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.
1980s French Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Clay, Earthenware, Pottery, Textile, Polyester
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Late 19th Century Moroccan Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Rosewood
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic
1950s Italian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gesso
19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal
1970s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal
Early 20th Century Danish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Marble, Chrome
1920s Ethiopian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Early 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Early 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Greenlandic Folk Art Decorative Objects
Soapstone
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine, Paint
Late 19th Century Moroccan Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Leather, Wood
1880s German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Oak
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Birch
Late 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Decorative Objects
Cotton, Wood, Fabric
1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Copper
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Burl
1880s African Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal
Late 20th Century Malaysian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Earthenware
1950s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Other
Mid-20th Century Nepalese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bronze
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood, Pine
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
20th Century Congolese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Terracotta
1980s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal
20th Century Russian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Silver, Enamel
20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Stone
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal, Copper
1960s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Decorative Objects
Shell, Lacquer
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Birch
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Glass
1730s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Walnut
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic
Late 19th Century Moroccan Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Other
1820s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Earthenware
19th Century British Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass, Iron
1960s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
1960s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Soapstone
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Terracotta, Paint
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Shell
19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood, Paint
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Copper
20th Century South African Folk Art Decorative Objects
Cotton, Wood