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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
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

Antique French Storage Box with Hand-Painted Clown Motif
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ca. late 19th century French oak storage box with hand-painted 'clown' decoration to the top and a floral motif to the bottom component. Attractive color...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Oak, Paint

Folk Art Jewelry Box from the 1940s in Copper with Women Nude
Located in Berlin, DE
This charming jewelry box from the 1940s was made out of copper and is hand-dented. It shows a nudist art of a woman. It is in a beautiful original condition. A unique piece whic...
Category

1940s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

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

Bonbon Chouval "Mini Me Terre"/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

Woven Porcupine Wood Decorative Basket
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A decorative "Porcupine" woven wood basket with a handle. Dimensions: 15.5" Wide 12.5" Deep 15" Tall.   
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

18th Century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
18th century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure, a hand carved and painted fruitwood figure for a Christmas Crèche or Krippe. Excellent and delicate details to the head and hands. The half figure stands on a dowel set into platform base, dressed in original fine linen robe...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Linen, Fruitwood

Pop Surrealist Sculpture by Robert Brock, circa 1974
Located in Buffalo, NY
Pop surrealist sculpture by Robert Brock, cirac 1974. Laminate and cast plaster Brock was born in Tacoma, Ohio and was a graduate of the University of Dayton, Dayton Art Institute...
Category

1970s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Laminate, Plaster, Wood

Large Mexican Folk Art Pottery Sculpture of a Female Depicting Life & Death
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large and striking Folk Art pottery sculpture is unsigned, but believed to have been done in Mexico or South America in a contemporary Folk Art style. The sculpture is a study of a young woman of color wearing a brightly printed dress and accessorized with large deep red rose earrings...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Venus Pumice Stone Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pumice stone sculpture of a seated woman's figure, 'Venus'  Dimensions 6" width x 5.5" depth x 8.5" height. Condition Good vintage condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

Carved Bantam Wearing a Crown
Located in Greenwich, CT
An early 19th century French carved bantam sporting a crown, well carved in pine. Good detailing to face, plumage, tail feathers and feet. Possibly originally from a ring toss game...
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Arts and Crafts Leather Model of an Elephant Junior Bull
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Arts and Crafts Leather Model of an Elephant This is a rare and beautiful find from the early part of the 20th Century, it was made for Liberty and is known as “Junior Bull” This ...
Category

1930s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

Vintage Boho Shanghai Weave Standing Panda
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Capture hearts with this endearing vintage standing panda figure, a wonderful example of traditional woven handicraft. Meticulously crafted using detailed weaving techniques (often s...
Category

1970s Chinese Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan

Hand Carved Marble Stone Pyramid Aztec Mayan
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Pair of vintage green and white marble Aztec Mayan stone bookends. Vintage handcrafted large heavy natural marble bookends with Aztec Mayan green head on a pyramidal form. These are very substantial, heavy and well handmade bookends. They are hand carved white with white natural color of the marble and the green marble carved Mayan head...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

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

Ted DeGrazia Los Ninos Hand Thrown South Western Pottery Ceramic Candle Holder
By Ted Degrazia
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage candle holder, made by renown Ted De Grazia south western artist from Tucson AZ. Vintage Hand-thrown DeGrazia " Los Ninos" Sandstone Votive Candle Co...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Fine 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Turned Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Fine early 19th century Swedish Folk Art turned bowl in Its original colour with leaf motifs and a great patina to the surface. Ca 1820 Sweden.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Root Wood Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Nice organically shaped early 19th century Swedish folk art root wood bowl, signed HE A. Ca 1820 Sweden.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Antique French Folk Art Keepsake Box
Located in Charleston, SC
This beautiful hand decorated keepsake box has a beautiful green velvet on the outside. The top shows a metal cross with shell decorations. The inside is Lined with a silk green on t...
Category

Early 20th Century French Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Heavy Terra Cotta Folk Art Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heavy terra cotta Folk Art sculpture, made by a worker from the Modesto brick factory, with unused clay from the day.
Category

1960s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Vintage Boho Horse and Rider
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Celebrate movement, strength, and storytelling with this captivating Vintage Boho Horse and Rider Sculpture. Cast in a rich, dark bronze-like metal with fine detail, the sculpture po...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Vintage Boho Horse and Rider
Vintage Boho Horse and Rider
$1,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Shell Encrusted Cat Figurine
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A whimsical shell-covered cat figurine. Delicately applied seashells cover this feline figurine in an array of browns. Great for the kitten lover, or for ...
Category

