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 Gilt and Gesso Frame attributed to President James Polk Estate
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Early 19th century gilt and gesso picture frame. Found at an estate sale in Columbia, Tennessee. Objects from the sale were attributed to President James K. Polk's estate. Fantastic ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Gesso, Wood
Antique Swedish Wooden butter st1orage box 1800's Handmade Folk Craft
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine and birch wooden butter storage box . Fine quality of bentwood. It is a true piece from the early 19 century. Hand graved 1882 inside the lid. Nice addition in...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch, Pine
19th Century Indian Carved Wood Object
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
A beautiful Indian wood carving depicting a rider on horseback and a kneeling elephant. Probably second half of the 19th century.
Highly decorative object with wonderful original pa...
Category
19th Century Asian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Mexican Burnished Clay Hand Oaxaca Sculpture Mixtec Ceramic with Red Face
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This Mexican red ceramic clay hand sculpture is a piece by artist Manuel Reyes. Made with clay from Oaxaca and Zacatecas, painted with oxides from the reg...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Mexican Burnished Clay Chicken Kitchen Hen Egg Basket Decoration Hen Black
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This Mexican ceramic hen is an egg basket, perfect to keep eggs fresh -- a utilitarian kitchen piece by artist Manuel Reyes. Made with clay from Oaxaca and Zacatecas, painted with ox...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
1960s Large Hand-carved Iron Wood American Bald Eagle Art Sculpture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A large hand-carved iron wood eagle perched on a tree stump and surveying the surroundings ready to fly.
Hand carved wood vintage extremely detailed bald eagle perched upon rockery with glass eyes.
Hand carved Ironwood Southwestern seri...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
Contemporary Elliptical Bamboo Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Folk art style oval/elliptical bamboo sculpture, contemporary. Lengths of lighter colored bamboo form the larger ovals with short pieces of darker bambo...
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bamboo
Antique Swedish Wooden Kitchen Cabinet 1846 Handmade Folk Craft great condition
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine hand build wooden kitchen cabinet. Made to be used as a dough plater storage to the left side and a storage to the right side. Fine quality of wood. It is a true...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Folk Art / Pop-Art Comic Strip Papier Mache Teddy Bear Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine folk-art papier-mache sculpture.
In the form of a teddy bear.
The papier mache appears to be from various 20th Century Philippine comic books, such as Superkat by L.S. M...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Paper, Plaster
19th Century Swedish Table Top Box
Located in Allerum, SE
Charming 19th century table top box in it's original finish, ca 1850 Sweden.
Category
19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Maritime Architectural Element
Located in Stamford, CT
A maritime architectural element of painted and carved wood representing Neptune.
Category
19th Century English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
19th Century Swedish genuine rustic Collection of 8 wooden plates
Located in Boden, SE
Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Wooden plates.
A set of 8 pieces.
Lovely stunning patina.
Could be used for trays serveware or underplates.
The diameter on the plates is between ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Folk Art Hand-carved Pine Wood Bowl, Sweden 1950s
Located in Grythyttan, SE
A very stylish folk art hand-carved boat shaped wood bowl. Solid acid based stained pine wood.
Whether displayed as a standalone art piece or used practically to hold fruits, decora...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Full Size 1950s Model Divers Helmet, Shop Display Piece
Located in Chillerton, 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
Figurines by Dr. Harley Niblack
Located in South Charleston, WV
This grouping of 3 figurines and 9 sculpture head figures were obtained directly from Dr. Harley Niblack by the consignor's father (who was also a woodt...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Direct Wood Carving of a Nude Woman
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A uniquely stylized direct wood carving of a nude woman. Unfortunately I cannot find any signature. Well executed.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
Step back in time and embrace the enchanting rustic elegance of the early 20th century, a treasure from th...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware, Terracotta
Set of Six Carnival Knockdown Dolls
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Set of six vintage folk art carnival knockdown dolls crafted in canvas, hand painted on both sides, trimmed with cotton fur and weighted at the bottom....
