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
Colorful Semi Precious Stone Rectangular Jewelry or Trinket Box with Lid
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful colorful decorative box with a lid created from Carrara marble and inlaid with a variety of semi-precious stones. The sides are inlaid with a variety of stones in abstrac...
Category
20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone, Jade, Carrara Marble
$1,600 Sale Price
20% Off
Italian Faience 18th Century Majolica Riser with Annunciation
Located in Milano, MI
From Central Italy a 18th century Majolica Riser consisting of a flat circular dish with raised edge, resting on a base with a simple shape. The ...
Category
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Anthony Redmile Shell Encrusted Duck or Swan Box Redmile Objects London England
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful RARE Anthony Redmile shell encrusted swan or duck form box, 20th c.
Red lined interior with "redmile objects london - england' stickers. Substantial weight.
Category
Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Shell, Lacquer
Antique Signed American Folk Art Sewer Tile or Redware Pottery Lion Figurine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique signed Folk Art lion figurine.
In the form of a recumbent lion.
Signed to the underside. The signature appears to read: 'J Silverthorn'
Made out of a reddish-brown redware or stoneware sewer tile...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
19th Century Nantucket Lightship Basket by Capt. Thomas James, circa 1870
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Nantucket Lightship Basket by Capt. Thomas James (1811 - 1885), circa 1870, a round open swing-handled basket having cane weave on rattan staves with beveled edges, pine...
Category
1870s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cane, Rattan
Folk Art Wheel Turned Pot with Applied Decoration - Signed - Canada - Circa 1974
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage folk art glazed studio pottery vase/pot with applied floral decoration - small size - signed & dated on the base - Canada - circa 1974.
Excellent vintage condition - no loss...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Large Hand Carved Duck Sculpture by Miguel Ruelas
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice large hand carved duck sculpture by Miguel Ruelas, circa 1980s. The detail, craftsmanship and painting in this piece is lifelike and truly amaz...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
$960 Sale Price
20% Off
Decorative Mughal Motif Box with Hinged Lid
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful Mughal motif wood box with a hinged lid. This lovely box will be a great way to hold jewelry or other trinkets. The top features a battle scene with two men on horses in ...
Category
20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$200 Sale Price
27% Off
Pair of World War I Brass Trench Art Shells/Vases, France
Located in London, GB
Pair of French Trench Art vases / shell casings from the World War I vases.
Trench art objects are holders of soldiers' memories and reminders of th...
Category
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
19th Century Austrian Carved Pine Folk Art Farmer and His Oxen Model
Located in London, GB
19th century carved pine folk art farmer and his oxen model
We are proud to offer a unique example of a late 19th century hand carved pine folk art model of a farmer and his oxen. R...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Gothic Brass Jardiniere with Temple Lions This is a very unusual old piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Gothic Brass Jardiniere with Temple Lions
This is a very unusual old piece, the pot is round and set on 3 paw feet and is made in brass with a hand beaten decoration, there is a Foo...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
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
Weathered Spot Welded Metal Cactus Folk Art Sculpture in Pale Blue/Green
Located in Round Top, TX
Sheet metal, spot-welded cactus sculpture in the perfect state of rust + paint, de-evolution…faded to the softest blue/green…beaten and battered by the natural elements and ready to ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cut Steel
$1,012 Sale Price
25% Off
Large Antique Swedish Folk Art Trough Bowl / 19th Century Rustic Decorative Dish
Located in Karis, Nyland
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
Fiberglass Crocodile in White Paint Surface
Located in New York, NY
Modern "Folk Art" crocodile made of cast fiberglass, in distressed white paint surface. Large scale makes this an impressive decorative item, probably circa 1960s. This item is built...
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Swedish Craft, Bowl, Wood, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A small pine bowl produced in Sweden, 19th Century.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
19thc Miniature Original Painted Mustard Basket
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19thc Miniature original painted basket from New England in very good condition.Amazing mustard paint and condition.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Hemp
$716 Sale Price
20% Off
American Folk Art Metal Basket of Beaded Fruit, Early 20th Century
Located in Downingtown, PA
American Folk Art metal basket of beaded fruit,
Basket early 20th Century, fruit 1940s-60s.
The dramatic early 20th Century metal openwork basket cont...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Unusual Antique Hand Carved African Fertility Primate / Baboon, Gorilla
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Antique Hand Carved African Fertility Primate / Baboon, Gorilla,, Extremely well executed,, all hand carved,, remnants of original hair, bone eyes and teeth detail.