20th Century Philippine Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Shell

Shell Encrusted Cat Figurine
Shell Encrusted Cat Figurine
$280 Sale Price
20% Off
Greenlandica, wooden sculpture of a hunter in profile. Hand-carved. Mid-20th C.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, wooden sculpture of a hunter in profile. Hand-carved. Mid-20th century. In very good condition. Dimensions: H 12.5 cm x D 8.0 cm x W 7.0 cm.
Category

Mid-20th Century Greenlandic Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

A Cute Labrador Puppy, Door Stop A charming piece for all dog lovers
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Cute Labrador Puppy, Door Stop A charming piece for all dog lovers, he or she is made in cast iron and in a resting position just right to keep the door in place even on windy day...
Category

1960s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Janice Weisler Vintage Earthenware Handcrafted Lidded Bowl Hues of Brown America
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage earthenware handcrafted lidded bowl in hues of brown for Preservatives, Sugar, Candy Bowl, made in America. Stamped at the base, Janice Wei...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Swedish Hand-Krafted Turned 19th Century Wooden Folk Art Wooden Bowl in Pine
Located in Örebro, SE
This is a very beautiful Swedish hand-carfted 19th century wooden bowl in Wabi Sabi style. It comes made in pine with lovely patina reflecting its age and frequent use. It has a few...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Burl Bowl from USA
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A well scaled bowl carved from a single piece of burled maple.
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Maple

Pair of Scottish Ram in Polychrome Wood, 19 Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb pair of rams in polychrome carved wood from Scotland-19th century Very elegant and unique pair of rams which are almost carved at life size which come from a Manor in Scotl...
Category

19th Century Scottish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Tramp Art Diamond 2 Tier Hinged Wood Jewelry Presentation Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Tramp Art Diamond 2 Tier Hinged Wood Jewelry Presentation Box. Item features stunning work and carving, hinged lid with interior mirror, moha...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Vintage German Christmas Tree Stand Iron Folk Art .
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hugh Christmas tree stand made of iron. The stand is decorated with three large hands painted Santa Claus. The Santa Claus is decorated on both si...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Copper and Wood American Folk Art Boxer Whilrligig
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Spectacular American Folk Art whirligig found in Rockford, IL. Wonderful dry surface paint on boxers. Great working condition.
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Vintage Mexican Enamelware
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this vintage Mexican enamelware, circa 1940.
Category

1940s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Christmas Antique English Iron Clock Dial Face - Rare Holy Family Dial - Working
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A Rare and lovely antique iron clock dial dating from around 1850. It features a charming painting of the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary and Joseph to the arch. Beautifully painted in the ...
Category

19th Century British Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Iron

Antique Folk Art Dog And Cat Form Brass Andirons
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An authentic Pair of Antique Cat and Dog Andirons in original as found condition. Ca. early 20th c. hollow cast brass. Each seated and looking out. The cat with a wide curled tail, t...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

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

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

VintageScandinavian Folk Art Hand Towel Box in Mixed Woods, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ornate and decorative paper towel box in handcrafted and lacquered wood: teak, oak, mahogany, cherry, walnut etc. It is very practical and offers a cheap ref...
Category

1970s Scandinavian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

"Man with Cup" by Allan Winkler
Located in Chicago, IL
Although this whimsical sculpture by Allan Winkler has the look of outsider art, this ceramic work stems from the art school-trained artist’s interest in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Elliptical Bamboo Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Folk art style oval/elliptical bamboo sculpture, contemporary. Lengths of lighter colored bamboo form the larger ovals with short pieces of darker bambo...
Category

Late 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Bamboo

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

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

Iron Perpetual Motion Folk Art Texas Zoo
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This black and white painted iron perpetual motion object was said to have been used to market the zebra exhibition at the San Antonio Zoo. The zebras...
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Greenlandica, Taki Petersen. Massive sculpture in soapstone. Hunter and seal
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, Taki Petersen. Heavy and massive sculpture in soapstone depicting a hunter and a seal. In excellent condition. Signed and dated 80. Dimensions: H 15.7 cm. x L 13.5 cm.
Category

1980s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Soapstone

18th Century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
18th century French or Italian Santo Nativity figure, a hand carved and painted fruitwood figure for a Christmas Creche or Krippe. Excellent and delicate details to the head and hands. The half figure stands on a dowel set into platform base, dressed in original fine linen robe...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Linen, Fruitwood

