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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
Sheryl C. Benjamin "Musk Ox" Carved Raspberry Alabaster Stone Table Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sheryl Cannold Benjamin (American, 1924 - 2023) "Musk Ox" Carved Raspberry Alabaster Stone Large Table Sculpture on Laminated Pedestal Base, Approx 110 lbs. Circa Late 20th Century. ...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Alabaster

Vintage Asian Bronze Singing Hammered Bowl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Asian Hammered Bronze Singing Bowl 1950s. Asian Bronze Vessel Singing Bowl. A special collectible piece. Made from bronze, a good heavy wei...
Category

Mid-20th Century Nepalese Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Folk Art Hand-Carved Wooden Box with Grapes and Leaves
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Breathtaking folk art hand-carved wooden box with grapes, vine and leaf detail. This Dionysian solid wood box is a compliment to any kitchen, great for recipe cards or tea bags. Can also be used for mementos, 420, or a vintage postcard collection.
Category

20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Shell Encrusted Rectangular Keepsake Box with Red Silk Lid
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Long rectangular shell encrusted box. Carefully applied shells decorate the top and bottom edges of this red board box in a variety of colors. At...
Category

20th Century English Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell, Silk, Paper

Vintage Coastal Shell Encrusted Toucan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Capture the essence of coastal charm and tropical whimsy with this delightful vintage toucan sculpture. Expertly handcrafted, this unique piece features a vibrant toucan figure metic...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

French Hand-Painted Lady Sculpture Door Stop in Solid Cast Iron
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Late 19th century door stop, France, circa 1880. This lady sculpture is made in heavy solid cast iron and is in it original hand-painted colors.
Category

19th Century English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Shell Encrusted Rectangular Keepsake Box with Green Silk Lid
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Long rectangular shell encrusted box. Carefully applied shells decorate the top and bottom edges of this green board box in a variety of colors. ...
Category

20th Century English Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell, Fabric, Paper

Vintage Marble Flagpole Finial on Steel and Lucite Base, Denmark
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early 20th Century Danish vintage marble flagpole finial on steel and lucite base. Desk accessory or decorative object/sculpture.
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Chrome

Piggy Bank for Charity
Located in Copenhagen, K
Lovely piggy bank with inscription aiming to collect money for the society for children’s footwear. This union was established in 1889 and was still active ...
Category

1910s Danish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Vintage Boho Sergio Bustamante Paper Mache Bird on Pedestal
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a bold artistic statement with this vintage Sergio Bustamante paper mâché bird sculpture, a whimsical yet elegant creation handcrafted in T...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Paper

19th Century Swedish Birch Root Bowl
Located in Kramfors, SE
Birch root bowl in an organic shape and marked underneath with a house mark from the first owner. Untouched original condition with original paint. The wood...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Birch

Royal Doulton "the Carpet Seller" Moroccan Decorative Porcelain Figurine
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Royal Doulton "the carpet seller," Moroccan figurine of a carpet seller. Made in England, by Royal Doulton England, the "Carpet Seller," Royal Doulto...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Swedish Folk Art Handcrafted Round Serving Tray
Located in Stockholm, SE
Swedish Folk Art handcrafted large round serving, made of woven roots. Insignificant wear. Beautiful tray made by Same. From 1900th.
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Twig

Patriotic Flag Whirligig
Located in Lancaster, PA
Celebrate American craftsmanship with this charming c. 1940 patriotic whirligig. Crafted from wood and metal, this delightful piece features two men and an American flag, capturing a...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Paint

Moroccan Brass Berber Tribal Flask
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Great decorative Moroccan Tribal flask.. African decorative brass with front richly decorated with embossed brass and overlay. The valve stem turns and open. Truly a conversation mu...
Category

Early 20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Vintage Carved Wood Folk Art Lion
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Eye catching whimsical lion sculpture or figure, hand carved, in a naive style, paint decorated and caught in mid roar.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

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

Folk Art Copper Finial Set
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Unknown. Manufacturer: Unknown. Period or Model: Early 1920s. Specs: Copper. Condition: This Folk Art copper finial set are in used ...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Staffordshire Prattware Long Case Clock Model
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire pottery Prattware model which features a long case clock with cherubs above the clock face, stood directly on the ground, no base. Flatback, decorated only to the front...
Category

