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 Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Stone
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Early 20th Century Spanish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wicker
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
20th Century Philippine Folk Art Decorative Objects
Shell
20th Century African Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood, Hardwood
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
Late 20th Century Southeast Asian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Glass, Hardwood
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood, Cane, Rattan
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Early 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
20th Century North American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pottery
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
2010s North American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal, Wire
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Blown Glass
1850s North American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
Mid-20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Teak
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Natural Fiber
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
1910s Australian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
1910s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Tin
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
Mid-20th Century Ethiopian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Hardwood
1880s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Cane, Oak
Mid-20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Late 20th Century Malaysian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Earthenware
20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Stone, Jade, Carrara Marble
20th Century South African Folk Art Decorative Objects
Cotton, Wood
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Decorative Objects
Cotton, Wood
18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Linen, Fruitwood
Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic
1890s Japanese Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal
Late 19th Century North American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Cane, Rattan, Oak
1950s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal, Brass
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Oak, Paint
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bronze, Copper
Mid-20th Century South Asian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bronze
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic
Early 1900s Indian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
1870s British Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood, Rosewood
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Birch
20th Century Portuguese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Paint
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pottery
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Paint, Paper
20th Century South African Folk Art Decorative Objects
Cotton, Wood
Late 20th Century Spanish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Porcelain