Folk Art Decorative Objects
Folk art is a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Antique, new and vintage folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, duck decoys, portraiture and paintings, carnival art and quilts.
Quilts are a quintessential part of American folk art but their roots are international, with quilting dating back to Ancient Egypt. The practice spread to Europe and was especially prominent in the Middle Ages, with one of the oldest surviving examples being the Tristan quilt made in Sicily in the 14th century. They were made as bedcovers and clothing, including as a layer for knights to wear beneath their armor. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.
Elsewhere, the vast range of work associated with Mexican folk art includes masks made by Mexican craftspeople for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater.
Works in the folk art tradition are valuable because of the skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story.
During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.
Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of antique, new and vintage folk art on 1stDibs.
1890s German Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood, Oak, Beads
1980s American Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wicker
Mid-20th Century Kenyan Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ebony
20th Century Spanish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Earthenware, Terracotta, Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Swedish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Straw
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Iron
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Tin
Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Terracotta
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
18th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
2010s Italian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Gold Leaf
2010s North American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal, Enamel
1940s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass
1950s English Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wire
20th Century Japanese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bamboo, Reed
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Shell, Clay
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
20th Century Spanish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Majolica
20th Century German Folk Art Decorative Objects
Oak
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Birch, Pine
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
1990s American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Cane, Rattan, Wood
Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
Late 20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Stoneware
Late 20th Century Beninese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ebony
Late 20th Century Beninese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Hardwood
20th Century Brazilian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Crystal
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass, Copper
20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wicker, Oak
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Tin
Mid-20th Century European Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass
Early 1900s Malian Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Hardwood
Early 20th Century European Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Decorative Objects
Rattan, Wood, Paper, Bamboo
1830s Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
1830s Chinese Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood, Paint
Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bronze
1870s English Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass, Iron
20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
1910s Swiss Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood
20th Century Colombian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Metal
Early 20th Century Israeli Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Stoneware, Pottery
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Objects
Blown Glass, Art Glass
1950s Indonesian Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Other
Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic
1960s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
1960s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
20th Century Mexican Folk Art Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Pottery
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Wood, Paint
1860s Antique Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Decorative Objects
Cement
1910s Vintage Folk Art Decorative Objects
Pine





