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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
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. Highly extraordinary detail on this unique piece is the floral painting that looks a bit like a skull. 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

1960’s Folk Art Flag Waving on Stand
Located in Charleston, SC
FOLK ART CARVED AND PAINTED WOODEN PATRIOTIC FLAG, single-sided form retaining an old painted surface over gesso. 20th century. Acquired from a folk art collector, where many pieces...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Paint

Collectible spectacular rare big box, casket, tramp art, folk art, 1885, Austria
Located in Wien, AT
This incredibly rare box is made in the famous austrian tramp art around 1880 to 1890, its a extraordinary richly decorated example of these boxes. The object is rectangular in shap...
Category

1880s Austrian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

18th Century Rustic Primitive genuine Folk Art Wooden bowl original paint
Located in Boden, SE
An exceptional large rare oval shaped 18th century primitive Swedish carved wooden knot bowl. Shows a dry textured finish showing a stunning aged patina. A truly remarkable piece. Th...
Category

Mid-18th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

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

Swedish Folk Art, Unique 19th Century Farmers Bowl
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
An antique and unique organic wooden bowl. With highly appealing patina, with traces of use. Produced in Sweden, 19th century. These bowls where very important for many families; t...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

French Folk Art Owl Decoy - Bird Scarer, 1930s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
There is a great deal of rawness and authenticity to this 1930s French owl decoy. It is carved in wood and nail - upholstered with some kind of animal leather. Its eyes and beak is m...
Category

1930s French Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Candle Holder
Located in Bozeman, MT
Unusual early 19th century Swedish Folk Art candle holder in pine and iron. Ca 1820 Sweden.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Antique pair of solid bronze vases, 19th century
Located in Cantù, IT
Antique pair of solid bronze vases, 19th century
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of brass and metal figurines with wooden base depicting Knights
Located in Cantù, IT
Pair of Brass and Metal Figurines with Wooden Base Depicting Medieval Knights, 20th century
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Russian tobacco containers with carved and painted decoration, treen, C 1890
Located in Central England, GB
This rare pair of Russian folk art treen tobacco containers are beautifully hand turned from one solid piece of limewood. They have well hollowed interiors with a neatly fitting lid ...
Category

Late 19th Century Russian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Small Antique Ovoid Mid-Atlantic Redware Pottery Flower Pot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique redware flowerpot. Found in Virginia (likely Mid-Atlantic in origin). Simply a wonderful folky piece of Americana! Date: Late 18th or...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Antique Rustic Wooden Bowl Dated 1869 with Patina
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish Folk Art wooden bowl dated 1869 Signed PSSAEDAP. A stunning antique organic wooden bowl with lovely patina and original paint...
Category

1860s Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

1960 Spanish Glazed Terracotta Vase / Albarello in Green, Blue and Beige Hues
Located in Barcelona, ES
Glazed Terracotta vase in shades of green, blue, beige Traditional spanish glazed ceramic vase "Albarelo" in green and blue pastel colors decoration with brown accents. It has a mark on the bottom (IOX). Spain, circa 1960s. Popular pottery; Medical Ceramic-ware. Overall Measures: 21 cm H x 14,5 cm diameter // 8,26 in H x 5,70 in diameter. More glazed and unglazed terracotta spanish...
Category

20th Century Spanish Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta, Ceramic, Earthenware

19th Century Swedish Antique Rare Unique Rustic Folk Art Wooden Bowl Dated 1864
Located in Boden, SE
19th century antique rustic rare Swedish Wooden bowl from Dalarna Northern Sweden. Dated 1864 The surfaces are naturally patinated due tue age, You can see the use of time. A tru...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Vintage Bronze Hindu Bronze "Nandi Bull" Cow Sculpture
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Patinated Hindu Bronze "Nandi Bull" Sculpture, circa 1950s. An Indian vintage Nandi bull sculpture from the mid 20th century, with carved motifs a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

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

A Mounted 17th Century Folk Art Brass Bassinoire Cover from France
Located in Buisson, FR
This pierced brass decorative element from France was originally the cover of a bassinoire from the 1600s. A bassinoire is a device where hot coals are inserted into a vented recept...
Category

17th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique Swedish Wooden barrel 1800's Handmade Folk Craft great condition
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine and birch hand painted wooden barrel. Made to be used as a washing basin. Fine quality of bentwood. It is a true piece from the early 19 century. Beautiful patin...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Birch, Pine

19th Century Swedish Antique Rustic Rare Wooden Bowl
Located in Boden, SE
An exceptional large rare 19th century primitive Swedish carved wooden knot bowl. Shows a dry textured finish showing a stunning aged patina. A truly remarkable piece. Old cracks oc...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

19th Century American Birds Eye Maple Wood Box
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century birdseye maple box with brass nail head decoration and iron lock plate and hasp. This box is hand crafted with beautiful dovetail joints visible on the corners, evidence...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Iron