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cotton
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
Turquoise Quad Vase
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.
This coil built brown stoneware clay ...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Pair of Australian Aboriginal Wood Sculpture Echidna
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of echidna sculpture carved from wood with found branches made by Australian Aboriginal artist Bob Burruwal (Born 1952-). Bob Burruwal is a celebrated Rembarrnga artist, who l...
Category
Early 2000s Australian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
19th Century Big antique rustic country Swedish Wooden bowl
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish wooden bowl from Northern Sweden.
A genuine 19th century Swedish Folk Art Wooden bowl with lovely patina.
The bowl has a fantastically fine wood carving in the ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Mexican Colorful Folk Art Ceramic Vase Tecuanes Dance Vessel
By Los Castillo
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Beautiful Mexican ceramic vase made with cooked clay and decorated with acrylic paint.
The vessel represents the traditional dance for the good...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay, Ceramic, Acrylic
Late 19th Century American Pine Folk Art Frame, circa 1890
Located in San Francisco, CA
Late 19th century American pine folk art frame, circa 1890.
A double portrait frame with a recessed back to accept glass and two mounted portraits.
Very elaborate and precise deepl...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Pair of Scottish Ram in Polychrome Wood, 19 Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb pair of rams in polychrome carved wood from Scotland-19th century
Very elegant and unique pair of rams which are almost carved at life size which come from a Manor in Scotl...
Category
19th Century Scottish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood
Collectible spectacular rare big box, casket, tramp art, folk art, 1890, Austria
Located in Wien, AT
This incredibly rare box is made in the famous austrian tramp art around 1890 to 1900, its a extraordinary richly decorated example of these boxes.
The object is rectangular in shap...
Category
1890s Austrian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
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
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Ram's Horn Wall Mount Plaque
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive mounted ram's horn wall-hanging. These horns have been mounted to a shaped piece of wood which brings an overall softness to the piece, and some character.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Antler, Horn, Leather, Wood
French 19th Century Folk Art Leather Box
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful weathered Folk Art box made out of wood and covered with leather. Working lock and key.
France, circa 1850
Weathered, small losses.
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Leather, Wood
18th Century Wooden Apothecary Jar
Located in Copenhagen, K
Wooden pharmaceutical apothecary jar, marked "CARB LIGN PR".
Category
1790s German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Stephen Huneck Carved Wooden Dog Footstool
By Steven Huneck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stephen Huneck hand carved wooden dog footstool. Perfect as a foot stool, ottoman or playful sculpture.
Dimensions
7" width x 20" depth x 15" height.
Condition
Good vintage condition.
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Large Cast Bronze Buddha Hand Sculpture on Stand
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Oversized cast bronze Buddhist hand mounted on a black wooden stand and is covered with a great patina.
A vintage oversized Thai bronze sculpture...
Category
Mid-20th Century South Asian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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
Small Heavy Hand Forged Iron Bucket This is a lovely small bucket
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Small Heavy Hand Forged Iron Bucket
This is a lovely small bucket, this charming piece has a rounded shape and a hanging ring in the handle
The cauldron is in good well aged con...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
French Antique Dark Brown Wooden Bowl in Oak Produced in France Early 1800s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare decorative hand carved wabi sabi dark brown wooden bowl / tray in oak produced in France early 1800s. In good original condition with beautiful patina.
Dimensions: H: 9,5 cm / ...
Category
1810s French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Benin Kingdom Ebony Carving of a Young King Oba, Nigerian
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Wonderful hand carved ebony hardwood figure of a young Benin man, possibly a
future King Oba
Excellent traditional Benin artistic carving
A delightful piece
Circa 1970
Height 13...
Category
Late 20th Century Beninese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ebony
19th Century Original Folk Art Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th Century original Folk Art painted chest of drawers.