1820s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Mid-19th Century Swedish Hand-Carved Wooden Spade
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare and evocative mid-19th century Swedish hand-carved wooden spade, beautifully aged and deeply rooted in rural Scandinavian heritage. Once a humble agricultural tool, this piece...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Oak

Colorful Semi Precious Stone Rectangular Jewelry or Trinket Box with Lid
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful colorful decorative box with lid created from Carrara marble and inlaid with a variety of semi-precious stones. The sides are inlaid with a variety of stones in abstract ...
Category

20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

"Retablo No. 5 (An Attic of Records)" by Patrick Fitzgerald
Located in Chicago, IL
The intricate retablos of contemporary artist Patrick Fitzgerald are his means of paying homage to the musicians that inspired him throughout his life. Derived from Mexican votive...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Other

Set of Three Glazed Pottery Cat Sculptures
Located in Houston, TX
Set Of Three Glazed Pottery Cat Sculptures. Whimsical trio of handmade colorful glazed pottery cat sculptures. Each of these beautifully executed animal sculptures is artist signe...
Category

1980s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Vintage Folk Art Matchstick Prison Tramp Art Crucifix Jesus Christ Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Folk Art Matchstick Prison Tramp Art Crucifix Jesus Christ Sculpture. Item featured is hand crafted of matchsticks, crucifix with figures, very nice antique item, quality Ame...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

Small Danish Wooden Tobacco Jar, circa 1800-1825
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small Circular Danish wooden tobacco jar, circa 1800-1825 The jar has "TOBAK" and illustrations of two chalk pipes painted on one side of the jar...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Birch

Hand Made Folk Art Pottery Sculpture of a Mans Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful sculpture of a mans head... reminiscent of an Italian icon, the piece is unique and a wonderful stand alone decorative piece or can be used as a paper weight or bookend. ...
Category

20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Bonbon Chouval "Jean"/Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bonbon Chouval  (Horse Biscuit in Creole) was originally a traditional pastry from the island of Martinique. Carelessly shaped as a horse, the biscuits were sold on the village m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Set of Two Moroccan Antique Tribal Powder Case Flasks
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Moroccan Decorative Bottle. Destined to be a conversation piece no matter where you place it, this is another of those rare items you'll only find at Mosaik. Moroccan Antique...
Category

1920s Moroccan Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Tin

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Swedish Wabi-Sabi ;) 19th century Swedish folk art turned bowl. Very well made, light, thin walls and with fantastic patination, dated 1868.
Category

19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

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. 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

Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king). As beads become gradually more accessible throughout the 19th century, they began to displace the organic materials used in traditional art and attire. This colorful example of African beadwork...
Category

Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Cotton, Wood, Fabric

Vintage Carved Wood Pinocchio Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage carved wood Pinocchio sculpture. Charming vintage carved wood Pinocchio sculpture. This interesting bust of Pinocchio is well made with a m...
Category

20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Birch

Swedish Folk Art Candlestick Table Lamp, Dated 1737
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
18th century converted Folk Art candlestick table lamp, Swedish, dated 1737.       
Category

1730s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Furniture > Decorative Objects > Boxes > Decorative Boxes
Located in North Hollywood, CA
African Moroccan Wood and Leather Flask 19th century wood and tooled leather. A North African Moroccan wood and tooled leather powder flask finely with brass nails. are antique 19th century handmade leather and brass 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 studded in the shape of a turtle with a long neck. 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

Leather, Wood

18th Century Wooden Apothecary Jar
Located in Copenhagen, K
Wooden pharmaceutical apothecary jar, marked "CARB LIGN PR".
Category

1790s German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Modernist Painted Steel and Black Marker Graffitied Sculpture, Metzen/Merisola
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist Abstract painted steel and black marker Graffitied sculpture, by John Metzen/ Michael Merisola, Welded and painted steel, Great color proportion ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Wauja/ Turuza. Monkey Sculpture, 2021, Brazilian exotic wood
Located in PARIS, FR
La sculpture intitulée "Wauja/Turuza. Singe, 2021" est une œuvre d'art réalisée par l'artiste indigène Turuza, appartenant à l'ethnie Wauja du Haut-Xingu, au Brésil. Fabriquée à part...
Category

2010s Brazilian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

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

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

Ceramic Inkwell, Late 19th Century, Sweden
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Fantastic ceramic inkwell, with what seems to be a pottery oven in the midst of two naivistic lions. You lift of the top lid to place pens and lift up the two lions heads for ink. Co...
Category