Folk Art Hand Painted Trinket Box in the Style of Peter Hunt Circa 1940s
Located in Peabody, MA
Primitive hand decorated trinket box in the style of the noted Provincetown folk artist Peter Hunt, ca. 1940s. Humorous interior label indicates it is "four of four of a kind" and ...
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique Folk Art Swedish Pine Trough Bowl
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique wood trough bowl in folk art from Sweden made during the mid 1800s, around 1850. The bowl is a utility item which was used daily in the hou...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Jim Rose - Construct No. 03, Salvaged Steel and Aluminum Industrial Objects
Located in Chicago, IL
Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here he has welded together various washers, nuts, ...
Category

2010s American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Steel

Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A wood bowl produced in Sweden, 19th century. “E” symbol on bottom side
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Swedish antique rustic genuine folk Art Washing board dated 1862
Located in Boden, SE
Swedish antique genuine washboard in pine dated 1862 with owner initials "MOD" The farmers and country-side folks were proud of the few things they owned and used to carve their init...
Category

1860s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Ceramica D'Amore Vietri Italian Pottery Candle Holder
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Ceramica D'Amore Vietri Italian hand-painted ceramic pottery candle holder. Handcrafted in Italy circa 1960s. Italian small round ceramic candle holder hand decorated with a geometri...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

American Folk Art Hand-Carved Rosewood Snake
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Folk Art hand-carved rosewood snake (ca. 1940s, USA). Attractive two-tone rosewood variations (rich brown tones throughout with two contrasting light patches). Very good, vintage con...
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Rosewood

Staffordshire Pearlware Musicians and Sheep Bocage Group
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire Pottery pearlware bocage figure with a musical theme which features a couple seated before a tree, playing musical instruments. Sheep and dogs around them, seated on a ...
Category

1820s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Antique Traditional Malaysian Hand-Carved Folk Art Carafe, Early 1900s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Antique traditional Southeast Asian ceramic Labu Sayong water cooler carafe bottle vase with hand-carved graphic and organic decorations. Dark blackish brown gourd shaped shiny piece...
Category

Early 20th Century Malaysian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay, Pottery, Ceramic

Folk Art Primitive Whirligig
Located in London, GB
Folk Art Primitive whirligig, circa 19th century (Working moving item) This lot is a very rare and unique handmade functioning 19th century Folk Art whirligig. The item in unique and very rare to market, it’s completely handmade, with cast iron cogs, hand carved wooden figures and the item works smoothly when the main cog is turned to animated the item. Once the main cog is turned the hand carved figure of the man moves forward to turn the main central function of the whirligig. The item still has all its original primitive handmade art features including, a moving saw, moving wooden pump, cogs, pulleys, central rope wheel, main 2 hand carved figures (one is missing its head). In conclusion this is an original very rare to market functioning 19th century Folk Art primitive whirligig, It’s simply a piece of art and highly desirable. We have never seen a complete item...
Category

1870s European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

19th Century Swedish Antique Rustic Folk Art Wooden Trough/ Serving Bowl
Located in Boden, SE
19th century big rustic Swedish antique wooden tray/ Serving bowl from Boden Norrbotten,Northern Sweden. A farmers handcrafted tray or serving bowl or centerpiece. A highly function...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Antique Rustic Folk Art Wooden Trough/ Serving Bowl
Located in Boden, SE
19th century antique rustic Swedish antique wooden tray/ Serving bowl from Boden ,Northern Sweden . A farmers handcrafted tray or serving bowl ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Rustic Large Natural Organic Wood Carved Serving Bowl Pointed Handles, 1800s
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful large Folk Art carved bowl with beautiful natural wood grain and glowing colorful patina acquired with age. This piece has a very organic, Wabi-Sabi feel to it. The point...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Antique Spanish Polychrome Ceramic Charger with a Bull Decoration
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Circa 1800 Spanish Majolica Faience centerpiece bowl or charger. This charming collectible antique painted ceramic dish is decorated with a large rear facing bull and with polychrom...
Category

Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Charming Handwoven Nantucket Style Basket
Located in Buchanan, MI
Charming Handwoven Nantucket Style Basket
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Rattan

1900s Octagonal Framed "Madonna and Child" Italian Oil Painting
Located in Catania, Sicilia
An Italian popolar oil on canvas depicting Madonna and baby Jesus, framed in a hand carved fruitwood frame. It's in perfect conditions.
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Canvas, Fruitwood, Paint

Contemporary Textured Glass Dish by Simon Pearce, 20th Century
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A small textured decorative bowl or trinket dish by American artist Simon Pearce. Crafted from glass, this dish features a wonderful texture on the outsid...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Indian Goddess Figurine Statue
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully authentic hand carved statue of an Indian deity goddess. Distressed paint finish.
Category

18th Century and Earlier Indian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Paint

Antique Swedish Wooden basket 1800's Handmade Folk Craft Blue and black
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine and birch wooden storage box. It was painted blue with black edges. Fine quality of bentwood. It is a true piece from the early 19 century. More units could be f...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Birch, Pine