Category
1910s Cameroonian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bone, 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 ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Antique Swedish genuine Folk Art Country Cutlery box dated 1857 Original paint
Located in Boden, SE
A charming mid 19th Century two-section Cuterly tray with a handled -divider.
The Tray is dated 1857 & signed KJD
It has a lovely original color & stunning patina.
You can use it in...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Rare Genuine Antique Swedish Large Root Bowl
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rare genuine root bowl from northern Sweden made during the first few years of the 19th century, around 1810 to 1820. The bowl is in untouched condition with an attractive patina. Th...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Seventies Large Jug or Vase Germany
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Nicely colored in green and brown vase or jug from the Seventies.
Category
1970s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Swedish Wooden basket 1800's Handmade Folk Craft natural color
Located in Forest, BE
Swedish antique pine and birch wooden storage box. It was left with the natural wood who now have a charming patina. Fine quality of bentwood. It is a true piece from the early 19 ce...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch, Pine
19th Century, Swedish, Antique Rustic Folk Art Wooden Bowl with Nice Patina
Located in Boden, SE
Late 19th century Swedish antique rustic wooden bowl from Northern Sweden.
Genuine & rustic with incredible patina after several hundreds years of ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Wrought Iron Hand Painted Folk Art Train Mailbox
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique, Large and functional wrought Iron Mailbox. The piece is a functional mailbox with a pull handle in the front, several train cars, with the last being open to hold boxes and ...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Folk Art Engraved & Applied Style Four Light Copper Candle Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Folk Art Engraved & Applied Style Four Light Copper Candle Sconces
This pair of early 20th-century Western Folk Art engraved and applied-style four-light copper candle scon...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper
19th Century Swedish Root Bowl with Old Repair, Folk Art Carved Wood Bowl
Located in Bochum, NRW
Gorgeous Swedish Root Bowl with Old Repair.
Root bowl in an organic shape, marked underneath with 3-4 letters. Original condition as found.
Dimensions: 29x20x9cm
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
$1,187 Sale Price
20% Off
English Folk Art Newel Post Figure of a Wildman
Located in Greenwich, CT
Most unusual English early 19th Century folk art carving of a wild man, most likely a newel post figure, depicted with groomed European hair, beard a...
Category
19th Century British Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
19th C Bronze German Sheppard Doorstop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C bronze German sheppard doorstop. Great condition.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
$760 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Decorative Painted Rajasthan Horse
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
19th Century impressive and decorative Rajasthan wooden horse.
With its original flake paint finish.
This fine piece will mean so much to some and make a great decorative item for ot...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Paint
Antique Unique Large Swedish Genuine Patina Folk Art Wooden Bowl
Located in Kramfors, SE
Unique Swedish folk-art bowl in a very unusual boat like shape. This wooden bowl is large and wide with date “1782” underneath along with a set of initials. An unusual detail is the ...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Very Large Size Collinson Rocking Horse A handsome Dapple Grey galloper
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Very Large Size Collinson Rocking Horse
A handsome Dapple Grey galloper with a beautiful Horse Hair mane and tail, he has the classic open s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Moorish Head Matt Vases Collection "Carini", 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
Antique Swedish Forskrin, Folk Art Travel Box from the 1700s, Original Condition
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique folk art box, a so called Forskrin which was used when travelling for storing documents and valuables around the late 1700s. Made in nor...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wrought Iron
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
Chinese Brass Singing Bowl and Mallet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Patinated brass Chinese singing bowl c.1900's. The bowl etched with clouds, wind and mountain scenes, is accompanied by a wooden mallet with brass inlay.
Dimensions
7.5" diameter x ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
$375 / set
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
$2,950 / set
Swedish Craft, Trough, Pine, Sweden, 19th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A sizeable pine trough or bowl produced in Sweden, 19th Century.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Round Resin Stone Seashell Decorative Dish
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Round stone resin seashell serving dish or platter. The piece is very heavy and is blue, light gray and yellow in color. Three indentions in the shape of shells for serving oysters, ...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Cast Stone
$120 Sale Price
20% Off
Malaysia Earthenware Handcrafted Taupe & Brown Glaze Bud Weed Vase Pottery, 1980
Located in Miami, FL
Marked Malaysia vintage earthenware handcrafted brown and Taupe studio piece with the inside glazed, Studio Piece vase, decanter, vessel.
Established in 1989, Tenmoku Pottery...
Category
Late 20th Century Malaysian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Wooden African Mortar and Pestle
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Handcrafted in Africa, wooden footed mortar and pestle.
Great patina this kind of Moroccan mortar are used to grind spices.