1870s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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

Green Swirl Ceramic Touring Pottery Vase
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful green, brown, and cream touring pottery vase. Wide at the bottom, and slim towards the top, this piece will be a fantastic pop of color in any space. Glazed on the inside in a verdigris blue. Bottom reads in black: Made in Cripple Creek...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Beaded Ndebele Initiation Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...
Category

Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Wood

Bonbon Chouval "Bleu Voodoo"/Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bonbon Chouval  (Horse Biscuit in Creole) was originally a traditional pastry from the island of Martinique. Carelessly shaped as a horse, the biscuits were sold on the village m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Caribbean Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Savage or folk story figure in bronze.
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
A savage or folk-art figure in bronze on a (recent) bluestone base. The figure with his long pointed beard is wearing a cape with hood. In front is a cross. In his hands he holds a ...
Category

Late 18th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone, Bronze

Iron Boot Scraper with Ram's Head Finial
Located in Greenwich, CT
A generous iron boot scrape with twisted shaft handle and bronze finial of a ram's head mounted on a heraldic helmet. Decorative scrolled base imprinted with "1928". In the manner...
Category

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron, Bronze

Antique Bronze of a Mythical Lion Beast
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An antique unusual cast bronze of a Mythical lion beast. Bursting with character, the lion standing foursquare with his long tail curled back on itself. Cast bronze. Tribal Afric...
Category

Early 20th Century African Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Faux Bamboo Desk Accessory Brass Ruler
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
19th Century Faux Bamboo Desk Accessory Brass Ruler
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Brass Kondh Sculpture of a Tribal Warrior Riding a Beast
By Konda Tribe
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful decorative and heavy cast brass of a warrior horse or beast rider. The horse and warrior are very modern tribal elongated form. The tribal ho...
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Model
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century folk art model 'EST-CE UN PIETON OU UNE VOITURE?' (IS IT A PEDESTRIAN OR A CAR?) An Early 20th century French hand carved folk art model, depicting a police...
Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

Greenlandica, three pieces of soapstone and a black pouch with a keyring.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, three pieces of soapstone and a black pouch with a keyring. Features a ptarmigan, seal, and hunter. Artists : Nem Paamiut, Josef Josefsen. Signed 76 (ptarmigan) and 20...
Category

20th Century Greenlandic Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Soapstone

Handcrafted Creative Critters Animal Figurine Jewelry Box Tropical Wood, Pair
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of handcrafted animal figures, sculpture, keepsake or jewelry box. Made out of the finest fruitwood and tropical beechwood planks laminate i...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Beech, Hardwood, Fruitwood

Vintage Boho Shanghai Weave Duck Lidded Basket
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add a touch of whimsical Chinoiserie charm with this vintage woven duck basket! Likely crafted with traditional "Shanghai Weave" techniques from bamboo or ...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Rattan

Antique Danish Hand Painted Dutch Theme Enamelware Metal Collectible Trivet 1920
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique early 20th century Hand Painted Dutch Theme Enamelware Metal trivet 1920's. Hand-painted decorative antique Dutch scene metalware hand made In No...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

19th Century Tramp Art Box with Chip-Carved Decoration, Date and Velvet Inside
Located in Atlanta, GA
A 19th century Tramp Art rectangular wooden box featuring elaborate chip-carved decoration. Each side of this box is adorned with hand-carved tiered frames of four-layered notches, characteristic of the traditional chip-carving technique of Tramp Art, a 19th century form Folk Art that transforms salvaged materials into furniture and art. The lid, attached to the base with hinges, is covered with a burgundy velvet pad bordered by a chip-carved trim centered around a carved lion head. The lid, which lifts by a ring pull, opens to reveal a velvety green storage...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Vintage Earthenware Handcrafted Brown & Red Drip Glaze Bud Weed Vase Pottery
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage earthenware handcrafted brown and red studio piece with drip glaze bud or weed Studio Piece vase, decanter, vessel. Pottery Art in superb c...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Latin American Santos de Palos Wood Carved St. Michael Sculpture
Located in Guaynabo, PR
A renown tradition in Latin America the making of Santos de Palos by masters carvers since the 19th century. They hand carved and painted the saints inspired in their personal religi...
Category

20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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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