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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
"Day of the Dead" Three-Piece Sculpture of Kahlo & Rivera by Demetrio Aguliar
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool and unique "Day of the Dead" three-piece Folk Art sculpture of Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera signed by Mexican artist, Demetrio Garcia Agu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery, Paint

Mexican Burnished Clay Mother and Child Oaxacan Sculpture Mixtec Ceramic
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Maricela Gómez López, a hardworking mother and artist portrays her life through her work. Living and growing up in Santo Domingo Yanhuitlán, a small town in central Mexico, the role ...
Category

2010s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

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

19th Century Swedish Table Top Box
Located in Bozeman, MT
Charming 19th century table top box in it's original finish, ca 1850 Sweden.
Category

19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

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

Large Vintage Majolica Pottery Teapot Purple Grape Bunches
Located in Charleston, SC
Majolica Teapot has crazed ceramic background, berry / grapes with vines. The design surrounds the spout. Vines continue around the handle. Hand-paint...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

Unusual Hand Carved Clown Motif Umbrella, Paragon, S. Fox & Co
By S. Fox & Co.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Hand Carved Clown Motif Umbrella, Paragon, S. Fox & Co
Category

1920s English Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Root Wood Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Delightful 19th century Swedish folk art root wood bowl, signed JH AKRA LTS and dated 1885.
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

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

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Root Wood Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Rather large 19th century Swedish folk art root wood bowl, signed ANDERS LNS, LAS and dated 1819.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

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

19th Century Cast Iron Bacchus Doorstop
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Cast Iron Bacchus Doorstop Antique Bacchus Cast-Iron Doorstop he is Bearded and has a Great Cornucopia Top this is a rare piece dating f...
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

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

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 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

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

Greenlandica, soapstone sculpture. Bowl shaped like a mythical creature
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, soapstone sculpture. Bowl shaped like a mythical creature. Greenland. Approximately from the 1960s. In excellent condition with a minor chip on the base. Dimensions: L ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Soapstone

Poole Pottery Vase by Anita Harris Lovely vibrant colours. A delightful piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Poole Pottery Vase by Anita Harris Lovely vibrant colours. A delightful piece by Anita Harris In Volcano Colours an Aztec style design, this lovely bright oval vase is in good con...
Category

20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

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

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

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

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

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

Royal Copenhagen Hand Painted Porcelain Young Girl Peasant Feeding a Calf
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Royal Copenhagen glazed hand painted porcelain figurine of a Danish young girl peasant feeding a calf from a big bucket. Below the base, it is found the Royal Copenhagen ha...
Category

20th Century Danish Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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

Brass Mortar and Pestle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A vintage Mortar and Pestle of brass. The piece is quite patinated, but could easily be brought to a full gleaming shine. Mortars and pestles ahve been around for many years = to c...
Category

19th Century European Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Greenlandica, collection of seven various bone tools
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, a collection of various bone tools, comprising seven pieces in total. Originating from Greenland. Dating back to approximately the 1970s. The largest piece measures:...
Category

1970s Greenlandic Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Other

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

Montopolyi Arno Italian Vase with Dragons An unusual piece made in terracotta
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Montopolyi Arno Italian Vase with Dragons An unusual piece made in terracotta marked Montopolyi Arno, the vase a very attractive piece relief decorated with plants and flying crea...
Category

1950s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

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

Mexican Ceramic Jug Vase Fishes 1994 Dolores Porras Folk Art Decorative Vessel
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

1990s Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

19th Century Swedish Root Wood Bowl
Located in Bozeman, MT
Sculptural early 19th century Swedish root wood bowl with a natural organic form. ca 1800 Sweden.
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

Old Decorative African Wabi Sabi Wooden Hand Carved Mortar Bowl, Early 1900s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Old and decorative hand carved wooden bowl / mortar produced in Africa early 1900s. In good original condition. Dimensions: H: 40 cm / 15.75" Diameter: 34 cm / 13.40"
Category

