Folk Art Decorative Objects
Folk art is a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Antique, new and vintage folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, duck decoys, portraiture and paintings, carnival art and quilts.
Quilts are a quintessential part of American folk art but their roots are international, with quilting dating back to Ancient Egypt. The practice spread to Europe and was especially prominent in the Middle Ages, with one of the oldest surviving examples being the Tristan quilt made in Sicily in the 14th century. They were made as bedcovers and clothing, including as a layer for knights to wear beneath their armor. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.
Elsewhere, the vast range of work associated with Mexican folk art includes masks made by Mexican craftspeople for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater.
Works in the folk art tradition are valuable because of the skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story.
During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.
Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of antique, new and vintage folk art on 1stDibs.
20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Early 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Birch
1960s African Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood, Hardwood
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood, Paint
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wrought Iron
1870s European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal
Mid-20th Century North American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Steel, Iron
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
1960s Czech Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Clay
1850s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bentwood
1870s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Oak
Mid-20th Century European Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Tin
1920s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Stoneware
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Straw
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Hardwood, Lacquer
Late 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bamboo
Mid-19th Century Burmese Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Teak
Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood, Fruitwood, Nutwood
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
1980s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Terracotta, Clay, Pottery
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood, Paint
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood, Paint
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Iron
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
1980s Italian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
1950s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Early 20th Century African Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pottery, Paint
Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Birch, Paint
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Clay
Mid-19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Dutch Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Straw
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Cotton
2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal, Steel
1870s Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
1920s North American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
1970s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Objects
Stoneware
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Decorative Objects
Iron
1920s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Stoneware
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Earthenware
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Clay
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Cast Stone
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Birch
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood