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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
17th Century French Stone Bust
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
An extremely rare 17th Century French life size headless bust of a robed male mounted on a steel base. This bust has had a small amount of restoration, ...
Category

17th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

Staffordshire Pearlware 'John Wesley' Bust
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire pottery pearlware bust with a religious theme which features John Wesley, resting on a plinth base. Decorated 'in the round', decoration to front and reverse. Open bott...
Category

1820s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Pennsylvania Sponge Decorated Box On Later Stand
Located in Essex, MA
Square form with hinged lid with original brass bail handle. Faux bois decoration. The matt black painted wood base with square section legs and H form stretchers.
Category

1840s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

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

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

Vintage Handcrafted and Carved Wood Box Leaf Motif, Jewelry Box, Keepsake Box
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage handmade beautifully carved wooden box, jewelry box or keepsake box. The Inside has 2 compartments which measure 3.38 x 3.38 inches. No makers mark.   A-916-335
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Walnut

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

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

Mexican Antique One of a Kind Flower Pot Clay Dolores Porras Ceramic Vase
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Dolores Porras Enríquez is widely known throughout Mexico and the world for being the creator of a technique rooted in the land of Oaxaca: pottery in natural color, glazed and decora...
Category

1980s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Important Antique Folk Art Carnival Figure of a Macaque
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A hollow finely carved wood macaque figure dressed as a human with short green hair, a blue jacket and yellow slacks. He stands and holds a walking stick in his left hand and crosses...
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

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. This piece has received a beautiful warm patina over the years. 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

Round Primitive Ceramic Decorative Trinket Studio Pottery Dish with Lid in Brown
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A round studio pottery trinket dish in brown. This piece will be perfect for a nightstand, coffee table, or bar. It is round and glazed in a deep brown. The lid on the top features a...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

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

Doctor's Pomander Cane
Located in New York, NY
Carved wood doctor's cane with silver pomander handle for diffusing scents. Cane intricately carved with twisting snake and leaves.
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

Antique Folk Art Carved Gesso over Wood and Hand Painted Native Man Statue
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Presumed to date from the late 19th century, this life-sized Folk Art carved and hand painted study depicts a Native man dressed in traditional attire and holding a staff. The artist is unknown and this sculpture is unsigned and done in a very realistic style. The carving, likely done in Cyprus wood...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Softwood, Paint

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

Woven Tribal Basket Vase in Brown and Black
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A small woven basket shaped like a vase. Woven with natural fibers in geometric patterns, this small decorative piece of folk art would be beautiful...
Category

20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wicker

Vintage Terracotta Terrier Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage terracotta terrier sculpture. This handsome terra cotta terrier figure is realistic in size and features. Perfect home accent for the dog lover!
Category

1940s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Asian Bronze Pair of Hanuman Kneeling Buddhist Figure Candleholders
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Part human-part monkey, Hanuman is a central character in the Hindu epic Ramayana. He is generally depicted as a man with the face of a monkey and a long tail. Often described as t...
Category

1950s Indian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

W P A Style Terracotta "Bear" Sculpture, Art Deco, Modern
Located in Buffalo, NY
W P A style terracotta "BEAR" sculpture, Art Deco, Modern, charming stylized depiction. Painted, minor chipping (bottom).
Category

1930s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Contemporary Hunting Dog Painted Iron Sculpture by José Jerónimo
Located in Coimbra, PT
Hunting Dog by José Jerónimo single piece of art. Iron sculpture with use of tools and other objects. Dimensions 22,00 x 10,00 x 42,00 cm Private collection.
Category

Late 20th Century Portuguese Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Iron

Greenlandica, Figurine of a Polar Bear Carved in Soapstone, Approx. 1960-1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Greenlandica, figurine of a polar bear carved in soapstone. Approx. 1960-1970s. In good condition, signs of use. Dimensions: W 13.0 x H 9.0 cm.
Category

1960s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Soapstone

Small Antique Swedish Red-painted Horse in Wood, 1900th
Located in Stockholm, SE
A peasant sculpture in the form of a small working, red-painted horse with a bushy mane and tail on a painted pedestal, beautifully carved and painted wood. On the underside, a text...
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

19th Century Carved Walnut Effeminacy Male Figure
Located in London, GB
19th century carved walnut effeminacy male figure We are proud to offer a unique and highly decorative 19th century hand carved walnut figure of an effeminacy male form. Unusual in its figurative posture and detail. This includes the figure standing in a side on pose with flirtatious gesture, a loosely draped over shoulder silk sheet, female form breasts and overly masculine facial details. This item is heavily patinated due to its age. This figure may have at some point in its lifetime have been part for a larger wall carving...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Walnut

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

1820s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Three Swedish Carved and Painted Wooden Bowls, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
A set of three Swedish freeform carved and painted bowls, 19th century, some with owners initials and dates. Original surfaces. Have not been waxed an...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Multi Color Molded Plastic or Acrylic Hand Vases Set of 7
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous Folk Art style multi-color molded plastic or acrylic hand vases a set of 7. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. One of the maroon vases is partially filled. These are hand made folk art, irregularities are part of their charm. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 20th Century. Note: Shipping is possible via parcel which may reduce shipping costs Hey there! Do you need a hand? Or SEVEN?? We are here to help!! We have seven Folk Art style vases with molded hands of many vibrant colors to offer to you! This set includes 2 white, 2 maroon or burgundy, 1 green, 1 yellow, and one bright red molded plastic vases. That’s 35 fantastic fingers!! They are round at the bottom and kind of oval or egg shaped at the top. They are inner lined with burlap for extra reinforcement, but they are light weight, so if you want to put something a little heavier inside like an artificial plant, you may want to put a weight of some kind in the base. They will hold water, but for a “handy” tip… we certainly DO NOT recommend drinking from them! They are best used as unique, eye-catching décor!! They would host a wonderful spider plant...
Category

20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic

Staffordshire Pearlware Piper with Dog Bocage Figure
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Staffordshire pottery pearlware bocage figure with a musical theme which features a boy playing a pipe. His dog by his side, stood on a shaped base. Decorated 'in the round' - decora...
Category

1820s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Handmade Glazed Pottery Planter or Jardiniere by June His
Located in Houston, TX
Handmade glazed pottery planter or jardiniere by June His. Handmade glazed pottery planter or jardiniere by June His. This stunning planter or cachepot will accommodate a larger orchid plant...
Category

20th Century North American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Vintage Brass Duck Head Vide Poche Trinket Valet Tray
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Handcrafted decorative vintage collectible brass valet tray duck head shape. Beautiful handcrafted large cast brass bird form this handsome trinket tray is very well made and large scale. A vintage solid brass mallard duck head compact tray for the dresser or home office desk, it has a place for keys, change, pens, keys, trinket holder, jewelry. Heavyweight brass duck head...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Oringinal Wood Carved Relief of a Man Fishing
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Wonderful vintage relief image of man fishing while sleeping against a tree. Hand carved early 20th century.
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

1960s Vintage Moroccan Inlaid Hexagonal Wood Box
Located in North Hollywood, CA
1960s Handcrafted Bone Inlaid Trinket Moroccan Wood Trinket Box. Handmade artisanal mid century inlaid trinket decorative lidded Moroccan box. This hexagonal shaped decorative box ha...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone, Fruitwood

Montopolyi Arno Italian Plate with Dragon and Bear An unusual piece
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Montopolyi Arno Italian Plate with Dragon and Bear An unusual piece made in terracotta marked Montopolyi Arno, the plate is a very attractive piece relief decorated with plants, a b...
Category

1950s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

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

Studio Pottery Ceramic Vase or Ink Pot in Lavender and Brown
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful piece of studio pottery, this round clay vase will add interest to any space. It is created from clay, and glazed in brown on the bottom, a...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Set of Three Beaded Ndebele Fertility Dolls
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

20th Century South African Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Cotton, Wood

Original Red Painted Swedish Pine Wooden Bowl, circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Original Swedish Folk Art pine carved wooden bowl with original red paint and warm patina. These bowls were used throughout families and often passed down generation to next generati...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine, Paint

Greenlandica, three pieces of soapstone and a black pouch with a keyring.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
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

Hand Carved Folk Art Willow Wood Angel Figurative Sculpture Poland C.1950
Located in London, GB
Hand Carved Folk Art Willow Wood Angel Poland C.1950 Willow votive figurine in the form of an angel. Hand painted. Rustic folk art for a touch of whimsy. In very good condition co...
Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Willow

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

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

Petite Indian Swivel Box
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite keepsake box with a swivel lid is crafted in the tradition of Indian bidri-ware, with a dark metal body decorated with simple silver inlay. Composed of a zinc and copper ...
Category

20th Century Indian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Silver

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 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

American Gilt Copper & Cast Iron Full Bodied Rooster Weathervane, circa 1880
Located in Charleston, SC
American gilt copper and cast iron full bodied rooster weathervane mounted on stand, Late 19th Century
Category

1880s American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper, Iron

Mid-Century Modern Abstract Statue of a Woman
Located in Redding, CT
Mid-Century Modern abstract statue of a woman. Finely sculpted figure of a woman with her arms wrapped around herself in a sitting position. The scul...
Category

1950s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Cement

Vintage ANRI Folk Art Hand Carved & Painted Sculpture "The Lumberjack" by Duquet
By ANRI
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage folk art hand carved and polychrome painted sculpture is signed with the maker's label of the ANRI group of cavers from Italy and done in circa 1960. This carving was bought from a private estate with another one of one entitled "Old Habitant", which has the identical script on the front and back, but posted separately. These carvings were done by the master carvers of the ANRI factory who worked from a model, usually unique to them, but this one shows it is an example of a work done by the Master Quebec wood...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Softwood

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

Small Ceramic Blue and White Marbled Pinch Pot Vase
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful small ceramic pinch pot vase. Created from clay, this fun piece will be fantastic used in a grouping of other vases and filled with your ...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Handmade Pottery Musician Single Candle Holder
Located in Seattle, WA
This unique candle holder Art is believed to be Peruvian folk art but not confirmed. It features a Musician with horn instrument and holder for a candle in his hat. This piece has ni...
Category

1970s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Australian Aboriginal Carved Ancestor Figure with Ochre Paint
Located in Atlanta, GA
Hand-carved wood ancestor figure with surface pictorial carving showing kangaroo hunting and decorated with black and red paint and white and yellow ocher pigment. The figure slightly leans forward as made. The piece was carved by aboriginal artist...
Category

Early 2000s Australian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Pair of Large Vintage Carved Wooden Panthers
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Stunning Pair of Life Size Vintage Carved Hardwood Panthers in a seated pose. Each cat is intricately carved with expressive faces and glass eyes. These are Southeastern Asia in orig...
Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

Beautiful Hand Turned Exotic Wood Bowl
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Out of an estate collection of hand turned bowls including some by Edward Moulthrop comes this unique beautiful hand turned bowl out of some exotic wood. ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Painted Document Box 19th Century American
Located in Hudson, NY
A spectacular and fine, painted and stenciled, pine documentbox. The original blue paint having turned a dark green over time with the varnished finish, typical of Boston pieces. Yo...
Category

Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Large Antique Papier Maché Carnival Masks, 1900s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
For sale are these rare, large early 20th century carnival masks made from wood and painted papier maché. Although looking a little creepy and intriguing they have a great decorat...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Paper

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

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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