Vintage Boho Hand Built Ceramic Undersea Totem
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace vibrant, handcrafted charm with this unique vintage ceramic totem sculpture. Skillfully hand built, this imaginative piece features a fascinating, densely layered composition...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Hand Thrown Pottery Terra Cotta Vase, Signed
Located in Charleston, SC
This stunning studio pottery terracotta vase has beautiful applied leaves and stems. The inside of the vase has a lovely blue high glaze, ma...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta, Paint

Folk Art Treenware Vase or Urn of Inlay Wood
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderfully hand-crafted greenware vase or urn - the inlay and marquetry is wonderfully intricate and detailed. With a little glass insert, a small tumbler...
Category

20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Antique English Iron Clock Dial Face, Smuggler, Fully Working with Seconds Hand
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A lovely antique iron clock dial dating from 1850 featuring the legendary smuggler and brigand Will Watch. Beautifully painted in the vibrant colours of the theater, he was portrayed...
Category

19th Century British Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Iron

Large Zebra Design Floor Vase, Umbrella Stand
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Zebra Design Floor Vase, Umbrella Stand This beautiful looking piece is round in shape, and painted, the painted decoration of a Zebra runs all the way around, it is 24” tall ...
Category

1970s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

American Folk Art Limestone Carving Snake, Shield and Stump
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Detailed American Folk Art limestone carving of a rattle snake wrapped around a tree stump and shield or coat of arms, circa 1870. Found in Tennessee. A very nice heavy and solid piece.
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Limestone

Javanese Solid Teak Storage Box with Engravings Mid-20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This teak storage box comes for the Island of Java, Indonesia. Dating to the Mid-20th Century it was crafted from a single block of teak. It features ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indonesian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Teak

Greenlandica, soapstone sculpture on a marble base. Mid-20th C.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, soapstone sculpture on a marble base. Greenland. Mid-20th century. In excellent condition. Dimensions: L 20.0 cm x H 13.0 cm x W 7.0 cm. Soapstone - also known as Steat...
Category

Mid-20th Century Greenlandic Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Soapstone

Handcrafted Japanese Ceramic Bowl Signed Jin Kobayashi
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Handcrafted Japanese ceramic bowl signed Jin Kobayashi. Large stoneware plate hand made and hand painted with autumn leaves design. Hand-carved ge...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

African Tribal Folk Art Basket
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique African wooden storage crate, hand-carved African Tribal motifs on wood and leather woven bottom. Interested Folk Art Tribal African handcrafted cr...
Category

Early 20th Century Kenyan Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather, Wood

Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Wood, Sweden, 1900
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and yellow-painted organic candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1900. fits 0.70”-0.75” diameter candles
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Pair of Vintage American Wood Shoe Molds Bookends
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage pair of American wood women shoe form molds mounted as bookends Vintage wooden shoe making mold from the 1930s. A pair of shoe form converted to bookends, these well carved solid wood shoe mould would have been used to make handmade shoes. These molds were traditionally made for each customer and would be used each time they came into the cobbler for a new pair of shoes. They are in good original condition with the patina and metal that shows age. Cobbler molds size 6.5 B model 258 Made from solid wood, I love these moulds because of their individual nature but also they are almost a piece of sculpture. Since the shoe form themselves were used as molds to make shoes, there are pin-pricks and wear present from frequent use in addition to naturally aged patina. They work well as bookends or simply as tabletop sculptures. These elegant women wooden shoes bookends form mold make a great addition to your vintage decor. Vintage hand carved wood cobbler shoe molds...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Vintage Boho Mexican Hand Painted Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Celebrate the rich artistic heritage of Mexico with this magnificent and monumental hand-painted bowl. Exploding with color and life, this large-scale ceramic piece showcases the int...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta, Paint

Vintage Boho Original Studio Pottery Face Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add whimsy and artisan charm to your collection with this Vintage Boho Original Studio Pottery Face Vase. Boldly sculpted and hand-glazed in rich green with earthy golden highlights,...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay, Pottery

Antique Cast brass Measuring Bowl from Northern India
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A medium sized antique cast brass measuring bowl from northern India. High relief casting, bundled rope maker's mark on the bottom. Bronze rice-mea...
Category

19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

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

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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