Nicely carved, the wood has some cracks on the bottom.
...
Category
19th Century African Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$950 / set
Vintage Folk Art Tramp Art Box With Mirror Detail
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage folk art Tramp art box featuring hand-carved geometric layers from reclaimed cigar box wood. The front displays a circular mirror framed in intricate relief work. The interio...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Mirror, Wood
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
Vintage Handcrafted and Carved Wood Box House Motif, Trinket Box, Keepsake Box
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage handmade beautifully carved wooden trinket box, jewelry box or keepsake box.
Depicting a village scene with Houses & Palm Trees.
Folk Art ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Peruvian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Swedish Folk Art, Large Unique Early 19th Century Farmers Bowl Painted Wood
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
An antique and unique organic wooden bowl. With highly appealing patina, faded painting on the bowl makes this a unique and desirable piece. Produced in...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Vintage Coastal Monumental Shell Encrusted Cockatoo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A truly spectacular example of vintage coastal artistry, this monumental shell-encrusted cockatoo sculpture is a guaranteed conversation starter. Meticulously handcrafted from thousa...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Shell, Wood
Set of Three Swedish Folk Art Organic Bowls, circa 1970s
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These three bowls made in Sweden with precision handcraft gives a nice edition to any living room with intention to give an organic simple, but jet complex look. The signs of the woo...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine, Beech, Fir
Mexican Terracotta Articulated Doll Figure Wearing a Military Hat
Located in Stamford, CT
Funky and very cool Mexican terracotta doll figure with articulated limbs. Since it is solid terracotta it is likely this is a mold from which other dolls were made. As a folk art sculpture it is absolutely charming.
The military hat...
Category
Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Fabulous Hard Stone Carved Sculpture by Marcus Lyons
Located in Palm Springs, CA
This fabulous sculpture is by noted Palm Springs artist Marcus Lyons (b1949). The signature is indistinct but it is clearly his work. The subject matter is...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
$3,840 Sale Price
20% Off
Set of Three Swedish Folk Art, Unique 19th Century Farmers Bowls
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Set of 3 antique and unique three sizes organic wooden bowls. With highly appealing patina, with traces of use. Produced in Sweden, 19th century.
These bowls where very important f...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Antique African Moroccan Tribal 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, nice geometric carvings and very fine patina.
Collector large carved wooden vessel with brass embossed in the shape of a turtle with a long neck.
Dimensions: 11"L x 3" H x 5" 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
Wood
Swedish Folk Art, Unique Early 19th Century Farmers Bowl Painted Wood
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
An antique and unique organic wooden bowl. With highly appealing patina, and the inside of the bowl with faded painting makes this a unique and desirable piece. Produced in Sweden, e...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
"Wallace" Skating at the Park, Fine Craft Painted Rabbit, Canada, Circa 1997
Located in Chatham, ON
"Wallace" Skating at the Park - Fine craft raw wood sculpture with a painted finish highlighted with India ink - made from a solid pine branch with...
Category
Late 20th Century Canadian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Softwood, Paint
Swedish Folk Art Bulb Vase with Floral Motif by Maggie Wibom for Bo Fajans, 1930
By Bo Fajans
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Swedish Folk Art Bulb Vase with Purple and Mustard Yellow Glaze by Maggie Wibom for Bo Fajans, 1930
Bulb-shaped vase featuring a semi-transparent glaze adorned with minuscule purple ...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Ceramic Square Bottle Vase with Naive-Style Motifs in Brown Glaze
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Exuding a distinctive charm, this square-shaped bottle vase features rounded corners and is adorned with captivating painted motifs in brown, beige, and black glazes. The vase's brow...
Category
Late 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Large Wild West Cowboy and Horse Sculpture
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Gilt brass sculpture on stand, depicting a celebrating cowboy on a wild horse with great patina.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
$1,160 Sale Price
35% Off
Brass Sculpture of Monkey Holding Business Card Holder, Late 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Late 19th Century Brass Sculpture of Monkey Holding Business Card Holder
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
18th Century Swedish Folk Art Box Dated 1752 with Sliding Lid
Located in Stockholm, SE
An exceptional 18th-century Swedish folk art box, dated 1752, showcasing traditional rural craftsmanship. Carved from solid wood, the box features a finely fitted sliding lid and dis...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Birch
Midcentury Pair of Wrought Iron Tripod Candleholders
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Pair of wrought iron candleholders rised on tripod base, black painted.
Measures:
Height 17.50 in (44.5 cm)
Width/Depth 6.50 in (16.5 cm).
Category
Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
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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