elegance. Crafted with meticulous attention to ...
Category
19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Terracotta
Two Vintage Virginia Metalcrafters Solid Brass Leaves, Gloxinia and Calathea
Located in Doraville, GA
Two heavy vintage solid brass leaves, manufactured in Waynesboro, Virginia by Virginia MetalCrafters. The leaves were designed by Oskar Hansen, are hand made, hand finished and of th...
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Boston Terrier Heavy Cast Iron Doorstop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sweet faced Boston Terrier cast iron doorstop. This doorstop is very heavy with great patina. The Boston Terrier hasa very soft look due to the wear.
Category
20th Century North American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Vintage Small Black Olive Pot
Located in Ventura, CA
Vintage Small Black Olive Pot - 19th Century
Discover the timeless charm of our Vintage Small Black Olive Pot, a testament to the beauty of rustic elegance. Crafted with meticulou...
Category
19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Boho Carved Wood Cuban Man Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Vintage Boho Carved Wood Cuban Man sculpture brings whimsical personality and cultural charm to any space. Standing over four feet tall, this hand-carved and hand-painted figure...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
Mexican Tonala Hand Painted Colorful Pottery Dove
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery dove Folk Art.
Rita Tilleya Yelapa Mexico hand painted ceramic bird dove.
Warm earth tone polychrome color...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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
Russian Lacquered Palekh Firebird Folk Art Keepsake Trinket Box USSR 5.5"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage USSR Russian Firebird folklore / fairy tale keepsake trinket box featuring hinged lid, footed base and red interior.
Palekh
Zhar-Ptitsa (Slavic Firebird)
Chernishova (last n...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood, Lacquer
$188 Sale Price
20% Off
Salvador Teran Mosaic Mexican Brass and Tile Box with Aztec Medallion
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful Tile Mosaic and Brass box with wooden interior - the box is made in Taxco by Salvador Teran, who started the famed Los Castillo shop.
The maker of the box is likely Salv...
Category
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Mexican Tonala Pottery Hand Painted Bird Folk Art
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Mexican Tonala hand painted pottery bird Folk Art.
Flora de la Cruz Acapulco Gro Mexico hand painted bird dove ceramic.
Warm earth tone polych...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, 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
Bottlecap Basket
Located in Darnestown, MD
This fabulous Bottle Cap Basket is true folk art. It is made of caps from Coca Cola; 7 Up and Dr. Pepper. The wood bottom makes the piece especially...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
$725
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
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Birch Root Bowl with Carved Dog’s Head, Signed T.S
Located in Kastrup, DK
Large, organic sculpture carved from birch root, shaped as a bowl with a powerful and expressive form where the natural texture of the wood is preserved and integrated into its desig...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch
Sheep Sculpture, Handcrafted by New Mexico Artist Ray Growler
Located in Norwalk, CT
Natural lamb’s wool sheep figure w/ natural horms. Hand crafted by Ray Growler, Navaho whose gallery is located in Four Corners area of New Mexico. Ray Growler is a popular mixed me...
Category
1990s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Horn, Wool
Large Vintage Hand-Carved Crocodile in Dark Wood
Located in Esbjerg, DK
85 cm long and lean crocodile in hand-carved wood. We have been told that it was brought home from Africa during the 1980s by a Danish Tourist. It has a screw to its back - allowing ...
Category
1980s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood
Full Size 1950s Model Divers Helmet, Shop Display Piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Full Size 1950s Model Divers helmet, shop display piece
The Helmet is a Rare Piece of Chandlery Shop Display, the helmet is a full size piece made in...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Green Lava Vessel 1
By LAKE BELL
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
With a nod to the spontaneity and privileged imperfection that is the human condition, all of my pieces imbue an energy of function and whimsy.
The Green Lava 1 slipware vessel embo...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
French Tramp Art Hand-Carved Wooden Box with Diamond Motifs, circa 1890
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Tramp Art wooden box dating to circa 1890, intricately hand-carved with the layered, notched construction characteristic of the style. The rectangular form is richly ornamen...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique 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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