Bronze Statue of Toddler Climbing on Chair by Juan Clara ca. 1900
Located in Petaluma, CA
Juan Clara was a noted Spanish sculptor who specialized in small children having difficulty with chairs. That's pretty much all he did. This is very large piece for him and is a very...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Set Of Three Indian Folk Art Figures
Located in Asheville, NC
Set of three Indian figures vividly painted. They appear to be kneeling in prayer two have their hair in buns and the third wears a crown. It is likely that the third blue figure is ...
Category

20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

Vintage Gouda Pottery Jug with Stopper, Hand Painted, Holland, 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage Gouda folk art pottery jug or decanter with stopper - hand painted stylized floral decoration to the front and back - clear high gloss glaze with...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

19th Century Swedish Dough Bowl with Original Red Paint
Located in Valby, 84
This rare 19th-century Swedish allmoge dough bowl (dejtrug) is a remarkable example of traditional Scandinavian rural craftsmanship. Hand-carved from a single piece of wood, it retai...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique Swedish Wooden barrel early 1800's Handmade Folk Craft great condition
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine hand carved wooden barrel. Made to be used as a grain storage. Fine quality of wood. It is a true piece from the early 19 century. Beautiful patina on the inside...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Contemporary indigenous art. Turuza Wauja. Sculpture "Tamanduá Noir", 2022.
Located in PARIS, FR
Turuza Wauja Sculpture Tamanduá Noir, 2022 Solid Piranheira wood and hand-painted graphics with natural pigments Dimensions: 17 × 43 × 12 cm (6 69/100 × 16 93/100 × 4 18/25 in) Carv...
Category

2010s Brazilian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Beautiful Pair of Cast Iron Door Stopper Stands Decorative Item, 20th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 20th century door stoppers and decoration accessories, made of heavy metal, probably bronze or iron. Nice addition to your House or just to display them in your room. Found a...
Category

20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Early 20th Century American Double Sided Whirligig Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century American double sided whirligig figure A brilliant example of early 20th century American Folk Art. In the form of a hand carved wooden double sided whirligig f...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Swedish Folk Art, Unique 19th Century Farmers Bowls set of 2
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Set of two antique and unique organic wooden bowls. With highly appealing patina, with traces of use. Produced in Sweden, 19th century. These bowls where very important for many fam...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Spanish Folk Hand-Painted Ice Bucket or Wine Champagne Cooler
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Folk Hand-Painted Ice Bucket Kitchen Pot Cauldron in Cast Iron Popular cast iron cauldron with hand-painted details. From Galicia at the nor...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Folk Art Hand Painted Flower Design Serving Bowl
Located in San Carlos, CA
🌼 Beautiful Vintage Folk Art Pottery Serving Bowl – Signed by Artist 🌼 Add a touch of vintage, Mid Century charm and artistry to your collection or home decor with this gorgeous v...
Category

1960s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Swedish 'Timplåda' Wooden Box, dated 1824
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish 'Timplåda' Wooden Box, dated 1824 A 'timplåda' is a traditional Swedish wooden box, handcrafted with care. Popular during the 18th and 19th centuries, these boxes were used ...
Category

1820s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Birch

Vintage Indian Handcarved Wooden Decorative Box
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Handcarved wooden trinket box with carved geometric shapes, small handmade ornamental indentations and cream white decor on the lid. Rustic organic ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Antique African Moroccan Tribal Carved Wood Flask 19th C.
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique North African Moroccan tribal wood flask. Rare late 19th century powder flask box from the Rif, Northern Morocco with a drum-shaped body hand carved wood with ethnic motifs, brass studded nails, nice geometric carvings and very fine patina. Collector large carved wooden vessel in the shape of a turtle with a long neck. Dimensions: 10"L x 3" H x 5.75" diameter. Designed with practicality in mind, this flask features two robust metal rings on the side, perfect for securely attaching it to a belt or satchel, making it an ideal companion for hunting. The upper, narrower section includes a precisely drilled hole, providing easy access to the powder inside, underscoring the flask's functional yet artistic design. This wood gunpowder flask...
Category

Late 19th Century Moroccan Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A wood bowl or trough produced in Sweden 19th century.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 1814
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden bowl produced in Sweden in 1814. “M 1814” engraving on side
Category

1810s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Pair of Vintage Bird Form Lidded Baskets - Finely Woven - Late 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage - finely woven - pair of bird form lidded baskets - articulated feathers, beaks and eyes - possibly Indonesian - mid/late 20th century. Ex...
Category

Late 20th Century Asian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wicker

Antique Swedish Wooden basket backpack 1800's Handmade Folk Craft
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine and birch wooden backpack storage box. It was use to pickup the berries in the woods. Fine quality of birch bentwood. It is a true piece from the early 19 centur...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Birch, Pine

1880s Decorated Salt Glaze Stoneware Jug Stamped 1 MILLER & WOODARD STRASBURG VA
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Nice old decorated salt glaze stoneware jug stamped 1 MILLER & WOODARD STRASBURG VA. There are chips and cracks present, and pictured. "1" gallon capacity mark, cylindrical form with...
Category

1880s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

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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