1920s Ethiopian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Scandinavian Tine, or Svepask, Painted Bentwood Oval-Shape Box
Located in Houston, TX
Scandinavian tine, or svepask, painted bentwood oval-shape box circa late 19th century, probably from the Sogn og Fjordane region. Box is created from thin layers of steam-bent wood ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Antique Hand Painted Dutch Theme Enamelware Metal Trivet Collectible 1920s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique early 20th century Hand Painted Dutch Theme Enamelware Metal circa 1920's. Hand-painted decorative antique Dutch scene metalware hand made In North Europe, Netherlands, or G...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

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

Greenlandica, tupilak in soapstone. Greenland mid-20th century.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Greenlandica, Tupilak. Traditional, magic Greenlandic figurine carved in soapstone. Greenland mid-20th century. In good condition, with damage to the base (see photo). Dimensions: H...
Category

Mid-20th Century Greenlandic Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Soapstone

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

Eight Curlews by Guy Taplin
Located in Basildon, GB
An original piece of English folk-art sculpture by the acclaimed British sculptor Guy Taplin (b. 1939). Eight individual wooden birds carved and painted, th...
Category

1990s British Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Driftwood

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

Late 20th Century Vintage Boho Hand Painted Metal Cache Pot
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Infuse your space with artistic flair using this vintage boho hand-painted metal cache pot. Crafted with intricate detail and vibrant colors, this piece exudes a captivating charm re...
Category

Late 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

A Hand-Carved Wabi Sabi Wooden Mortar, Africa, c. Early 20th Century
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Beautiful Hand-Carved Wabi Sabi Mortar that works perfectly for a planter. By unknown designer in Africa, c. early 20th Century. Wear consistent with age and use showing wonderful ...
Category

Early 20th Century Ethiopian Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

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

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

Primitive Animal Face Jug Clay pottery Folk art Head pitcher Sculpture.
Located in Seattle, WA
This Piece is possibly Mayan Aztec in origin and depicts the face of an animal in 3D as well as floral motifs on the jug itself. This Piece has nice patina and character. Vintage Con...
Category

1970s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

Antique Hand Painted Four Drawer Jewelry Casket or Decorative Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique four drawer wooden jewelry or decorative box is unmarked, but believed to date to the early 20th century. The top and sides of the box are ornately painted with borders ...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Softwood

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

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

Early 20th Century Folk Art "American Eagle" Silhouette Decorative Box
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Folk art decorative box with eagle motif in attractive red paint (ca. 1910-1920, USA). The hinged top opens to reveal a divided storage compartment, per...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Paint

Folk Art Studio Pottery Bunny
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Folk Art Studio Pottery Bunny - We shop a lot and this bunny is one of our favorite finds. A precious little thing with a great spirit and energy. A compl...
Category

20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

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

Swedish Hand-Carved 19th Century Wooden Folk Art Wabi Sabi Bowl in Pine
Located in Örebro, SE
This is a beautiful Swedish hand-carfted, carved 19th century wooden bowl in Wabi Sabi style. It comes made in an oblong piece of pine, perhaps a thin trunk but more likely a thick ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

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

Pair of Inuit Children on a Sledge Made of Soapstone
Located in København, Copenhagen
A pair of Inuit children on a sledge made of soapstone. Approximately: 1970/1980s. In good condition, signs of use. Sticker. Dimensions: L 8.0 x D 4.0 x H 8.5 cm.
Category

1970s Canadian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Soapstone

18th Century Swedish Stone Mortar
Located in Bozeman, MT
Decorative 18th century Swedish mortar in solid stone, circa 1790 Sweden.
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

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

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

18th/19th Century Swedish Wabi-Sabi Hand-Carved Birch Bowl with Maker’s Mark
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare and evocative Swedish hand-carved wooden bowl, dating from the late 18th to early 19th century. Crafted from birch, this rustic vessel embodies the timeless beauty of the wabi...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects

Materials

Birch

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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