A Very attractive painted pine chest of drawers, it is decorated with flowers on the top and sides, the drawer fronts and ...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Paint
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
This exquisite piece of European pottery, originating from Hungary, stands as a testament to the artistic ...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
XIXth century french marotte brown ceramic figure from ménigoutte 1880 folk art
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Marotte - head form
original 19th century folk art ceramic figure Marotte
Unique handmade piece Realised in Menigoutte - France
Circa 1880
original good condition - see details ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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
Late 20th Century Vintage Boho Hand Painted Metal Cache Pot
Located in west palm beach, FL
Infuse your space with artistic flair using this vintage boho hand-painted metal cache pot. Crafted with intricate detail and vibrant colors, this piece exudes a captivating charm re...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A wood bowl produced in Sweden, 19th century.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Tramp Art Box, Large Scale and Unusual Form. Circa 1900
Located in Stamford, CT
Large scale tramp art box of unusual form. At 2 feet wide quite impressive in scale and equally impressive in the ambition of the craftsman who created it. The geometry of the psuedo...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Small mid 19th century Swedish painted pine decorative box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Small mid 19th century Swedish painted pine strong box circa 1842.
Beautiful small Scandinavian strong box, presented with scraped back paint to reveal original. Feintly still bari...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Vintage Leather Carousel Horse Signed By Teresa Corning
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Leather Carousel Horse Signed By Teresa Corning
This Antique Carousel Horse is made of leather and the pole is made of metal. The sculpture is fa...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Jim Rose Barn House Structure, Welded Steel Sculpture Made with Salvaged Steel
By Jim Rose
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a welded steel sculpture made by furniture creator Jim Rose. It is sustainable design created from salvaged and recycled steel panels left over from his larger projects. These sculptures reference traditional American Folk Art barn...
Category
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Steel
Decorative Wood Carved Tramp Art Keepsake Box or Sailors Valentine with Heart
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A superb Folk Art sailors valentine Tramp Art keepsake box. Wide in form, this beautiful Primitive wood carved box features the letters S and M with a heart between on both sides. Tw...
Category
19th Century English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Hand Carved 20th Century Wooden Girl with Doll and Cat 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 1980s, because it's dated at the base like seen in picture. A nice ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Earthenware Hungarian Pottery, circa 1900s
Discover the enchanting charm of this antique Hungarian Folk Art pottery, a genuine earthenware treasure th...
Category
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Set of Five Tall Folk-Art Candleholders, France, circa 1950s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Unique set of five handmade Folk Art iron candleholders, raised on wavy triangular bases, with tall stems adorned with leaves along their lengths, and topped with large, flat candleh...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
18th Century Swedish Antique Folkart Primitive Rustic Wooden Bowl with Handle
Located in Boden, SE
Small antique rustic primitive Folk art wooden bowl with handle manufactured in Jämtland in Sweden. In Swedish called "Kåsa" It has been used a...
Category
Early 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch
Rare antique Italian 7-flame candelabra
Located in Cantù, IT
Rare antique Italian 7-flame candelabra
Category
20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
18th Century Swedish Folk Art Candle Holder Iron stick
Located in Boden, SE
Unusual early 19th century Swedish Folk Art candle holder in pine and iron. Ca 1790-1810 Sweden.
Lovely patina.
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Early 20th Century Oak Splint Basket
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful early 20th century hand-woven oak splint gathering basket with a single bent oak handle, a double banded rim, and a lovely wonky shape. Found in Wisconsin.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Pair of 19th century folk art stoneware ceramic bottles realised in La Borne
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
La Borne - France
Realised circa 1850
Pair of 19th century stoneware ceramic bottles
unique pieces
Original good condition
number one
height 25 cm
large 12 cm
number two
heigh...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Small Round Swedish Original Painted Folk Art Box Dated 1792
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A small Swedish 18th century Folk Art box with original paint.
The box is most likely used to keep jewelry and other precious items. Box is carved with inscription "ANNO 1792 DEN 27...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
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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